AFTER receiving a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in January following some difficulties swallowing food, my life was suddenly turned upside down.

It was difficult to find much comfort from the Internet and with a five-year survival rate in the UK of only 13 per cent, my future looked bleak.

However, once I came under the care of the Upper GI multi-disciplinary team at the Churchill Hospital I felt immediately reassured.

Calmly and professionally they first of all explained my options and then arranged all of the scans necessary for staging.

Once it was confirmed that I had stage-2 cancer, two sessions of chemotherapy were organised with my first starting within just a week.

Almost immediately, I responded and my swallowing suddenly felt better – the chemotherapy was shrinking the tumour.

On the horizon though was major surgery, as an oesophagectomy was my best chance of survival.

I was again reassured by the surgical team at the Churchill and I duly had my 8½ hour operation in early May and was then transferred via intensive care to the Upper GI Ward.

I will never forget the dedicated staff who cared for me and the truly exceptional nurses that I encountered.

I thank each and every one of them for seeing me through this time and giving me the best possible chance.

It is still early days and I will never take anything for granted, but I would like to make one final point about early diagnosis.

Persistent food sticking in the throat should never be ignored and if this does occur please ask your GP to refer you for an endoscopic examination.

Similarly, seek attention if you have had heartburn for over three weeks.

It was only by insisting on an endoscopy that it was possible for me to receive timely treatment.

ZOÉ PATRICK
County Councillor for Grove and Wantage Churchward Close, Grove