New diagnosis, where to go from here

Dear Wepon, 

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. 

I know this is a very worrying time. In 2018 (at the same age as your dad 58) I too had an endoscopy and they found a tumour at the junction of my oesophagus and stomach (type 2). I found the most worrying time was between finding the tumour and getting the biopsy results (I had 13 samples taken) which did arrive within 2 weeks. 

Once they have your dad's biopsy results, and assuming it is malignant your dad will undergo a battery of tests which may include endoscopic ultrasound, CT scan, PET scan, explorative surgery (staging laparoscopy), blood tests, etc. These tests are to stage your dad's cancer and he will be given a TNM diagnosis (T - Tumour status N - lymph Node infection status M - Metastasis (spread) status). Once your dad's cancer has been staged (diagnosed) his case will be discussed at a MDT (multi Disciplinary Team) meeting, and a treatment plan will be offered to your dad. This process should not take longer than 8 weeks, but with COVID-19 and Christmas coming up who knows?

Then the treatment should start after some weeks. 

I know it must be very frightening and overwhelming for you and your dad at the moment. I remember it was for me and my wife. However there is hope! Firstly don't depress yourself by looking things up on he internet. Treatments (and survival rates) have changed in the last 3 years. 

Your dad is going to need support (physical and emotional). I'm not going to lie to you the treatment is tough. But there are many of us who have survived and lead a normal life. 

Wishing your dad all the best.

Hello Wepon

It is such a shock no matter the diagnosis, and you are right to wonder how to carry on with normal life, but you will, it will just happen. The family will have up times and down times and no doubt will stay strong for your Dad.

There are so many different oesophageal diagnosis's, so as Anon has said, try not to look it up, if you can, wait for the official diagnosis, as the MDT team who will review Dad's condition will know the best course of action when they have all the information that they need.

My Husband was diagnosed in May, so I have an idea of what you are experiencing.

Please feel free to bring any of your thoughts here, there is a wealth of personal experience and understanding.... and there is almost always someone around who can answer you..

Thinking of you all

Lowe'

Thank you for your response, I hope you remain well. I hope once we have a stage and know what we are facing we can start to fight. 

Hopefully in time things get a little more settled emotionally.

thank you again for your words.

Thank You ! I hope your husband is well. I have spent already much time here