Hi Louise, 

Like you, my dad is also fighting Oesophageal cancer, and unfortunately due to the position he is also unable to have surgery. My dad’s has spread to the stomach & the brain, so we haven’t come as far as you yet in terms of treatment. 

I am 21 years old, and from my understanding, the doctors use radiotherapy & chemotherapy to attempt to shrink the tumour within the oesophageal area. Usually, they sadly use it to try to prolong life if it is at a later stage. I understand where you are coming from and I am so sorry to hear about your dad, it is absolutely heartbreaking not knowing how to try and fix this. I would talk to a nurse perhaps who is dealing with your dad, and ask any questions you may have, I find that they will explain in a style that suits you.  I am sending all my luck and love to you, I know exactly how you feel. Xx

Hi

Sorry to hear your about your Dad. My beautiful Mum was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer last October. By the time it was diagnosed  she mtiple tumours in her liver and was very very poorly as the tumour had almost completely blocked her oesophagus

Surgery wasn't an option for mum, so she like your Dad was offered  Chemo and radiotherapy. She also had a stent fitted (which has been replaced twice quite early on) 

Mum has had 6 rounds of chemo to date and one treatment of radiotherapy.

The chemo mum had was a 3 week cycle. an iv drip every 3 weeks with tablets every day. Mum suffered a number of side effects (sickness, hair loss, fatigue and intolerance to temperature changes) the side effects were worst 3-7 days after the IV drip and relatively mild in week 3 so we always planned something nice with my kids to look forward to- probably as important for me and kids as mum!

Despite being a gruelling treatment the chemo did shrink the oesophageal tumour considerably and eased a lot of her symptoms (heartburn, unable to eat and drink) It has given us mum back even if only for a short time. October she was literally on deaths door, February she was dancing with my kids at a family wedding. 

Mum had her radiotherapy on Christmas eve, she didn't really suffer any side effects. Her tumour had been bleeding and the radiotherapy stopped it meaning her anemia could be controlled.

In Mums case  always knew that any treatment was to ease symptoms and prolong life. 

We've now reached the end of any treatment and have been given the news this week that we've only weeks left. I am heartbroken but also so grateful for the 6mths the  chemo has given us. 

I know what you mean about nothing sinking in, Mum has a specialist nurse from St Thomas Hospice (our local hospice) who is an absolute god send. Somehow it's easier to ask question s and think in the comfort of your home rather than a hospital office, she also has more time and is easier contact.  

Sending love and a hug to you, and your Dad xx

Hey, 

Thank you so much for your message, it was just what I have needed to read, everything is so up in the air at the moment that I’m unsure I know what’s happening. I know the doctors are doing the best they can but it just seems like we receive bits of information here and there and it’s hard to put it all together. I’m hoping your message will help with my parents and give them more of an idea of what to expect (also might convince dad to do it!) 

I hope everything with your mum is ok and Love to you and your family, I honestly am so grateful for your help xx

Sorry, this reply went to the wrong post.

Dear all,

Reading your posts has brought back so many memories of my dear Dad. He was diagnosed in 1995 at the age of 59. We were devastated that he too could not have surgery due to a lung condition (airways disease). His cancer was at an early contained stage at the bottom of his gullet so this decision was heart breaking. He endured each month of dilation to open his gullet as the cancer advanced, also had stents. The hardest but kindest advice from his consultant was not to have any treatment as he would suffer side effects, feel too ill and not have much quality of life for his remaining time. We laughed and we cried with Dad. He displayed an amazing courage and remained as strong as he could for any months.