Advanced diagnostic

Hi Hollsmolls

Welcome to the forum,  the news of your Dad's diagnosis must have been a terrible shock to you all.  

I am not sure if you have been advised of why Chemo has been ruled out, or what the radiotherapy offering would look like, there are many different formats that are offered. 

In regards to palliative care route, I really want to let you know that my husband was given the palliative care route over 4 years ago, when we were first advised of palliative care it place the biggest fear in our hearts, but really we found what it means is, "to keep you comfortable and with the best quality of life we can, for as long as we can". 

The treatment of either radio or chemo therapy can help with the swallowing difficulties, so it may be an idea to see how the first session of Radio goes before choosing a stent, but it will be personal choice of course and guided by your Dad's oncology team.

I wish your Dad the very best going forwards 

Lowe'

Hi Hollsmolls, 

I am really sorry to hear about your dad, it’s a horrible disease. My dad (age 78yrs) was diagnosed with stage 3/4 oesophageal cancer early this year, he was advised against  chemotherapy due to his age and a previous heart condition but was offered radiotherapy. He had 5 sessions for 6 weeks and by week 3 was eating small amounts of soft foods again after being a choke risk for months prior. By the end of his treatment he was back to eating 3 meals a day and was no longer using his feeding tube. We are still waiting to hear back what the radiotherapy has done to my dads primary tumour, I wish your dad all the luck in the world. Xx