Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your partner.

If your partner has just been diagnosed this may be the first meeting where the doctors discuss how they will decide to treat his oesophageal cancer. His doctors will have discussed his case at a large formal meeting where all the doctors invoved meet to decide the best treatment for his type of oesophageal cancer. They will take in to account his general health and how he would cope with any treatment.

If he is not eating well and his pain is not well controlled the doctors may decide to admit him if this is a possibility. If your partner is finding it difficult to eat then do encourage him to drink fluids as if the doctors decide to give him any chemotherapy it is a good idea that he is well hydrated.

We have a page on our website on ideas for high calorie drinks which you may find helpful to look at.

We also have a page on our website about treatment decisions for oesophageal cancer

It may help to read the information in the link above so you have a better understanding of what may be involved. Do make a list of questions to ask the doctors. If there is anything that you don't understand do ask them to repeat what they have said.

You may find it helpful to ring the nurses on the helpline before of after your appointment to talk through any of this.

The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine