Husband Diagnosed with Oesophagus cancer

[Lizzy-m]

My wonderful 63 year old husband has been diagnosed with oesophagus cancer. The growth is the size of a small melon and its pushing on,growing around and cupping his aorta.

We've been told he cannot have surgery we're waiting to see the oncologist to discuss if he might get some radiotherapy though they've said the risks of this are massive. The MacMillan nurse told him that he has only "multiple months" left.

He is struggling to eat anything, has pain in his chest every night and has practically lost his voice.

Needless to say we are both shocked and heart broken.

Any advice or guidance of any sort would be greatly appreciated.

sending love

[ccfc]

Hi Lizzy-m, this sounds like the worst possible outcome for you both. I’m afraid I have no idea how to advise you going forward but all I can do is send my best wishes and pray for you. James.

[Racerrick]

Prayers, but also get another opinion.

[yorkshirerose]

My thoughts and prayers are with you both ❤️

[Mauser1905]

Sorry to know of your diagnosis.

Please visit the link below to understand the pathways.

opa.org.uk/opa-the-patients...

There is also useful information on various aspects. Good to know you are already in touch with Macmilan. You may wish to contact head office on the OPA charity to seek Patient buddy support for similar diagnoses.

"Our Helpline – 9.00 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday (24 hour answering machine).

Cancer & Awareness Support Helpline: 0121 704 9860

If you have a query about oesophageal or gastric cancer or maybe you just want to talk through any concerns; our friendly fully trained staff are only at the end of a telephone line. You can talk in complete confidence.

We’ll understand and we can put you in touch with one of our patient “buddies” across the UK who can understand and help with your concerns.

If our lines are busy, please leave a message and we will call you back as soon as we can.

Email

If you prefer to send an email, our email address is – [e-mail]"

[hunsdon]

My heart goes out to you and your family and I am sending lots of prayers ❤️🙏

[telford-hiker]

So sorry to hear this ,I have no idea what I can say ..but wish you all the luck in the world ..❤️

[kiddy]

Hi Lizzy,Sorry to hear the news wasn’t very positive.

Let’s hope there is a treatment plan that might help.

Best Wishes

Debbie

[Cavalier3]

I don’t have much advice for you and your husband but others have given you some and I hope that helps. I just wanted to say I’m thinking of you. 💕

[winnie4711]

Hi LizzyDevastating news.

Try and get everything in order. Make sure all meds are covered for pain all help offered accept.

Get a peg feed in and just be prepared as you can be.

Go make memory's as many as you can NOW. x

[Lizzy-m in reply to winnie4711]

Thank you winnie he's in hospital at the moment as he is unable to eat or drink. They ",might," be able to put a stent in for him we really are hoping they do, so that we can get on with planning and making memories.Abd most important by daingbis able to eat and drink. Its all moving so fast, he is currently on a drip to stop him dehydrate, he is a pitiful sight with such an awful cough and phlegm, again this something that we weren't prepared for. Considering his diagnosis was only 3 weeks ago we just did not expect to be at this stage so soon. He still hasn't seen the oncologist. So we are yet again, in limbo. Don't get me wrong the NHS staff have been absolutely amazing if a little disjointed. I wonder is this a normal progression or as I feel moving really much to quickly 🤔. Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer. Sending love ❤️

[Lab1]

So sorry to your very sad news. My thoughts go out to you and your husband x

[winnie4711]

HiMy brother was 42 and diagnosed on the 2nd December. He was due to marry the following year in the August. We were told to bring it forward and they married in Jan, It was a wonderful weekend with very mixed emotions.

He deteriorated quite fast and passed on March 2nd. 5 years now and we all miss him so much.

You may want to get in touch with Maggie's they were a great help and support.

Sending Big Hugs x

[winnie4711 in reply to winnie4711]

Also the local Hospice where fantastic. Take any help offered x

[Mauser1905 in reply to winnie4711]

Hi Winnie4711,Sorry to know of your loss. 5 years back I was 39 with accidental find of Adenocarcinoma at the lower GE Junction. Living on second life for now and have made peace with life. Believe he had Adeno as this one is far too aggressive to spread relative to the Squamous cell carcinoma which tends to grow over longer period of time without any symptoms.

[Lizzy-m in reply to winnie4711]

Awe sweetheart I'm so sorry, they put a stent in in Thursday and seen that he now has a hole in his Trachea, there's absolutely no hope of any treatment now whatsoever. My hearts in tatters. MacMillan nurse has been a Godsend. Sending love ❤️

[Mauser1905 in reply to Lizzy-m]

Lizzy-m,

I am so sorry for you both.

I believe the care teams must be taking good are of your husband, having said that you yourself are going through a lot of emotional and physical rollercoaster. Any third party offers of talking/counselling/talking/soothing therapies for yourself will be helpful for yourself. Kindly consider saying yes to these if you like.

The location is very no-go for any surgical intervention as well for shrinking tactics. Actual overlappigng/over or ingrowth of the cells through Aorta is difficult to visualise from mere scans IMHO. surgery itself is a radical type and requires a lot of giveaway physically from the patient. The risks with scalpel+ Aorta+growth can be fatal in the sedation itself.

You are brave and suggest you to keep coming to the forums if you feel like just connecting to.

If you may wish to share your district etc someone may perhaps suggest support closer to your location.

[Lizzy-m in reply to Mauser1905]

Thank you so much for your very thoughtful, kind words. I shall heed your advice and take and seek any third party help and support. Sending love ❤️

[winnie4711 in reply to Lizzy-m]

So sorry Lizzie-m

[Notknowmuch]

Sending you both Peace, Comfort and Strength.