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Oesophageal/Liver cancer

Woody80
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My dad had cancer of the oesophagus,which got taken out.About 6-8 months later he started getting back pain and increasingly was not keeping food down.His wife tried in vain numerous times to contact the surgeon and left messages to no avail.He started bringing up blood a week ago which admitted him into hospital.We now learn the cancer has returned and spread to his liver,on top of a diagnosis of dementia around the same time too which was stated as unrelated.They say there is nothing more they can do for him.Is it plausible to seek any kind of clinical trial which will help prolong his life and lessen his pain?!?

  • Hi Woody80

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

    Here at Macmillan, we are independent of the NHS and do not have access to medical records or information. We are therefore unable to give personalised advice, however we can give general information and support.

    I am sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis of advanced oesophageal cancer. It must be a difficult time for you and your family.

    When a cancer returns the treatment offered may be chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted treatment. These treatments will not cure cancer but may shrink it and could control it for some time. However, there are different factors to consider when offering this treatment. These include Type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health and their preferences. Sometimes the risks of treatment can outweigh the benefits.

    If Dad is wanting treatment, he could discuss this with his GP and get a referral for a second opinion. He could discuss clinical trials with his consultant and see if there are any that would benefit him and if he would be eligible for one.

    Due to his recent diagnosis with dementia he may need an assessment to see if he has the capacity to make decisions about his treatment.  

    You mentioned dad was in pain, if he is still in hospital, please make them aware of this so that it can be managed. He can also be referred to the hospital palliative care team who can assess his symptoms and make him more comfortable.

    If he is now at home, he can get support from the GP who can assess your dad’s symptoms and refer him to the palliative care team in the community.  

    It may be helpful to chat in more detail with one of our nurses, by giving our support line a call. We often find we can explain our answers in a bit more detail over the phone, giving you the opportunity to ask more questions if needed

    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.

     

    take care,

     

    Kate,

     

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    REF KE/KA

     

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