80 year old - no treatment

[PT12]

Hello my 80 year uncle was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in November 2019 (adenocarcinoma which has metastasized to quite a number of areas). He is still in good health otherwise apart from recently finding it very difficult to swallow. He doesn't want to undergo any form of treatment or have a stent inserted as he feels this might make him worse. Would anyone have help on this?

[Tanktank]

It sounds as though your uncle is reasonably fit and that despite the spreading there may be several treatment or even curative options. Do get him to discuss this with the oncologist as I’m sure there are many ways to alleviate the swallowing problem (even simple dietary changes). Having no treatment is an understandable shock reaction to this devastating news but it doesn’t have to be that way for his sake or his loved ones around him.

Best wishes at this difficult time

Regards

Tanktank

[Mauser1905]

I understand that the patient must have had consultation on his own with the team. It's you being concerned.

Patients' own feeling/s for their self and their own dignity requires to be valued rather than relatives feelings.

[PT12 in reply to Mauser1905]

His feelings and dignity are always relatives no1 priority. I have been with him for every consultation. Had asked for advice above to help him rather than see him in pain - nothing to do with my feelings!!

[kiddy]

Hi there, It must be very difficult to try and persuade someone that treatment might help. He must have been given Some options. Maybe he just wants to let nature take it’s course. He has to be careful what he eats if swallowing is becoming a problem. Bread and some meats might get stuck. Tell him to chew chew chew or avoid. The dietician at the hospital might be able to help with what to eat and give him drinks . Is he losing weight rapidly?

Best Wishes

Debbie

[PT12 in reply to kiddy]

Hi Debbie thanks for your response. I don't want to persuade him to have the treatment as it is his own choice. The oncologist had also agreed with him and "let him lead her". He has start to lose weight quite rapidly and does not have another oncologist appt until June but does not want to contact them before that.

[Danstable]

If the cancer has spread, from what I understand there is no curative treatment plan. Chemo could buy some more time perhaps, but he's probably balancing whether it's worth having more time if you feel ill and drained of energy thanks to the chemo.

Honestly, if I were his age and with the same diagnosis, I think I'd do the same as him. As it is, I'm about half his age and thankfully my cancer was caught just in time to make surgery an option. I was operated on a year ago and only now am getting to what will be my new normal. My new normal means much less energy, regular upset stomach, and discomfort after eating much of the time.

It's hard to hear but treatment isn't always the best option.