Dad has stage four oesophageal cancer

My dad has been diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer, it has spread to his lymph nodes, stomach and liver and that's all I know so far. His care plan states it isn't curable and that he can have chemo to blast it to prolong his life to 1 or 2 years but without treatment its looking at months. He has decided he will go for a three or four week chemo round but after that he doesn't want anymore. Today he has requested for morphine because the pain is starting to get too much. He is on a tube, as he cannot eat or drink anything without him throwing it back up or getting stuck. I'm kind of just asking in this post for anyone else's stories? I know I don't have long but I want to be prepared for how long it may actually be. 

  • Hello Lau7198

    I am so sorry to read your post about your dad's diagnosis with Oesophageal Cabcer and all he is going through and all you are going through to.

    I lost my dad who was 84 to Oesophagus cancer on Christmas day 2014.  He was diasgnosed very early due to other health issues he did not have chemo or radiotherapy because of the other health concerns,   The tumour was found by accident due to other investigations,  He was relatively well regards this horrible cancer for a good couple of years.  He did develop swallowing issues which was just awful beyond words to see him go through.  He was addmitted to hospital to have a stent fitted to widen his oesophagus so he could manage soft foods etc and again this was redone when the first stent became blocked.  He was looked after at home by myself and brother and other family and also he/we had the support of our amazing hocpice home care. He had this horrible disease for nearly 4 years.  I was with my dad at home when he passed away.  I will always feel guilty and question whether or not he should have had more help as it was discovered so early.  I miss him.

    Sadly in the new year 2015 April time my husband was diagnosed with Junctional Oesophagus cancer stage 4.  He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy but im heartbroken to say he passed away on 10th September 2016.   He did so well with all the treatments but sadly this vile disease spread and there was nothing they could do he was know longer able to have the operation which was planned.  I miss him so much and still struggle.  I say you don;t get over it  you find ways slowly to come to terms with it and on the bad days you let it out.  I have always found this forum a great comfort and support.

    There is a remarkable man on this forum Davek who was diagnosed with the same cancer as my husband in 2013 he had the same chemo and radiotherapy as my husband,  I am estatic to say he is still here with us and god willing he will continue to live a long happy life.  He recently posted his good news on the forum.  All Davek went through gives so much hope to others.

    Sadly I don't think anyone can tell you how long,  Spending time with your dad all you can saying all you want to say just being there with him ..... I just wanted to reach out and say your in my thoughts and just so sorry for all of it.  Its such a cruel disease.

    There are very sadly others on this forum,  I hope they come along and you find comfort from them to help you and your dad though all of this,

    Sending thoughts and huge hugs take care of you too xx

     

  • I'm so sorry to hear about your dads diagnosis. When my dad was diagnosed with incurable stage 4 lung cancer with mets to his liver and bone I too was devastated and terrified. He was told he would have treatment, and on the day of his treatment while still at home he passed unexpectedly. From the time he was diagnosed to his passing, he lived for 9 weeks. I hope with every ounce of me that your dad lives a long life, my only advice is please don't hold back on what you wish to say to him and discuss. I pushed back certain conversations because we were told he had more than enough time with treatment (and I mean we were told this less than a week before he passed he still had a lot of time with treatment). I hold so much anxiety, guilt and worry because there's things I wish I could of said. We never know what is round the corner, and I really do hope and pray that you're dad will be okay. 
    I'm sorry this isn't the most positive reply, and I hope other people reply soon with happy and hopeful stories, but please take my advice and don't hold back and let your dad know how much you love him. 
    Take care sweet x