My has osphgus cancer qnd it has spred to most body parts,the doctors gave him 4 week of life left,he been here 11 week now which is amazing.he has respect started when he lays flat on his back he carnt breath and says he carnt lyi down.why is this.is this the point where things are going to detearte?
Hello Sheree,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Denise, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to the online community.
I am sorry to read that a person who you care about has a diagnosis of metastatic oesophageal cancer and had a four-week prognosis.
You have mentioned he has difficulties breathing when lying flat on his back or cannot breathe when he is lying down. As we Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line don’t have access to NHS medical records and can’t assess via this platform, we suggest you contact your GP, 111 or palliative team for assessment as soon as possible. There might be several reasons why he feels this way, for example accumulation of fluid or pressure from the tumour site therefore it is important he gets this checked over by a medical professional to establish the cause and the best way to manage this.
His palliative team would be in the best position to offer guidance on how to alleviate end of life symptoms and can order equipment if needed, for example a hospital bed which can help with better positioning.
If you wish you can contact the Marie Curie charity to find out what support is available for end of life care in your area.
I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.
The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
Best wishes, Denise
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/SS
