Stent

Oh my goodness this is so worrying for you both. Be guided by the oncology team, ring them if you are worried or have questions. My husband hasn’t had a stent but I am sure you will get replies soon from some that have. All the best to your Mum & you. Steph x

I do not have a stent. But in anticipation of when the time comes and I cannot swallow I asked my oncologist about them. He had nothing good to say. Very much along the lines you describe. More risks than benefits and an absolute last resort. I have seen posts on here where stents have proved to be beneficial. So I suppose both clinicians and patient’s experiences are divided. 

Thanks for your kind words, good news today, her tumour has shrunk due to immunotherapy, now just need to sort the stent out!

Very interesting, the stent was presented as her only option, we are very disappointed with the outcome, she is back in hospital today to try and get it fixed, rinse and repeat, thanks for your reply 

That must have been so difficult for her. They spoke about putting a stent in for me but an oncologist i was speaking to at The Royal Marsden in London said that as i am currently eating and drinking well it would be wise to defer it for the time being.

How’s your mum faring? I spoke to an oncologist recently who said, a stent should be a last resort. But, I have understood it’s easier for doctors to prescribe stents than other procedures, we basically were told to get a stent from the beginning by most of the doctors we met. 

I hope your mum is feeling much better considering you mentioned immunotherapy shrunk the tumour, I hope she’s able to swallow. Have they mentioned anything about a J or G - tube? 

Hi, thanks for your message. She has had her third stent fitted last week. It is a different type, partially covered which means it should grip better and is less likely to slip. It also means that it won't be able to be removed in the future. She is back home now and trying to build up her strength by eating a bit more but she is still very reluctant because of what happened before. She now has a bowel issue which needs sorting before she can get more immunotherapy. Hopefully this new stent is effective but we will have to wait and see.