Hello and thank you for your post.

I am very sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis of oesophageal cancer and your concerns for her.

If they do not already know, I advise you or your mum to tell the chemotherapy unit at the hospital where she is being treated about her getting Covid-19.  I am not sure if they will need to do something about it, but do let them know.  If your mum becomes unwell, develops a high temperature or has any symptoms you are worried about you need to call them about this too. Also let them know that your mum feels sick as her anti-sickness medication may need to be changed. If your mum does not have or cannot find a number to call if she is unwell and needs help, then go through the hospital switchboard.  

Unfortunately chemotherapy can cause a metallic taste, some people find it helps if they sip cold fizzy drinks, a ginger beer (non alcoholic) might be nice for your mum to have.  Keeping your mum's mouth clean, so brushing with a soft tooth brush twice a day, using any of the mouthwashes that may have been given by the chemotherapy team may help. Keeping your mum's mouth clean and fresh will help.

Many people going through cancer treatment can find eating difficult. Your mum may benefit from trying to eat little and often.  Milkshakes that have a carton of nutritional drinks poured into them might be nice for your mum to have.  These nutritional drinks can be prescribed by your mum's GP. It might also be a good idea to let the chemotherapy team know and ask if your mum would benefit from a referral to the hospital dietician?   On our website we have information about eating problems and the types of nutritional drinks available, click here  to see it.

Your mum may have a clinical nurse specialist that she or you (with your mum's permission) could talk to with about her situation.  So do call and leave a message if necessary.

I hope this has been of some help. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline