Hello, and thanks for your post.

I‘m sorry to learn that your uncle’s cancer has returned.

Hoarseness can be caused by various factors including laryngitis, cold virus, aging, chronic acid reflux, cysts on vocal cords, or cancer spreading to the larynx (voice box).

In your uncle’s case, it is most probably the cancer or the treatment he may be having which is causing his hoarse voice. His specialist team is better placed to advise him further on this.

I hope this is 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.

Kind regards,

Tina

Cancer Information Nurse

Thanks for your reply. His treatment isn't stopping it from growing and said they will stop treatment if it stops working so what will be the next stage. How is he meant to manage this as he sometimes struggles to talk but not in any pain. Metastasised to lung.

Hello and thanks for your further post

It is difficult for us to answer questions like this as we are not involved in your uncle's clinical care. His specialist team are better placed to advise on this as they are familiar with all his medical details, If your uncle has a specialist nurse involved in his care then perhaps they can provide you with further information. You often have to call and leave them a message and they will get back to you.  

But if your uncle's cancer keeps growing it means that he is not responding to the current chemotherapy. Sometimes the doctors may change to a different type of chemotherapy, But this will depend on your uncle's general health and whether he is strong enough to withstand further treatment.

I wonder what support your uncle has and if he has a Macmillan or palliative care nurse involved in his care. Their area of expertise is in the management of cancer symptoms such as pain as well as supporting him and the family with the emotional effects of cancer. You can read more about their role by clicking here.  They can liaise with the GP ensuring that any symptoms are managed. If your uncle does not have access to a Macmillan or palliative care nurse his GP can arrange this if he would like them involved in his care.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Celene

No he doesn't have any support apart from attending his appointments which they have said will be 3 months instead of 6

Hello Georgie,

Firstly I am very sorry to hear about your uncle. My dad has also been given the news that his oesophageal cancer is back. He previously had an oesophagectomy. He now has a 5cm tumor between his oesophagus and trachea and is also making his voice hoarse, he also cannot eat or drink anything so has an NG feeding tube in place. What treatment was your uncle receiving if I can ask?

many thanks,

Hi Scott so sorry to hear this about your dad. My uncle is receiving herceptin. Do you know what size your dad's tumour was before it started affecting his voice as I am thinking this is what may be causing the hoarseness for my uncle but none of the doctors has mentioned this. i think his is 28mm

Is your dad still able to get around? Does he need to have nurses in to look after him now?

Hello,

It all happened very quickly to be honest so it was only when he had a scan we knew it was 5cm. The oncologist did say to him “I know it’s aggressive as it’s affecting your voice”

Dad is still able to get around and they are starting him on radiotherapy on Monday! I’ve been searching this forum but can’t see many getting radiotherapy for OC.

He's already had doses of radiotherapy year ago and it was a success but said he wouldn't be able to get any more as it could cause more damage, now this other tumour keeps growing and don't know what else can be done.

I hope all goes well on Monday.

Thank you, it is comforting to know your uncle has had successful radiotherapy! 
The oncologist explained that my dad’s hoarse voice was due to the tumor pressure on his voice box. I hope your uncle can get a plan in place. Sending positive vibes x

Thankyou. Will be thinking of you all x