Oesophagus cancer diagnosis- dad having stent fitted as first point of treatment. Google says this is a sign of palliative care. Is that correct?

Hi,

Looking for some advice from anyone who has maybe been in a similar situation. My dad was diagnosed with Oesophagus cancer on Friday. We are still waiting to the results from the biopsies they took from the raised lymph nodes on his neck.

They have told him it isn't curable but treatable. He is going in today for surgery. Depending on their finding they will either fit a stent or laser some of the tumour with the goal being allowing him to eat better as he has been having great difficulty.

It was my brother who went to the appointment with him when he got the results. From what he said this was just to get Dad eating again and get him built back up for any further surgery or treatment. I stupidly googled Oesophagus stents and the information that came up said this is palliative care and life expectancy is a few months. 

I am now so confused as I thought there was maybe some hope of Dad living with this and hope keeping it at bay with treatment but after reading what I have read I am now in bits.

Has anyone else had a stent fitted as the first point treatment and if so what followed? 

Thanks

  • Hi AshleyM,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry you haven't received a reply to this up to now - it sounds like as the appointment was a couple of days ago that you may know more now about the situation and any potential next steps.

    This must be a lot to process and I hope you're able to get the information you need soon.

    My reply will give your post a little boost, so a few more people should see it and hopefully you'll get more replies.

    You may also find it helpful to talk things through with one of our nurses. If you'd like to do this, you can call them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5. Alternatively you can post in the 'Ask the Nurses' section of this forum.

    We're always here for support whenever you need it and do let us know how you're getting on.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator