My dad has Oesophageal cancer stage 4

Hi, 

Last Friday my dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes, liver and possibly lungs. He has also been told that he's not strong enough for chemotherapy, which in a way I am relieved about after seeing my mum's partner recently go through it with the same cancer. It never rains...! He has got a macmillan nurse who is lovely and I have spoken to. She has said that he needs to stay on soft food and when that becomes a problem look at putting a stent in. My concern is my dad is not completely aware of what is happening, as some days he says he is fine, then others he can't eat anything. I don't know if I should be ringing the nurse again or his doctor. Just wish someone could sit down and talk to him,ask the right questions and that he could be honest with... If that makes sense. I don't know what to expect properly and feel out of my depth. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks. X

  • Hi there Kate..

    So so sorry your all gong through this heartbraking time .. but there's lots of us here you can talk too .. if I were you I'd call Marie Currie ..  go to their home page .. they look after people with a terminal diagnosis .. and their family .. I was amazed the support on there .. think they are there Mon to Fri .  If you give them a call .. 

    They are used to all those things worrying you .. and I'm sure they could chat to your dad too .. cancer is different for everyone .. we can be up and positive one minute and down and depressed the next ... 

    That's why we call it a rollercoaster. . But you sound amazing and supported .. just go with the flow .. take things a day at a time .. and you know having a hand to hold means more then you'll ever know ..

    Big vertual hug... Chrissie

  • Thank you so much Chrissie. I will definitely give them a call on Monday. I know he's just trying to be strong for me but I wish he'd tell the truth either way so I know that I'm doing the right thing for him. Thank you for the hug too, it was so much appreciated. 

    Kate. X