oesophagus stent or stretch? please help with any info also coping mechanisms please as tearful wreck thanks xx
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FormerMember
Hi I was wondering if anyone knows anything or has had any good or bad experiences with either a stent or having oesophagus stretched? my dads deteriating fast, he isn't on treatment anymore as he is terminal so there just looking at keeping him comfy and as his food has started to get stuck again they have mentioned stretching his gullet first and then a couple of weeks later putting a stent in place? he has lost 4 pounds this week, he is an awful colour and I can't get my head around how quick all this is happening, from the unknown and being fit to this has taken 8 weeks, thankyou all I am hoping someone can help me find my positive mental attitude or at least give me some tips on coping thanks again Tracy xx
FormerMember
Hello Tracy. Although my cancer isn't in the oesophagus, I have had polyps removed from there and the lower end stretched to allow the easier passage of food. I have to have this done a couple of times a year and it is by no means an unpleasnat experience and will not cause your Dad any distress. I sorry, I do not know anything about having a stent fitted. I was my Mum's carer for 5 years before becoming ill myself and understand what you are going through. I hope you are getting enough help to allow you some time for yourself to recharge your batteries. You are caring for your Dad out of love and this is the most positive thing that you can do for him. Best wishes, Trevor
Forget positive mental attitude! Why ever should you have one when you're coping with this kind of shock? The only thing I can think of that helps a bit is to think of today, not tomorrow, not the future. And reminisce about all the good things that have happened, laugh when possible. If they are talking about stretching his gullet and putting in a stent then they expect him to be around for a good bit if he can keep his strength up.
What about all those high calorie drinks? Can he get those down? At the worst point I used to give my husband mini glasses of high calorie drink every few hours. He was so thin, but it helped. We don't have any experience of stents or stretching, so, sorry, can't help you there. But it seems to be common practice.
Positive mental attitude seems so worn out as a phrase. I think you go through phases - shock, fear, sadness, and sometime you come to acceptance and peace. But it takes time and patience with yourself, and support, and understanding. You haven't had the time yet, you are still coping with shock and fear. Your name is the key - you have the coping skills you need. One day at a time. Lots of people are terminal but have lots of life to deal with still! That's the bit of hope you need.
I'm really sorry I can't help you with the stretch or stent issue but I may know a lovely lady who can give you some advise. She has answered many many of my oesophagus questions (my husband has just had an oesophagecomy). You will find her on this site if you type Kitty in the search engine. You may find she answers you blog anyway - she normally always picks up on blogs ref 'our' type of cancer.\
Really hoping Dad picks up and is able to eat a little better again soon - Juliex
This is an awful situation you find yourself in and I’m so sorry that your dad’s illness has been so aggressive and sudden.
I’ve spoken to a few people who’ve had an oesophageal dilation and had stent insertion as palliative measures. The dilation is usually carried out by endoscopy, which as you say, stretches the gullet to ease the passage of food. The stent implant is usually a fine mesh tube that’s inserted into the oesophagus and widens the gullet. Usually, the patients feel much more comfortable after these procedures as it allows them to eat a lot better and helps relieve the pain, which of course improves their overall demeanour. This useful link is provided by the Christie NHS and describes an oesophageal stent and the foods to eat and avoid:
THANKYOU TREVOR, PAT, JULIE AND KITTY FOR ALL YOUR HELP IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED. JUST KNOWING THERE IS SOMEBODY THAT UNDERSTANDS AND CARES HELPS A GREAT DEAL. THANKS FOR THE WEBSITE LINKS I WILL TAKE A LOOK.
