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Hello, new on here. Bit of background - my Dad was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer back in Feb. 9 weeks of chemo, the op then 9 weeks of chemo. We went to see the consultant for the 'all clear' and were devastated to find out it has spread to lung, liver and bone. He is now back on chemo.
He doesn't want info at the moment as to how far advanced etc, however as a nurse I need some facts to work to and also to offer the answers when he does need them. We are coping, just, will the consultant speak to me about this if my Dad doesn't want to know? He has a cough at the moment that the Drs seem unconcerned about but is really annoying him, I don't know if this is related to surgery, the spread, the drugs or nerves and he looks to me for explanation. Sorry to rant, feeling fairly useless at the moment x

Sammyanna - my thoughts are with you. Thankyou Donna, he was discharged by the Macmillan Nurse just before his op - that gave us a lot of hope, I am trying them again, think it's lunchtime for everyone!

Hello



I've just joined here today, this is not the first time someone in my life has been diagnosed with cancer but it is the first time I've felt so alone or been old enough to really understand what is happening. My cousin survived kidney cancer when he was young and a close friend has survived lymphoma, so I know there are positive outcomes, but my grandad has been diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer today. He is so old and frail that nothing can be done for him, it is not worth the extra suffering an operation or drug therapy would cause him.



I feel like I can't pick up the phone and speak to him tonight, or my mum. Knowing that my mum is so upset and I don't want to upset her more. Or knowing that the dreadful hoarseness my grandad's voice has developed isn't just because of getting old but is because of a tumour on his windpipe and lung. I don't know what to do really except try and pull myself together for a few minutes and call.



Reading people's stories and experiences on this site has been very helpful and something of a comfort over these last few hours. I know everything is going to change every day from now on until my grandad's life ends, so hopefully I will still find some comfort here, or if I continue to rant and vent about things someone else may find comfort in my words. Love to everyone whose lives or whose families' or friend's lives have been hit by this terrible experience also.

Dear Rainbow,
I feel withnyou, I am lucky enough to be near my Mum and Dad but sometimes I can't speak and I don't want to upset them more. They take comfort from my silence and know I'm thinkingmof them even if I cant speak when I phone.
Thoughts are with you

Cathy x

3am still cannot sleep thought we beat it but 15 months on and have been told dad has 6 to 12 months hardest day of my life,but Victoria from Macmillan was a great help,but still cannot sleep

Hi I am newbie, and do not really Know my way around this site yet. I was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in Oct 2003, had chemo in readiness for surgury, but did not happen, given 6 months to a year. Sept 2008 had another scan (The consultant was very surprised to see me) the results of this showed no change anywhere. The consultant rang with the results and said in his experience he had never seen anything like it. the follow up letter stated that "It was not an impossibility that the cancer had gone" . I have trawled the net looking for other's like me with no luck. I was coping before (and I know I should be gatefull)but I do not believe in miracles, and am having difficulties coming to terms with this.
I am sorry to gate crash, but is there anyone out there who can shed some light on this?
I was amazed on finding this site and having read some of the Threads you can almost feel the support thro the screen, keep up the good work, and if I anyone needs to know more please ask.

Bazza.

Well, I am also new to this site and find myself extremely sad that circumstances in my family are causing me to search for answers. My mom was just diagnosed with lung cancer. She has struggled for many years with COPD and the doctors have told her they cannot do a biopsy to determine what stage she is in due to the fact her lung will collapse. They have told us that she is also not a candidate for surgery and that basically she needs to get her affairs in order as she may have 2 years left. Mom has elected to not undergo chemo as she wants what remaining time she has to have some quality. She does however want to know what to expect in this journey. I have been unable to find anything for those who elect to not undergo chemo. Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

Well, I am also new to this site and find myself extremely sad that circumstances in my family are causing me to search for answers. My mom was just diagnosed with lung cancer. She has struggled for many years with COPD and the doctors have told her they cannot do a biopsy to determine what stage she is in due to the fact her lung will collapse. They have told us that she is also not a candidate for surgery and that basically she needs to get her affairs in order as she may have 2 years left. Mom has elected to not undergo chemo as she wants what remaining time she has to have some quality. She does however want to know what to expect in this journey. I have been unable to find anything for those who elect to not undergo chemo. Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

Hey Bazza hello and welcome! great news from your docs, you may like to put your post on the New Dads got osoephagus cancer thread as there are many of us on there who have involvement with that type of cancer and am sure someone will reply and relate to your predicament.

Lesleigh same advice really sorry to hear about your poor mum, may be worth looking under "tags" section for either lung or no treatment and see if you can find someone who has been through something similar.

Keep posting tho, like you say there is lots of support from people on here.

Rose x