Hi Hail1810,

Sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis.

My mum was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer which spread to her liver in Oct 2020. The prognosis was that she would have 10 months with treatment. Everyone is different, different levels of fitness and other health issues so it's very difficult to compare like for like. I have asked the same questions as you and totally understand what you are going through. My mum has breathlessness but not COPD, she had 6 sessions of chemo which ended in May 2021 and reduced the tumours, followed by 3 doses of immunotherapy in December which didn't work. She is now getting chemo again. Chemo does take loads out of her, she has lost weight and is frail but still not giving up.

Your mum should have a cancer nurse who can answer your questions more specifically. I'm my experience they have been very helpful in chatting things through. 

Sorry I can't be of more help, but know you're not alone.

Hi katelyn 

Many thanks for your reply. I'm glad to hear your mum is still fighting on. Its heartbreaking to see them so frail my mum is already starting to look fragile as she has been keeping quite poorly with Constant chest infections etc. How long did you wait from your mum having the endoscopy to the diagnosis /prognosis? And do any of you receive help and support from macmillan nurses? Mum was offered this today bby the respiratory nurse but she said she doesn't want it as it's just about talking but I said there's more to it than that. Plus we woukd rather wait for the review first see where we are at. I hope your mum Continues to be a warrior. Sounds like she has already shown the strength to defy the doctors expectations. Sending much love to you all xx

Hiya

We knew at the endoscopy that there was a tumour but then there was the biopsy, we had to wait for the results, then a CT Scan then the doctors all had to have a chat about my mum's diagnosis and what they could do to help. It's not fast from endoscopy to finding out about treatment. They need to make sure they get it right and have considered the options before going back to your mum to tell her what her options are. I struggled with this, how does it take so long, she's losing time not getting treatment, is she on the priority list, don't they care....loads going through my head. But they took their time she started chemo in January so from October to January nothing. But their plan was well thought out and it made a difference in her case so I learned to have faith in what they were doing and the time taken. I know that's not the case for everyone but this is my experience.

My mum gets chest infections as well and it floors her, we just take each day as it comes. It's quite difficult to watch. Advanced cancer for my mum has meant a lot of mucus but we invested in a humidifier as suggested in the oesophagus chat room, they are a great bunch. I don't chat but I follow their conversation and it's helpful.

We don't get the Macmillan nurses at the moment although I think we may be at that stage soon. We have a Maggie's centre nearby and they are great with counseling, relaxation techniques and classes and also they sorted out her benefits and got her a blue disabled badge. Definitely get in touch with them if you have a centre nearby.

We have had 2 different oesophagus cancer experiences in the family, my mum couldn't get the operation and terminal with palliative care only. The other case got the operation to cut the oesophagus and lift the stomach, now in remission. Its just the luck of the draw.

Keep in touch if you like, happy for you to private message me, would be interested to find out how your mum gets on. I hope it's been caught early and that it can be treated. Xxx