esophageal cancer

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HI...my partner got diagnosed in Dec 21 he has had chemo, major surgery to remove oesophagus and more chemo, he's waiting on a follow up review appointment but he is sick or has diorreaha every time he eats.  Sometimes hes choking others he feels like its stuck again, he gags and then throws up.  He knows to eat small meals etc but im worried sick that its come back already.  Im not sure if this is normal surely people cant live like that for the rest of their lives.  Do you have any advice on this as I cant get him to ring anyone.  He is constantly going back to bed and waking up with headaches and pain in hos stomach and right side ribs.

Any info would be appreciated everything online seems to be about the surgery or chemo but nothing for the after effects.

His last chemo was 01.09.22 so its been a good few weeks now he thought he was getting better but last few weeks hes getting a lot worse.

Thank you 

Martine

  • Hi Martine (SamanthaN),

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I can see that you have found our oesophageal cancer forum, I hope that you are finding it supportive.

    I am sorry to hear that your partner has been experiencing difficult symptoms, it must be very distressing for you both.

    We would always recommend that you contact a doctor, your partner’s hospital team or NHS 111 today to talk about his symptoms with them now.  

     As we don’t have access to medical records, we’re unable to assess what anyone’s symptoms are likely to be. It is important that these are assessed promptly and that they are manged appropriately so that your partner can start to feel more comfortable.

     If he has been sick or has diarrhoea each time he eats he will be feeling weaker and could possibly be dehydrated.  

    Treatment such as chemotherapy can affect the immune system making your partner more vulnerable to infections, if left untreated these can become serious very quickly. Although his last chemotherapy was on the 01/09/22 we don’t know how well he has recovered.

     I understand that it is difficult to persuade your partner to seek help, we want to keep him safe so assessment today is really important.

     I wish you all the best with getting his symptoms assessed promptly, you sound like a wonderful support so please don’t forget to look after you too.

     Please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if we can support you further.  

     Best wishes and take care,

     Heidi

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

     

    Ref/RH/HC

  • Thank you for your reply Heidi, I will try get him to call the nurder.  It looks like he has that dumping syndrome but id like to get him seen to asap

    I appreciate the reply

    Thanks again