My partner, Stuart, had an oesophagectomy over a year ago. He has been unable to eat, getting nutrition through a nasal gastric tube. He had vocal cord palsy as well but it was treated in August but sadly only had his voice for two months. Since October his voice went due to paralysis of the vocal cord. This was caused by an enlarged lymph node pressing on the nerve linked to the vocal cord. Unfortunately cancer cells were found in the node. He started chemotherapy mid January but it was halted due to a crisis with his breathing due to the vocal cord palsy. He’s now in hospital waiting for a tracheostomy procedure on Tuesday. We’re told this will be permanent and he’ll have to learn to talk. I’ve researched aftercare of the airway and it looks tricky. This is a particularly cruel cancer and we’re told that he’s been unlucky. We’re also having to deal with palliative care though the oncologist has said there’s an outside chance of cure. However, the damage has been done. After the last two visits I have cried in the car. He’s been so diminished. I can’t believe the difference to him over 14 months. He looks more like man in his 80s, he’s 73.
