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Oesophageal cancer

Fliss7e3199
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My 80 year old husband has oesophageal cancer. His tumour is half way down his oesophagus. He has received two chemo treatments and was admitted to hospital twice with severe diarrhoea and vomiting. the oncologist has decided no more chemo for him at the present time. He is being fed at the moment with a liquid feed through his nose at night. He manages this well and can eat some food orally. He is due to have an op to remove the cancer on 6th October. I am very anxious as I know the op can be risky. Has anyone experienced this operation and can you tell me more about it.

  • Dear Fliss7e3199,

     

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan and for joining our online community. My name is Denise, and I am one of the Macmillan Cancer Information Nurses on the helpline.

    I am sorry to read about your husband’s oesophageal cancer diagnosis. This must be a very difficult time for you all.

    I understand, after having two sessions of chemotherapy, he became unwell and needed to be hospitalised. I am glad to read he is managing the nasogastric feed well and is now able to manage some food orally. The wait for the surgery must be very daunting for you and it is understandable you have some questions about the risks involved.

    As we do not have access to NHS medical records, we can’t be very specific and can only give general information. The main surgery to treat oesophageal cancer is called Oesophagectomy. This is however an umbrella term and there are different types of oesophagectomies, depending on the location and the size of the tumour. It is difficult to predict what side effects he may develop as it will all depend on how the surgery will go.

    The major general risks involve infections post-surgery, this may be either infection at the surgical site or developing chest infection. Other risks are blood clots, bleeding, difficulties in swallowing, or heart problems due to the strain from the operation.

    This list is not exhaustive, it very much depends on how the surgery will go and he may not experience any of these. You can read more about potential problems after surgery by clicking on the link here.

    Although individual experiences do vary, if you wish you can post your question in the oesophageal online community. You can find the link by clicking here.

    If we may suggest, getting in touch with your husband’s surgeon and discuss his individual risks involved as his surgeon has all your husbands results and can give you an accurate answer.

     

    I hope you find this information helpful. Please do get in touch with us if you have more questions. You can call us free of charge on 0808 808 0000 or you can chat to us or email us. We are here every day from 8am to 8pm.

    Best wishes,

     

    Denise

    Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref: DK/KH

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