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Help Advise - Dad has oesophageal cancer. No options left. Is it too late? How long do we have left with him?

JohnDadOfFour
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Hi I'm John

My Dad has been recently diagnosed with Oesophagus Cancer. Close to the gut. His Oesophagus is restricted to biro pen width. We found out 4 weeks ago that their was a tasty looking mass after having an endoscopy to see why Dad was struggling to eat/drink and take medication. He's prone to chest infections. He's also hooked up to constant oxygen supplies diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis COPD

Only 2 weeks ago confirmed by biopsy that it's cancer.

Unfortunately there's nothing available to help other than a stent which still maybe tricky and risky for Dad to go under anesthetic. 

So no operation, no chemotherapy, no medication (other than steroids and various other over counter drugs) 4 weeks ago they advise emergency stent. But Dad not comfortable with the idea. So still no closer to that even happening.

However Macmillan Nurse in hospital have basically said its unfair to say what stage. How Long Left to live . We are to just to make him comfortable and stick to liquid diet and extreme soft foods.

Any re scans will end of same conclusion 

We are so in the dark. What to expect next. How long do we really have left with him. He suffering enough with depression from finally getting answers to the lung issues since Eater this year.

With not being told any more than .... it is what it is ...... do we assume it's too bad, it's too late, just a rough time scale is all we are asking.

I have 3 other brothers (I'm the oldest) taking it all on currently. Dad has 9 grandchildren, 4 daughter in laws. We ALL have un explained answers.

Thanks for reading , looking forward to some feedback.

John

  • Hi John and thank you for your post

     I'm sorry to read about your dad’s situation . This must be an incredible difficult time for you and all the family. 

    It is hard for us to comment on your dad’s situation as we are not involved in his clinical care and don't have access to his medical details.   If someone is not receiving treatment then they are usually offered palliative treatment. Palliative care usually involves looking after people in the last months or weeks of life. But this can be difficult to predict. The aim is to control symptoms and keep the patient as comfortable as possible.

    People who are receiving palliative care are usually referred to the palliative care team or local hospice.

    Hospices provide end of life in patient care, but also they can offer day care placements, community palliative care and physical, emotional, psychological help and support groups for both your dad and family members.

    You can read more about end of life and palliative care on the Marie Curie website.

    Macmillan or Maggie's can provide patients and loved ones with support and information and can also advise on what benefits and grants that may be available.

    We have a section of information about getting support at the end of life on our website that may also be of interest to you.

    Right now, supporting him and  taking care of yourself  is important. 

    I hope you find this information useful.

    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

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Tina

    Is there an option to get his medical records sent to cancer research uk . Not sure what medical notes we are going to receive from the hospital after diagnosis.  Thanks for replying. John

  • in reply to JohnDadOfFour

    Hi John and thank you for coming back to us. 

    As we do not have doctors and are not a hospital we are unable to give a medical opinion. So we can not look at medical notes.

    I am sorry that you all feel so in the dark about what is happening with Dad, but as my colleague said we would suggest you discuss this with his palliative care team.  He has hopefully been referred to one as they can visit Dad at home with you or other family members there. This team has doctors, as well as specialist nurses, who are very experienced in patients like your Dad so they can review him and give you their opinion of what is happening right now. 

    Unfortunately, Dad does sound very poorly, so all the time that you can spend together as a family is important. Getting the local team to come around will also help Dad's quality of life and management of any symptoms he has so that you can try and have time together. 

    Take care of yourself , John. It is a lot to take on. If you want 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.

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Sarah

    Hi I have some more medical information regarding my Dad following the update of the biopsy. Can I add here. Obviously just the diagnosis findings and jargon

    Thanks 

    John

  • in reply to JohnDadOfFour

    Hello John and thanks for your further post

    As nurses, we don't tend to interpret medical reports or provide a medical opinion as this is something that needs to come from your dad's specialist team as they are familiar with all his medical details. They will be able to put the results into context for you provided they have your dad's consent to do so.

    If we can help with anything else then please get back to us.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

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