Oesophageal cancer

Hello PhillyKx

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Adele, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Welcome to our online community and thanks for posting your question.

I am sorry to hear about your father.  It is understandable that you would like to have more information about his life expectancy and what to expect in the coming months.

It is hard to be accurate about people’s life expectancy or prognosis.  How long a person lives, if they do not have treatment, is in part dependent on the type and extent of the cancer.  Cancer Research UK has a section about survival with an oesophageal cancer, which provides statistics based on the stage (or extent) of the disease on diagnosis.

However, everyone is affected differently by their condition and there are many factors which can impact how the disease progresses. So, two people, with the same type and stage of cancer can still have a different prognosis.

Other factors that influence prognosis can include a person’s general health and wellbeing and their past medical history.  It also includes how the disease affects them and the impact it has on things like their eating and drinking. 

If you would like to ask about your father’s life expectancy the GP, or his clinical nurse specialist (CNS) may be able to provide you with information about the likely time frame.  Sometimes they express it in terms of weeks or months.  They can never tell you exactly what will happen to your father, but they may be able to offer average figures, based on how long people in a similar situation usually live.

Many things may change in the coming months, and it again depends on the stage and location of the disease.  Where he is already finding it hard to swallow and he is on a liquid diet, you may find that, with time, his swallowing may worsen.  This can mean that even liquids can become increasingly difficult to manage.

Sometimes people can have an oesophageal stent inserted.  This is a small metal or plastic tube which is put into the oesophagus.  The stent helps open the food pipe and enable people to continue to eat and drink.  If his swallowing changes and it becomes harder for him to manage the fortisips, we would recommend that you talk to his CNS, or GP, to see if a stent is appropriate for him.

As people approach the end of life you can also notice other changes.  Everybody is different but many people become weaker and start to sleep more.  They may also lose their appetite and it may be harder for them to retain their weight.  Some people may develop pain and may require pain control.  You may find it helpful to look ahead at what to expect as people approach the last few weeks of their life.

There are a variety of people who can help as your father’s condition changes.  Some of these people will be there to help with your any symptoms he develops, whilst others are there to help with his social needs, like washing or moving around the house.  Marie Curie has a useful page on who may be involved in his care.  We would always recommend that you reach out to your GP, or community team, as his condition changes, to ensure that you have the support that you need going forward.

Supporting someone with cancer can be difficult and you may find it helpful to consider the practical and emotional support available to you at this time.  You may also find it helpful to connect with someone who has had similar experiences to you.  Our online community have forums for different cancer types and experiences.  There is a forum for those who are supporting people with incurable cancer, which you may like to look at.

Sometimes it can also be helpful to explore these questions over the phone. If this is something you think would help, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our support line on 0808 808 0000. We are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.

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, Adele

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

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