Hi Marem,

You have just written my story, nearly word for word.

In October My partner was diagnosed with Stage 4 oesophageal cancer that spread into spine, lung, adrenal gland, and lymph nodes and is terminal.

1 round  of radiotherapy on the spine, 1 round of brutal chemotherapy, not completed as the tumor grew and blocked his oesophagus.

Stent insertion operation and now starting chemo round 2

His weight is dropping off him losing around 3.5 stone and trying to get an appetite is so hard. He also has chemo tablets in between 6 chemo sessions.

He will not accept emotional or physical support, as he is a man's man.....and men just don't need that stuff.

I am so sorry that you are dealing with such an awful diagnosis for your husband, I wish that I could offer advice and support on your journey with cancer, I can listen and try to stay positive for you and with you.....

WelshMam81

Just remember if you ever need to "offload" then just come on here and do just that. We will always listen to you x

Hello Marem.

I'm very sorry to read about your husband. My husband also has stage 4 oesophageal cancer, which is terminal. There is some spread to his liver and peritoneum, as well as lymph glands. He is responding well to treatment. I hope this will happen for your husband too.

Sending love and strength,

Lorraine 

Hello WelshMam81.

I'm sorry that you too find yourself reaching out on this forum. Your husband sounds very poorly but I hope the treatment starts to kick in and turn things around. My husband is generally the more open of the two of us, very much wearing his heart on his sleeve. This has been helpful for me, our daughters and wider family because it has enabled us to talk about our worst fears. 

This forum is great for added support.

Sending love,

Lorraine

Hi Marem, 

My Dad has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 oesophageal cancer that has spread to the lymph node in his neck. He is currently awaiting a stent being fitted next week as his tumour is now almost completely blocking his oesophagus. We are all devastated as we were initially told he was stage 3 until the results of the PET scan showed it had spread and palliative chemotherapy was the only option left. Just waiting for him being discharged from hospital and referred to the oncologist to start treatment. My Mum and I are just in a daze between crying and praying that treatment will keep this at bay for as long as possible. I have a young daughter, his only grandchild and I can’t imagine him not being able to see her grow up. 

I am so sorry you and your husband are going through this terrible time.  There are no words to describe the fear and anxiety attached to this diagnosis. I wholeheartedly hope his treatment kicks in and he starts to improve for both of you. 
 
sending lots strength and love 

Sending the same to you and your parents. We were on a rollercoaster of emotions for about a month after diagnosis.

It will settle down once you have treatment underway and come to terms with what you've been told. We figured that we keep hearing about friends and their relatives suddenly dying but we, at least, have been given a bit of notice. Hopefully xxx

I got the same thinking of you keep fighting 

Like you we are on this journey, and we have had many twists and turns on it. Last Thursday, after pushing for results of CT Scan from 7th Nov, we were informed that he has secondary tumours and cancer in the liver has grown, basically treatment has not touched it, and it has stopped. We are thankful, that the team tried there best. We now move into the pain relief and keeping him comfortable stage, Palliative nurse here on Tuesday, to formulate a plan. To say I am shattered would be an understatement, as I feel all hope has now gone. His brothers visited yesterday, they knew about the tumour and treatment, but not Thursday's news as hubby wanted to tell them face to face. An emotional day, for us all. He wants to sort out what he can, while he can. Wills were updated at the start of this journey, it's just all of his workshop stuff and model making room. Some will be given to good friends. He also wants to speak to the undertaker, which will be even harder.

I truly hope he is still with me at Christmas, God Bless to you all on this path.

My heart goes out to you and I pray he will be with you for Christmas and you can make some memories 

sending love 

Tricia x

I am truly sorry that this is the pathway you have been forced to take. It seems especially cruel to be facing it at this time of year. I hope that you are able to have one more Christmas together and that the time together and the love you share will help to sustain you during the difficult days that lie ahead.