Oesophagual cancer

My dad aged 85 has been diagnosed with oesophagual cancer. All we have been told after nearly 4 weeks in hospital is that it is malignant cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes. 

He is currently waiting for a second attempt to put a stent in as he is unable to swallow anything.

No one from oncology has spoken to us. What should I be asking?

Parents
  • So sorry to read your news.
    Once all the test and scan results are in, there is usually an MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) meeting led by his consultant oncologist to decide treatment options - these are normally explained in a face to face meeting. It is always helpful to have a relative or friend there to take notes and ask questions if the patient doesn’t feel up to it.

    Your Dad will need to decide at some stage what treatment he does (or doesn’t) want to accept. 

    The NHS isn’t allowed to discriminate by age but some of the treatment options can be quite gruelling. 

    To make an informed decision, your Dad will need to ask the same questions as I did at a younger age.
    e.g. what options are available?
    How long could I be expected survive without treatment? How much longer might each treatment give me?
    What impact would each treatment have on my quality of life and
    what side effects should I expect to experience? 


    Best wishes and good luck!
    Dave

  • Thanks for posting this you have to keep on asking questions even if difficult. Also for explaining about the MDT. 

  • No worries - I hope it was useful.
    No-one gives us a training course or “what happens next” leaflets when we or our loved ones are diagnosed.As a patient, I had a head start as my Mam and Grandad had both had cancer. I’d also worked in the NHS, which helped. 

    Whatever happens, keep asking questions until you’re happy with the answers.

    Best wishes
    Dave

Reply
  • No worries - I hope it was useful.
    No-one gives us a training course or “what happens next” leaflets when we or our loved ones are diagnosed.As a patient, I had a head start as my Mam and Grandad had both had cancer. I’d also worked in the NHS, which helped. 

    Whatever happens, keep asking questions until you’re happy with the answers.

    Best wishes
    Dave

Children
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