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.