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Dealing with repetitive infections outside of A&E

P_J
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Dad has a malignant large mass tumour located 

Dad has been diagnosed with advanced oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and has a large malignant tumour mass located at the gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ)—the point where the oesophagus (food pipe) meets the stomach. The cancer has metastasised to both the stomach and liver. Recent CT imaging shows the combined spread to be 30–40 cm across his abdomen, indicating extensive involvement of upper abdominal organs, so non-curable by surgery.

4 weeks ago Dad succumb to a serious infection caused by the tumour/cancer that hospitalised him.  He recovered within 48hrs with IV antibiotics. The infection returned at the dance severity just now a month after the first infection.

Is there a way of preemptively managing and preventing the regular infections before they get so severe as to need A&E intervention? 

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am very sorry to hear about your dad's situation, and I can appreciate you want to do all you can to help him.

    Unfortunately, I don't think there is much you can do to prevent the type of infections your dad had, if he were to have another one.

    However, having support and knowing who you could contact if he were to become unwell will help and could be reassuring. So, if dad is at home, having the community palliative care team involved in his care will help. They can help support him and the family during this time; they are specialists in controlling symptoms. If Dad has not already been referred to this team, then his GP or hospital team can do this. We have information about the support you can get at home on our website.

    You may also 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.

    Take care,
    Caroline 

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