Oesophageal cancer - Tips for post two years surgery

Good afternoon CRTTogether, 

Thanks for getting in touch.   

My name’s Karla, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. 

It’s great the person you’re supporting has shared how much their ongoing difficulties with eating and swallowing is impacting them. Hopefully you can point them in the right direction for support. 

We always recommend the person lets their consultant or nurse specialist (if they have one) know they’re struggling. If they don’t know, they can’t help. These professionals are best placed to assess what’s happening and plan the best way forward. The person can call their consultant via their secretary or their nurse specialist directly. They don’t need to wait until their next appointment. 

This person’s eating problems need to be assessed by a dietitian and possibly a speech and language therapist (SLT). They can provide advice about managing their swallowing difficulties and discomfort. They can also advise about suitable food textures and meal ideas. 

Eating little and often can help after treatment. Eating slowly and making sure food is well chewed or having a soft diet. Drinking can fill the stomach, leaving little room for food. Trying not to have a drink close to eating can help too. 

The Oesophageal Patients Association have some great booklets. Swallowing and Nutrition when it’s Difficult. Recipes for when food is a problem and Life after Oesophageal & Gastric Surgery could be particularly useful. These booklets can be ordered as a printed booklet or a downloadable PDF. 

This person has been through a lot. Sometimes we don’t begin to process what we’ve been through until we try to get back to normality. We’d encourage them to let their GP know how much they’re struggling. There’s lots of support out there, it’s just working out what’s best for them. 

The Cancer Care Map is a great way to look for services locally. 

The support from Mission Remission may also be useful. 

I hope this information helps to guide you. 

On our helpline we offer a variety of support.. It might be good for this person to talk through what’s happening and how they’re feeling with us. 

Take care and best wishes, 

Karla (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 or use webchat. 

Ref: KS/PL