Hello

My husband had an esophagectomy in April 2023.

Recovery was extremely difficult.  Around early December 2023, he was just starting to make progress and feel more like his old self.

However, also in December 2023, he was told he now had a tumor in his lung, well rather in the pleural area and this is inoperable.

Chemotherapy was the only treatment option and more palliative than curative.  No cure; just the hope to prolong life.

My husband is now 69.  He was just thinking about retirement when all this began.

He has been off work on sick leave since 2023, although a short return to work on a phased return basis was tried until the lung cancer diagnosis.

He has spent almost the entire time since his major surgery in April last year in bed feeling absolutely dreadful.

We do understand the impact chemotherapy drugs have.

But despite being able to eat much better now, he is continuing to lose weight.

The chemo drugs have caused taste bud changes and he has become very picky about food. 

I try to instill in him the need for protein, iron and calories and whilst he agrees, he then gets very irritable.  He snaps at me and I feel guilty for "nagging".

I just want him to gain a little weight.

During this time he has lost a considerable amount of weight.  Starting at 16st 7lbs in April 2023 and currently at 11st 14lbs.

What can I do?  This scares me so much.

We are both too frightened to ask his oncologist too much detail.

We are both now suffering depression and anxiety.

What advice can you offer please.

Thank you

Jane