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Oesophageal cancer

KAS
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Good afternoon, my dad has just been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer which has spread to his lymph nodes.  Due to him having stage 2 COPD and heart failure we have been told that there is no treatment suitable for him so have been told it will be just treatment to help him have a decent quality of life and perhaps a stent if need be.  My question is what and when do we know he needs more medical attention for the cancer, we know how to look after him with regards to his COPD and heart but do not know what signs to look out for with regards to his cancer.  I look forward to your reply 

kelley 

  • Hi Kelley,

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear of your dad’s oesophageal cancer diagnosis. This must be an extremely worrying time for you all as family.

    We have a booklet on Understanding Oesophageal Cancer which you may find useful going forward.

    When cancer spreads to other areas like the lymph nodes then this is referred to as advanced cancer. It is also sometimes called metastatic or secondary cancer.

    Regards your question of when to intervene for medical attention, then the best approach is good communication.

    That means encouraging dad to report any symptoms or concerns he has, as soon as possible to the healthcare team looking after him.

    If dad has a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) then they are best placed to answer any questions or concerns as they will have access to the hospital records and test results.

    It is a good idea to make sure you have the contact numbers for the CNS and your dad’s consultant’s secretary going forward.

    When the treatment intent is no longer to cure, any palliative treatment offered is intended to try and control the cancer and its symptoms for as long as the person is responding to that treatment and not experiencing too many unwanted side effects of that treatment.

    It may be an idea to seek a discussion with someone from the Palliative Care Team to explore what Palliative treatment may be available to dad and how this can be accessed. They are also good at helping with symptom control.

    Dad will continue to be monitored closely and if weight loss and poor dietary intake is an issue due to pain and discomfort then an oesophageal stent may be required.

    So just to be clear, good lines of communication are vitally important.

    The Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA) or, CRUK are also a good source of information and support going forward.

    If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.

     

    Best wishes

    David, 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 send us an email.

     

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