Oesophageal Cancer

Hi there,

My father was diagnosed terminal last June. Just over a year ago. He started chemo right away and is still doing so now. However at his latest scan, he had lost weight compared to the previous scan, bloods were low and ive noticed he is starting to struggle swallowing again, along with indegestion. During previous treatments, his eating was fine and swalowing was no problem. I am really worried, but as my dad keeps everything to himself i cant get any information out of him. Is this him deteriorating now?

Also, just before Christmas last year we were told his cancer was in remission, however come Feb it wasnt! What do i expect next?

  • I'm sorry to read about the changes that were revealed at your father's latest scan 19saddaughter84.

    Only your dad's medical team can really answer these questions so maybe you could have a private chat with them about this if you're able to get your dad's permission? If that isn't possible then I'm sure our community will rally round and share their experiences with you once they've seen your post.

    Our cancer nurses are just a phone call away on 0808 800 4040 if you'd like to discuss this with them as well. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m so do give them a call if you feel this will help.

    Best wishes to you and your dad,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, I don’t have much to help I’m afraid, I’m at the early stages of your journey I think and interesting to see your dad went into remission after being diagnosed as terminal. My dad was diagnosed as terminal in March and although told months he eems to be doing well but it’s all such a roller coaster. I feel for you as it sounds like you have been up and down for a year now. I hope you are able to get the information you need. I’ve been worrying that Dad is too positive and not accepting the situation but I’ve come to realise that it’s up to him how he chooses to handle it. I’m assuming your dad has already had a stent, if not then a good thing to ask about and if he has maybe you could suggest a bigger one if that’s possible and having that chat with him might open him up a little? Best of luck with everything. 

  • Hi Rosie2019,

    Thank you so much for getting in touch. First of all, i am so sorry to hear about your father.

    In regards to my dad being diagnosed terminal, i was told at the time they have to put it into this category as his tumour was too big to do work on/cure. Hence the terminal diagnosis. However, the "remission" stage was due to the fact my dad had to agree to do chemo to try and maintain the tumour, to which it shrunk by only a couple of milimetres. However once he had stopped the chemo it started growing again.

    I have spoke to others elsewhere, and this form of cancer seems to be such an up and down "rollercoaster" as you have said. There has been times my dad has had a great week followed by 2 bad ones. Then again vice versa. What hurts most is when hes down, hes really really down and i struggle to cope with that.

    My dad was similar to your dad, with the attitude of "achwel theres no point worrying or crying, its done now", but i can sssure you hes doing this to protect you, he does not want to see you get upset.

    My dad hasnt had a stent put in and he doesnt want to go down that route, as of late it has been really tough as he has lost more weight. He has also started to elimiate medication that makes him feel terrible, and hes happy enough with doing that. Its up to him i suppose.

    Best of luck with your dad

  • Hi, it really is such a rollercoaster! Dad got on well with the stent and had no problem with them putting it in, a really short procedure and he’s been able to eat lots better since but every situation and person is so different isn’t. Take care with everything x