my husband was diagnosed oesophagus cancer july 2013 it is terminal he has had 8 x chemo and now 10 radiotherapy not sure what to expect?

[mogga]

[CaroleM]

Hello, I just wanted to ask if your husbands cancer was tested to see if it was HER2 positive. If not you should ask your oncologist. We are in a very similar position to you, just finished 10 radiotherapy December. Life as you knew it sort of ends and a new kind of life begins doesn't it? Hope becomes our mantra.

[mogga in reply to CaroleM]

thanks having stent fitted march so just waiting dont know what HER2 is?feel in limbo

[CaroleM in reply to mogga]

I really feel for you. It's the wondering, what next? HER 2 means that the cancer has certain proteins and can be treated with Herceptin like some breast cancers. It can help prolong life and can be given until it stops working. It's worth an ask if biopsy was tested.

[Hidden]

There is our other community OPA Charlie's Circle where you are may find others in the same situation.

Most hospitals are very good nowadays at managing the process so that he can have a reasonable quality of life for as long as possible, and without pain. As the tumour grows in size, it is possible that a stent might be fitted so that it enables the oesophagus to allow food to pass through despite the pressure exerted on it.

There will probably be a regular adjustment of medication as his condition changes, and it is important to keep in contact with the medical team. The best people at managing pain are often those within the hospice movement, and there may be a specialist cancer centre like Maggie's Centre for your hospital, where you will find the staff really helpful.

It is a lot to come to terms with, as a patient and indeed as a wife, so many people find it really helpful talking things through with a helpful member of staff or a counsellor. There will be one available for you somewhere in the system.

I think it is also true that this situation is one where you look for support from friends and family, all of whom also have to come to terms with things. You find support from unexpected places and reserves of strength that you never knew you had.

[mogga in reply to Hidden]

thanks will check opa having stent fitted possible being able to eat better weight is stable now having fortisips x8 daily and can only take very liquid meals quite ok otherwise we were given 6 months july 2013? read mixed reports but how d you ask the question? and also not really in pain just sore after radiotherapy just frightened what to expect x

[Hidden]

Some doctors do not really answer the question about life expectancy on the basis that it all depends on what the patient / relative has in their minds; and what happens when the period turns out to be longer, or shorter than anticipated. And some people react differently from others to an estimate of this type. They do say that we should try and make the best of whatever time we have left regardless of whether it is 20 years, 20 months or 20 days, and there is something to be said for that.