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Oesophagus cancer

123abc
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My grandad is poorly has oesophagus cancer which is spreading to his lymph nodes. Grandad can barley talk now as the tumor is pushing against voice box ect. He cannot swallow, so feeding through a peg in his stomach. He’s constantly producing foamy flem that he has to spit out every 5/10 minutes. Even through the night, he’s not getting much rest. He’s had radiotherapy only one course. It didn’t make much difference and we’ve now been told grandad has 12 months to live. I’ve spent hours researching cannabis oils and was ready to start grandad on some, however due to his chrones disease and the steroids he takes to control this, the cannabis oil is no use as the steroids cancel it out. Currently trying “lions mane” which is an oil he puts into his peg, it’s suppose to repair damaged sells? Not sure it’s making any difference. Grandad is on morphine patches as he’s suffering with ear ache (because of tumor).  

Im just wondering if anyone has any advice, how to make things more comfortable for my grandad. Or if anyone has experienced anything similar. It’s the constant flem he’s producing that is the problem because he’s getting no rest with it. Not even 1 hours sleep at night. Can anyone recommend or advise anything? 

Thank you . X

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    Hi, My husband, also had oesophagael cancer, and had terrible problems with phlegm, which I believe is a side effect of radiation.  We never found anything that relieved/lessened it, but it did eventually stop 6-8 weeks after radiation treatment finished.  Hoping solmeone else is able to offer some suggestions to alleviate hour Grandad's symptoms.

    Sue

  • Offline in reply to AusSue

    Thanks for replying sue. My grandad is getting no rest what so ever. He’s cannot sleep in his bed because the flem gets worse when he’s lay down. So he’s sleeping sat up in a chair :( it’s so hard to see he just needs a decent sleep he’s got no energy. His radiation stopped in April/may so it’s been a while, the flem seems to be getting worse. He also barely has a voice anymore. Sue may I ask, (please don’t feel like you have to answer if you feel like you do not wish too)... did the cancer spread anywhere else? I’m struggling so much to watch my grandad go through this I feel so helpless :(

    Thank you again for your reply. X

     

  • Offline in reply to 123abc

    Hi, Neil also slept in a sitting position, he had so many pillows on the bed.  Neil's scan before the scheduled surgery date showed cancer in lymph nodes from the neck down the middle of his body to below his stomach, at that point surgery was cancelled as no benefit would be achieved.  Neil then had a 2nd round of chemo which in his case didn't work and it spread to his lungs. The medical team (Drs/palliative care/hospital staff) were wonderful and Neil was kept painfree and comfortable until his passing.  It is really hard to watch and there isn't a lot you can do except, talk to him, keep him company, and fill it with all the laughter that you can, tell him you love him.  If he has anything he wants to do, if its at all possible, do it.  Neil really wanted to go fishing again.  There was a nurse in the hospital who was prepared (off duty) to get Neil in a maxicab so he could at least sit at on the edge of our local lake.  He needed a lot of care by then and was on oxygen, and while not quite the fishing he hoped for, it was as close as we could manage by then.  Unfortunately he passed the day before this was to occur.  You will need all the strength you can muster.   Accept help when it's offered, and look after yourself too. I hope I haven't said more than you're ready to hear at this stage.

    My thoughts are with you.  Take care.  Sue xx

  • Offline in reply to AusSue

    Hi, Having said all that, there is a fellow (davek) that posts on here whose original diagnosis was the same as my husbands, and he is still doing well, and has been for years.  He may have some suggestions that may help your Grandad.  There is a lot of variation on how people react to treatments given. 

    My thoughts are with you.  Sue xx

  • Offline in reply to AusSue

    Hi sue, 

    i really appreciate your reply. I’m very sorry your husband didn’t make his final fishing trip that’s very sad :( Thank you again for your reply sue. I feel so emotional all of the time, trying to study at uni as well as part time job, and helping grandad out it can be very emotionally draining aswell as physically. I just wish things were more comfortable for grandad.  I have passed on a messages to Davek on here. Thanks for your advice sue. Take care xx

  • Offline in reply to 123abc

    Hi , it is very overwhelming and draining both emotionally and physically.  Perhaps speak to his Drs to see if anything can be done to make him more comfortable.  Please make sure to look after yourself, if you can allow some time just for you, meet with friends, or do something you enjoy, even if it's only 1/2 hour.  Take care and I'll be thinking of you.  Sue xx

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