Grandad diagnosed with oesophageal cancer

My grandad , who has been my father figure my whole life and my best friend has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer . We don’t know what stage it is yet , however I’m preparing myself for the worst as he’s deteriorating so quickly .  He got admitted into hospital after coughing / vomiting blood . And had black tarry stools . 
I saw him 2 weeks before he was hospitalised , and I’ve seen him today and shocked at how he is now . He’s lost a lot of weight , skin slightly yellow , his speech is slurred , very weak , completely incontinent and he seems in a daze . All symptoms of late stage I guess ? 
I really just don’t want him to suffer :( 

  • Hi Hb51994,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.


    I am so sorry to hear of your grandad's rapid decline and know just how devastating this feels. I wonder if his care team have put him on to new medication? This can sometimes cause speech to slur, result in little or no emotion and in sleeping a lot. How is he coping with food and drink at the moment?

    I can understand that you don't want him to suffer. Is someone visiting him regularly? If so, get them to watch his pain levels. Even though he is in hospital, you may find that his medication needs to be topped up from time to time and that this isn't always done. 

    It is heart breaking having to watch someone that you love, go down this road. Please remember that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that we are always here for you.

    Please keep in touch.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx