My husband has Esophageal cancer

My husband is 73 and was diagnosed in July last year with Esophageal cancer. He had a stent fitted at the hospital a week ago. He was kept in two nights due to severe pain.  when he came home he expected to be able to eat tiny amounts of mushy food, but has been unable to as he is burping all the time and is in extreme pain. He has been sleeping sat up in a chair each night and just sipping milk. He. Has Ben given liquid paracetamol but it hasn’t made any diffference why is this happening?

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to learn that your husband is still in pain following his stent being inserted.

    I'm afraid as a nurse-led team, not involved with your husband's care we are unable to say why he is still finding it difficult to eat and continues to have severe pain. Usually after about a week, you would expect things to start to improve.

    The best thing would be to contact your husband's team at the hospital either the nurse specialist (CNS) or his consultant for advice, especially if you feel things aren't improving. They will be able to advise you better as they know your husband's situation. They may also want to get him checked at the hospital to make sure the stent hasn't moved or anything.

    I am sorry I cannot be more helpful on this occasion and I hope things get sorted for your husband very soon.

    Take care, all the best

    Jemma