Cancer Research UK main site

How long does she have

Caitlin
Offline

My gran is 70 years old, she was sent to the hospital where they found a tumor in her throat. After some tests we discovered she had cancer in her oesophagus which now has spread to her liver and her lungs. She has ovarian cancer 17 years ago and beat it but this time it's terminal. She doesn't want to know how long she has but I do, Can someone please give me an estimate of how long she has?

  • Offline

     

    Hi Caitlin X Very sorry to hear about your Gran X My Dad has also been recently diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus X No one not even the Medical Professionals can give you an exact time on how long your dear Gran may have left as so many factors can affect this. My Dad & we were told      to think in months rather than years but each persons situation is unique. All I can say is just spend as much quality time as you can with your Gran while she is still with you & work on building those memories of good times. I know it is hard X Always here if you need to talk xx

     

     

  • Offline

    Hi Caitlin

    Welcome to the forum though sorry to read that is your Gran's terminal illness that brings you here. I can understand why your Gran would rather not know about how long she has, as my husband felt this way towards the end of his illness.  There is unfortunately no way to second guess how long someone with life ending cancer may live as there as so many different factors to be taken into account.  Your Gran's doctors would only be able to give you a 'guide' if your Gran gave them permission to speak with you or other members of the family.

    I am sure you love your Gran very much( and her you) and know how sad it is to watch those you love going through this illness and my best suggestion would be to talk with her as and when you can as I am sure she would love to hear about what you are doing and if you have plans, share them. She will, I am sure, appreciate your honesty about your feelings but will also still be interested in her family whilst she can still be part of it.  Take care and come and chat on the forum anytime as there are many here who will understand how you may be feeling just now. Take care  Juels54

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.