Hi im new to this site , we found out my dad had cancer 8 weeks ago. He as not had any treatment yet even though he as been in two different hospitals. We go tomorrow to discuss his treatment , don`t know much about it only what i have researched on the net. All doctors have told is so far is they can`t operate. they did want to put a stent in but couldn`t,
My dad as not eaten very much for 16 weeks now occasionally he can manage a little soup, some days he can`t even keep water down. they have said he can have a gastric feeding tube in on monday if he wants to , i am really scared now because he is getting so weak, also he wants me to advise him on what treatment he has or if to agree to the treatment, and im scared i will make the wrong choice.
can anyone give me any advice please
cath xx
FormerMember
Hi Cath,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad and what your going through but you've come to the right place for advice and support. If you read through my blogs and look at my buddie list you will see theres alot of people with the same condition that can offer you words of wisdom.
Chemo worked very quickly for me and reduced the tumour allowing me to swallow better. the chemo I am on is called ECX, it seems to be the common chemo for oesophageal cancer.
Your gonna feel stuck between a rock and a hard place when deciding on treatment but the staff at the hospital can advise you all on what they think is best for your dads condition and health at present.
I dont think you can make a wrong decision so try not to worry about that too much. The medical staff are responsible for that, not you. You will find that they wont give you any guarantees but the treatments are very good nowadays. The feeding tube will help to get nourishment into him which should perk him up a bit and keep his weight steady.
You need to be strong honey and we can support you all the way. Feel free to send messages or ask questions at any time. If you want to keep anything private just send a PM, private message and I'll reply asap.
Hi Cath, I'm new to this to this too, my husband was diagnosed 4 weeks ago, he's also lost a lot of weight and just keeps being advised to eat little and often which is all very well but not when you can't eat very easily. We've been at the hospital today for the first time and the consultant told us the side effects of treatment etc. Marks having ECF which is the same type of chemo as Joanne (in the post above) just given in a different way, through a pump instead of tablets. Marks cancer has spread to his liver and lungs so they're giving us a few problems and this seems to be the best way he can have chemo.
Hi Cath I don't know about your dads type of cancer Just wanted to say don't worry too much about feeding tubes my husband has one and its the only way he can feed and take fluids. If it helps your dad in the short term then take it to enable him to keep his weight up.
Good luck girl You'll get all the cyber support you need on here.
I'm new to the site aswell having only just joined after my mum was diagnosed with oesophegal cancer in April. Sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis, I know how you must be feeling, it's a very scary time and trying to get the right information and facts I've found can be difficult. My mum's can't be operated on because of where it is, she has had a week of radiotherapy and got another week to go, it's also in 2 lymph nodes which they can't do anything about at the mo so are saving another 2 wks of radio for when problems occur with this. A stent has been suggested but ruled out for my mum as this can push the tumor and cause more harm so that could be the same with your dad. They want to put a feeding peg in my mum as she hasn't eaten properly now for about 12 weeks, her consultant said this is the best course of action so that's maybe another possibility for your dad.
Hope you have been given some answers by now from the hospital, take care
Thanks every one for your replies .My dad as had his feeding tube in and is starting to put on a bit of weight. Doctors have told us they cant operate to remove the tumour because his lungs are to weak. so he is having radiotherapy. just finnished his first week 3 more to go , still keep getting different information , we were told radiotherapy coiuld possible cure it . now we have been told it will just shrink it and give him longer. so we will have to wait till after his treatment now and see what happens.
