Hello and thank you for posting. I am sorry to hear what your mother-in-law is going through with her oesophageal cancer diagnosis, it is so difficult to see someone suffering.

I would suggest you, or someone in the family, clearly explain to her hospital team about her pain and nutrition needs. They are the experts in this illness so in the best position to prescribe appropriate medications or refer her to other teams who can help get her symptoms controlled better. Medicines can be given in other ways, like liquids or patches, and doses can be changed.

We have further information on our website about pain and cancer and living with eating problems in oesophageal cancer. But, her team must understand what she is going through so they can help.

When she meets the oncology team I would expect that she will be made aware of the staging of her oesophageal cancer, or they may have further tests they need to do to establish it. This information then helps them decide, along with looking at the general health of the person, what treatment they can offer. Getting her nutrition needs sorted and pain controlled better will be part of getting her suitable for any treatments they plan to give her. 

Take care and hopefully, your mother-in-law will become more comfortable soon. 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 9 am till 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Sarah.