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Oesophagus cancer

Tillysmudge
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Hi , I'm tillysmudge and new to this forum. 

My father was diagnosed with late stage oesophagus cancer which has spread to his lungs and liver . This was December last year and at that point he was very unwell and didn't think he would be here by Christmas.  

There is no treatment plan available as it to far advanced so after a stay in hospital we got him home . 

He got through Christmas, which was amazing, we are now coming up to the end of January and he is still going strong . 

Obviously he is not 100% and he is mainly bed bound as he isn't strong enough to walk around . 

Without sounding awful, I'm so confused. Is this normal for a terminal cancer patient to be like he is , or are we being lured into a false sense of hope because everything is going to crash down around us .

  • Hello Tillysmudge and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your father's situation and I can appreciate that this must be a difficult time for you and your family.

    I don't think what is happening is unusual. I say this because it is possible to see people improve, for some time. However, I am afraid to say that this may not last and it is possible that you may see your father go through periods of being quite well followed by periods of being unwell and fatigued.

    It may help you all to have a palliative care nurse (these may be known as Macmillan nurses locally) involved in his care. They can help your father to be comfortable and provide support to him and the family. Your father's GP can refer him to this service. 

    I hope this has helped. Please feel free to 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 

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