Struggling to find out how long my dad has left - he's been diagnosed with advanced oesophageal cancer

My Dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer 2 weeks ago, we have since been told this has spread to his spine,arm,rib and adrenal glands. All he wants to know is how long he has left but we are struggling to get this information. I get everyone is different and everyone’s body copes differently but is it not possible to be told a rough timescale based on evidence? 

  • A very warm welcome to the forum Lexygirl although I'm sorry to hear your dad's oesophageal cancer has spread, and that you're unable to find out how long he has left.

    This must be a very difficult time for you and your family, especially when you're unable to get the answers you're seeking, but hopefully your dad's medical team can give you a rough timescale soon so you can move forward on this journey and prepare for what's to come on.

    I hope some of our members will offer their thoughts and advice to you soon, but if you'd like to speak to one of our cancer nurses about this, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and will do all they can to help you.

    We're sending you and your family all our support Lexygirl and our thoughts are with you at this time.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, my dad has oesophagus cancer too which has spread to his liver, we found out end of February and he has 6 rounds of chemo, done 2 but it’s making him so tired he is having a 3 week break before the next round.

    I am struggling as my dad doesn’t want to know how long he has and won’t allow me to be told.

    I am his only family and now his carer and it’s such a worry.

    Its the not knowing but fearing the worst but trying to stay positive for them,

    Its a journey no one ever wants to be on x

  • Hi im sorry you are going thru this 

    It is your dads right to not know but you can speak to the nurses here to find out what to lok out for as time goes on which will help you understand what is happening 

    If you can speak to a counsellor to get some support as his carer thst msy help you too at this time.

    I hope knowing others understand how hard it is to care helps a bit 

    Keep in touch if you need want to

    Rb