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Husbands Oesophagus Cancer Diagnosis. No hope

Lizzy-m profile image
8 Replies

My wonderful husband has been diagnosed with oesophagus cancer. He's been told, after a PET Scan, that the growth is the size of a small melon. and that its inoperable because its growing around and pressing into his Aorta.

They've said he has multiple"months" left (I'm not sure what that term means). They did say its months, not years, he is 64. The sad thing is he successfully came through double heart bypass surgery in December, we had put his tiredness down to that,thinking it was a natural part of his recovery.

We're waiting to see the oncologist to see whether or not he can have any Radiotherapy, we were told that this will be purely palliative. There are also massive risks because of where it is sitting. The fear is that it has grown into his Aorta, or if the radiotherapy shrinks it his Aorta could rupture there is no way of knowing.

It's too large and too high up for him to have a stent put in, he is really struggling to eat, he chokes and coughs each time he tries to eat, it's so distressing for both of us, my heart is completely broken. We are both still in shock, this all happened so quickly.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, particularly diet advice, we have liquid supplements and a softer diet but his great pleasure in life was good food and meals out. It just all seems so hopeless right now.

Sending love

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8 Replies
Brett77 profile image
Brett77

Sorry to hear your news. I know the situation seems bleak but I’ve heard of situations as dire where chemo and/or radio has resulted in massive size reduction enabling other options like surgery to be considered.

I’d definitely consult a Dietition who specialises in oncology. The oncologist can probably recommend one. I have a great one here in Australia.

My best wishes.

Lizzy-m profile image
Lizzy-m in reply to Brett77

Thank you so much, the dietician has been touch, he at least , has meal supplements to take. X

Emee profile image
Emee

Hello My partner has just been diagnosed out of the blue with stage 4 OC, spread to liver already and my heart is broken.

He has just had his 54th birthday.

Maybe we can support each other somewhat.

Sending love and prayers.

Lizzy-m profile image
Lizzy-m in reply to Emee

Oh my darling girl, I know exactly how you feel right now, completely lost, numb, angry, heartbroken all rolled into one unbelievable complete mess. Have they offered any treatment at all. Unfortunately my Husbands has spread, and created a hole through his trachea meaning what little hope we has of radiotherapy has now gone. They've given him 3 to 6 months. Yes let's try to hold each others hand through this. Sending love and strength ❤️

Emee profile image
Emee in reply to Lizzy-m

It’s good to hear from you😊 We are waiting on an appointment in a weeks time, so maybe they will offer some treatment then.

I’m praying for a miracle.

Love & hugs to you and hubby💗

Lizzy-m profile image
Lizzy-m in reply to Emee

I'm afraid our appointment didn't go to well, she confirmed what we already knew. She told us my husband might have as little time as 1 or 2 months. This evening his oxygen levels dropped, he now has fluid on the lungs. He's just had an ECG and XRAY. More waiting xxx

Notknowmuch profile image
Notknowmuch

So sorry to read your news. Hope you are both coping well and staying strong.

Lizzy-m profile image
Lizzy-m

unfortunately my darling husband passed away on the 10th of September. Thank you all for your kind words and support. My heart hurts so much x

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