A little guidance?

In earlier December, my mother was diagnosed with oesophogeal cancer (T3). By mid January, it had spread to her thyroid, lymph nodes and stomach. Last hospital visit she was told that it's on her lungs as well as a DVT working it's way from her neck down into her chest.

The consultant gave an estimate of 4-6 weeks. That was 3 weeks ago. She's having trouble keeping down food and water but "otherwise" is still charging around like her old self.

Does anyone know what I may have to contend with when she finally starts going downhill? Spoken to doctors but it all gets muffled in words I can't understand.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. 

  • Hello Summers.  Welcome to this forum.  I am sorry that your mother is dying from oesophogeal cancer.  The process of dying can vary a great deal from person to person.  The various factors involved (pain, ability to eat and probably several other things too) can also play their part.  It is difficult for even professionals to be sure and people can suprise everyone.

    www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../dying-with-cancer

    I have attached some information from this website about how the dying process can take place.  This is going to a difficult time for you also (to say the least) so please make use of the professionals involved as much as possible.  You may find it useful to talk to MacMillan Cancer Support, a charity well-versed with all things relating to cancer.  Their Freefone number is 0808 808 0000.  You can talk to them about anything to do with the care of your mum and how it is affecting you.  There are also nurses on this website to whom you can talk Monday-Friday 9am-5pm if there is anything you are unsure about.  These and more resources are contained in the link I have attached. 

    Your mum seems just the same at the moment but she will start to slow down eventually.   Just go with what she wants if she is not suffering from the effort.  Think about things you would like to talk about with her and of course tell her what a wonderful mum she is and how much you love her.  Please do come back here to chat with us if it helps you at all.  Best wishes.  Annie