esophagus - cancer

Hi All, 

I am hoping that someone can help me. 

my dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in July 2024, it had only spread to 1 lymph node at the time. He started daily radiation and weekly chemo that finished in October. Since then he has had zero treatments and we are still unaware if the treatment has helped in anyway.

He finally had a endoscope yesterday (February 2025) after a lot of pushing as they had him originally booked in for late March. biopsies where taken but they have not given any indication on when we will get the results. 


is it normal to wait this length of time to see if treatment has worked ? I feel like I’m watching him waste away. He’s understandably depressed and currently has a feeding tube in place. 

I just feel so lost and don’t know how to help him and feel like he’s slipped through the cracks somehow ! 

any wise words would be greatly appreciated. 

best wishes 

L

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your dad, it is understandably a worrying time for you both. It must be difficult to see your dad like this and I appreciate you wanting to know more.

    The follow up after treatment each patient has will vary according to their situation. It is good to hear your dad has had a recent endoscopy that hopefully soon will give more information about what is going on.

    Biopsy results are often available within a couple of weeks of them being taken so lets hope this is the case for your dad.

    Hang in there for now but do make sure your dads team is aware of how he is feeling and any symptoms so they can help best manage them.

    Do get back if you need to or if you want to talk over the phone our number is 0808 800 4040 and we're here weekdays 9-5.

    Best wishes

    Naomi