Oesophageal cancer

Im look for some advice. My name is Katie I am 17 years old and my grandad who is 59 has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. They discovered this after he could not eat for months on end and finally the hospital agreed to do an endoscopy and then resulted in finding a tumour in his esophagus. As my grandpa is already not a well man by having a series of multiple illness, the consultant advised us that he would not be fit for the operation of removal of the esophgus. They recommended to put a stent in to help him drink fluids etc and put weight on to be able t have chemo. However during the stent operation the tumour burst and fractured and also his lung collapsed. The doctor then told us that it was terminal and there’s nothing more they can do and he doesn’t know how long my grandpa will last. Please can someone give me some advice and hope to cling on to. I’ve lived with him and my Nan all my life and he’s like a dad to me. I am completely broken but trying to be strong for everyone else. 

  • Hi Katie, 

    Like your grandpa, my dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in March. My dad is only 40 years old, and has been told it’s spread to his brain so unfortunately in his case also, there is nothing that can be done. My dad’s in the hospital as he has been for a month after various brain operations he is in a coma like state. I’m just writing to let you know you’re not on you’re own and I feel that it’s nice to know (even in horrible situations) that someone else can relate to you. Al I would say to you is make sure you are there for your grandpa as much as possible, tell him you love him and leave nothing unsaid. I’m not much older than you, I’m 21. Ur my brother is your age so I understand how hard it is. Please, look after yourself and still enjoy life like usual, still go out with friends and do not feel guilty about it! I know it feels that way, but life does not stop, and your grandpa would most definitely want you to enjoy your life too as much as possible! I wish I could offer you more, but being hopeful for a better, pain free, bittersweet being can help too. If you need anyone to talk to further, I will happily help you. 

     

    Xxx