Page 6 - Matt Carter Story

Page 6 of 6
Matt Carter’s Storey

these effects, though I rarely get this The pathology results that were fed back
problem now. soon after the operation were reassuring.
The surgeon removed the whole tumour
It's important not to lift anything too heavy.
For me, a kettle at first was enough and even including two cancerous lymph nodes
now I don't lift more than a small travel case leaving no apparent cancer cells behind.
or a light weight bag of shopping. Twisting The risk of the cancer reoccurring is low for
is a real problem for me, causing acute pain me which is truly great. However, cancer of
around my scar so I avoid any sudden the oesophagus is known to be aggressive
movement or unnecessary strain. The to and and anything yet could happen. For that
fro' movement of hoovering or mowing a reason, though we still plan for the long term
lawn can be awkward so don't attempt too we very much live for the day.
much too quickly. Digging in the garden is a My overall quality of life is good although
definite 'no no' for me.
quite different to what it was. Recovery has
My scar has healed incredibly well and has been slow but sure, feeling increasingly
almost disappeared, yet I still get pains better by the month, and two years on I feel
around my ribs where the nerve endings extremely fortunate to have had a second
have been cut, though it's rarely a concern. chance. The most important things are to
stay positive and enjoy life.
I came off strong painkillers within a month
of returning home but still keep prescription I hope you find these experiences helpful in
soluble cocodomol for occasional bad days. some small way and thank you for taking the
It's important to visit your GP and keep in time to read my story.
touch should you need anything. Recently, I

started quarterly B12 injections at my local
surgery to help boost energy levels, and I
take a daily Centrum 'performance'
multivitamin tablet high in iron and B
vitamins.

Sleeping has been fairly easy using three or
four pillows to prop me up. This helps
reduce reflux during the night, as does not
eating three hours before bedtime. Sleeping
on my right side seems to cause reflux so I
tend to sleep on my back and left side now
the scar is less painful.

My mobility has improved with regular short
walks but I still struggle to cycle or swim as
I used to, though I'm sure with determination
and practice things will improve.
We're not so bothered about travelling these
days. Being with family and friends is the
most important thing. Even so, we have been
abroad to the States, Iceland, Norway and
Ireland, and travel insurance hasn't been a
problem. 'Insure and Go' give us a normal
family deal so long as our GP has it on
record that I'm fit to travel and nothing has
changed.

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Last Updated on 18Oct2017 by Roger Beaumont