Husband newly diagnosed with oesophageal cancer

We are just so scared and in disbelief. It seems to of come from nowhere. From eating normally to barely being able to keep liquid down in 6 weeks!  We have an 8 year old son who idolises his daddy. How the hell do we tell him? We were told yesterday it has spread to lympnodes at this stage also blood clots in both lungs.

They are looking into fitting a stent this week with an x-ray, they say there is very little space though. They are having a meeting to discuss viability of procedure. I am trying to stay calm and positive for his sake but it just feels like a nightmare! 

  • Hello andisquizz, 

    What a scary and anxious time it must be for you and your family. It's so sad that your husband has gone within the short space of 6 weeks from eating normally to barely being able to keep liquid down. It truly is heart-breaking and it can be really hard to know what to say to an 8 year old child. Finding the right words is really not easy sometimes and you will find on our website a page on talking to children about cancer which has some useful tips to help you talk to your little one about such a difficult subject. 

    I hope that you will find out soon whether it is viable to have the procedure and fit a stent despite the very little space there is. I am keeping everything crossed for you that they will be able to go ahead with fitting a stent and that this improves things for him. It can be hard to deal with a new diagnosis and it's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the information when you may not yet have all the specifics of your husband's diagnosis. You will find on our website an in-depth section on oesophageal cancer which I hope explains things clearly to you but if you have any questions, feel free to give our cancer nurses a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - the helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    We're thinking of you and your husband during this difficult time and wanted you to know that you are not alone here and I hope that you will shortly be hearing from others who have been affected by oesophageal cancer in a similar way. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hello andisquizz

    I just wanted to reach out and say you are not alone. This initial finding out is really tough and feeling in shock is to be expected.

    My husband had a stent fitted last year following the same diagnosis it was scary but it ment he could swallow liquid and soft foods like mash and soups yogurts drink etc 

    He is still here having had chemo 

    Fingers crossed for your hubby .

    I suggest writing questions down as you think of them ready for hubbys consultation 

    It is a lot to take in so dont be afraid to ask more than once.

    As for your little one you are the expert in your child  but try  be honest and gentle 

    daddy is not very well right now and the drs are going to try to make him feel better

    (until you know more specific details)

    You will know what to do.....

    Keep in touch here if it helps

    Sending all good wishes and strength to you all

    RB

  • Hello Rhubarbdragon

    Thank you for your message of support

    The stent was fitted and hubby is eating and drinking little and often.

    We had another hammer blow yesterday as they told us it's stage 4, spread extensively to lymph nodes so it's palliative chemotherapy now with a 9-12month prognosis. 

    I have no words at the moment.

  • Oh my dear andisquizz I am so sorry to hear your news.

    It is such a shock for you all.

    We went through the same last year and hubby is still here atm so bear that in mind. Prognosis is an on average  and some people do better

    .

    I know this is a lot right now to take in  

    One bit of advice  to come back to when you feel ready re

    Financial support  Macmillian helped us fill in the pip and carers forms so we could get some money to live off.

    They were brilliant contacted by phone and they just swept us up.

    Dont be shy to ask .....

    1. Here for support if you want need to 

    Meanwhile sending kindest wishes to you all RB