Esophageal cancer - appetite loss - stent fitted

Mum in her 80s was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in October. She didn’t want any treatment and the medical team didn’t think so either. She had a stent fitted and ate slightly better. Now however she is eating very little and the weight is falling off her. She says that food doesn’t seem to go down very well. Her taste buds have changed and she says lots of things don’t taste very nice. She doesn’t drink much too. She’s sleeping more in the day but doesn’t sleep well overnight. She says that she doesn’t feel good but seems unable to pinpoint what’s the matter although she has at times mentioned a pain on her left side/below her waist.

We were put in contact with the district palliative team via our hospital. I have suggested that she should contact them but she’s unwilling to, I think because that might be admitting where we are. I don’t know if I should contact them or not as it was left up to us to go back to them. 

Parents
  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn about your mum's situation this must be very difficult.

    If you have your mum's permission to contact the palliative team, it means they can assess her and see how much input she needs. It is important to let her know that the palliative care team can be involved at any stage. They are experts at managing symptoms such as pain, and they are good support both for your mum and your family.

    With your mum's weight loss and loss of appetite, it might be helpful to contact the cancer and nutrition helpline which is run by dieticians to help advise people with issues such as weight loss and taste changes.

    I hope this helps a little, please feel free to get back to us. If you would like to talk with one of our nurses you can call our freephone number 0808 800 4040 Monday to Friday 9-5.

    Take care,

    Jemma

Reply
  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn about your mum's situation this must be very difficult.

    If you have your mum's permission to contact the palliative team, it means they can assess her and see how much input she needs. It is important to let her know that the palliative care team can be involved at any stage. They are experts at managing symptoms such as pain, and they are good support both for your mum and your family.

    With your mum's weight loss and loss of appetite, it might be helpful to contact the cancer and nutrition helpline which is run by dieticians to help advise people with issues such as weight loss and taste changes.

    I hope this helps a little, please feel free to get back to us. If you would like to talk with one of our nurses you can call our freephone number 0808 800 4040 Monday to Friday 9-5.

    Take care,

    Jemma

Children
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