Advice, Feel confused over my uncles Cancer.

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My uncle had issues swallowing and had a camera on the 14th of july,  they told him then and there it was Cancer.  He's had scans since and keyhole to check other areas of the body, to wich they found some in the stomach  they initially told him T2n2m0 and that he could have chemo/radio and an operation.

After the pet scan this changed,  they said they cant cure it "their words"

He's now been offered chemo to improved survival.

The dietitian came today to talk about a feeding tube.  My uncle didn't want it through the nose but She said they don't do the tube straight into the tummy at this stage and that he has to have an NJ tube, through the nose and into the small intestine in the hope the chemo shrinks the issue in the esophagus.

I advised her her can barely swallow but she said they will "force it through" if they need to,  I asked how is he going to take his tablets and she said they can be put into the feed.

Here is the problem,  I asked about if he has issues with the chemo tablets,  she seemed confused about this so i reiterated my concern for him getting the chemo tablets past the tube as they have to be taken oral.  She just said he will have to talk to his nurse if that happens.

We feel so let down by the NHS.  I don't want to bad mouth them but he had a camera 6 weeks before the 14th of july and they just told him he had some stomach ulcers and now here we are almost 3 months and no treatment. We feel its this time that's allowed the cancer to progress.

I feel so sad for my uncle who's more like a father to me and my brother,  We haven't had to face anything like this before.  It is so devastating words cant describe it.

  • Hi ScottH. I, so sorry to read about your Uncle’s situation. I cannot comment about drugs being included in your Uncle’s feed but you’re absolutely right to raise the issue, and be concerned about how he is to take the Chemotherapy tablets. My advice would be to phone the Nurse/Upper GI Department at the hospital and if you do not get a clear response, direct your enquiry through the PALS team, who act as an intermediary between patient/relative and the medical staff. I hope you get some answers. Best wishes, Julie 

  • Hi,  How do I get in touch with the PALS team?  First time I've heard of this.  Thanks.

  • Hi ScottH. If you go onto your Uncle’s hospital’s website, you will come across PALS, (without googling I think it stands for Patient Advisory Liaison Service). All larger hospitals have this facility. I found them very useful recently when I was trying to find out something about my Dad’s treatment and couldn’t get an answer from the Nurses. Basically, you ask a question/raise an issue and they look into it for you, and you will receive a response, either directly from the Doctor or the PALS team. Hope you get some answers quickly. Best wishes, Julie