Oesophagus cancer - mum is terminal and has been sent home with palliative care. What can we expect over the next few weeks/months?

My mum was diagnosed about 9 weeks ago with terminal oesophagus cancer, no treatment or operation. Long story short as they say she went into hospital to have a feed tube put in , it goes up her nose as couldn't do a direct into the stomach.  We were told 7-8  weeks and she was sent home on palliative which she gets as carers go in 4 times a day. 

We are getting on best we can and mum is bring amazing how she's dealt with it all. What I really find very difficult to get my head around is how there is not going to be any follow up appointments at all. Whilst she was in hospital I spoke to a doctor about where and how big to which he just replied it's not really been documented.  I've since asked the nurse who was present at the time of mum's diagnosis and she was just as vague.  How can it not be documented?? Have are we ever gonna know how the cancer is if there are no follow up appointments 

Mum came home and I just feel like they've just gone get on with it. Nobody has ever sat down with us and told us what potentially could happen and what we should possibly expect to happen over the next weeks/months. 

  • A very warm welcome to the forum Capirossi, although I'm really sorry to hear about your mum. I can't begin to imagine how difficult this must be for the both of you.

    Given what you've said it's completely understandable why you're feeling confused at the moment so if would help to talk to one of our cancer nurses about this, you can do so on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to support you and offer any advice they can on how to proceed from here on out.

    I hope this information we have about dying with cancer and what to expect in the last few weeks and days will give you a better idea of what may happen as the time draws near but hopefully some of our members who have cared for a loved one at home in the latter stages of their cancer journey will come forward soon to share their experiences and advice.

    In the meantime, try to take things one day at a time and remember that we will be by your side every step of the way as you continue to support your mum on this journey.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator