Well, where do I start here?
My Dad was diagnosed with Terminal/stage 4 Oesophageal cancer last July after a routine endoscopy for Barrett's Oesophagus. He was given a 14 month life expectancy in August and he original outlook was no Chemo would be offered but he was given an operation to put in a stent to make his eating a bit better, and then the oncologist changed his mind and offered 2 rounds of chemo over 6 months which he has now completed.
Yesterday he got his results from the last scan after chemo and I don't know what was said and if it was his choice but there will be no more chemo offered, he has to stop taking all drugs (he was on 30 x a day) and he has just to contact his Dr when he starts feeling unwell. He has also asked for the stent to be removed as it has caused him so much pain that he can't cope with it now.
I have a suspicion that he has said he doesn't want anymore treatment as he is 80 and in pain every day, but he won't say what the outlook is now?
I guess I'm just wondering is this him now classed as Palliative care and just wait and see how it goes? I know what the ultimate end game is here but I don't know how quickly this will progress or deteriorate him and I just need a bit of clarification as he's being closed book about it, obviously not wanting to upset me but I'd rather know than live in limbo.
Any advice or info would be much appreciated, TIA.
Hi SMac88and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but reaching out to the community will give you the opportunity to ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same journey.
The Community is actually divided into Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family and friends you may benefit from joining our Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others navigating the exact same support challenges.
To join a group first click on the “Bold Links” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat where you will find one of team there to help you out.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
