Hi All, I am looking for some advice really, a close relative of mine has been diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer about 6 weeks ago. He has recently developed swollen legs beneath the knee and very yellow eyes. We were told upon diagnosis that he was looking at approx 6 to 9 months. The recent symptoms along with stomach pain not yet under control by morphine, seem to suggest to us that he may have less time left with us, and if this is the case we will need to try and prepare for this. He has just finished radiotherapy this week. He is seeing the oncologist on Thursday to discuss possible chemotherapy. We aren't sure if this will be the best option now, such a difficult decision, does anyone have any experience of the signs of end of life, and does the jaundice and thrombosis indicate that there is more likely weeks rather than months left?
We are obviously all very emotional at present but looking for some advice really to help us prepare for what's we are told is the inevitable. Also any practical advice is also welcome. Thank you.
Hello Sistersupport
Welcome to the forum, i am so sorry to hear that your close relative has been diagnosed with OC, stage 4, which has spread to the liver and is experiencing jaundice also.
Thank you for reaching out here at such a difficult time for you and your family.
It seems to me that the prognosis for stage 4 oesophageal cancer is between 6 & 12 months with treatment as a standard. My Husband was diagnosed in May 2020 and without treatment given a prognosis of 6 months, with treatment 12 months. Thankfully we are 16 months on and counting , so hold on to hope if you can.
This LINK is for will take you to a booklet which will give you some guidance on changes that can happen at end of life, which you may find helpful.
My hubby has been on chemo and immunotherapy every fortnight since he was diagnosed (apart from a two week break in his cycle for Xmas last year.
I hope that they can find a treatment for your relative that is affective.
Remember they can also contact the Macmillan helpline directly on the number in my signature below, if they would like to talk with some outside of their main support group.
I wish you all the best, I truly know how difficult it can be managing emotions caused by the effects of OC .
Take care
Lowe'
Hi
Really sorry to hear your news! As I have recently lost my father to this horrible disease last week, I would say find out as many options as possible.
we weren’t given any options at all the chemo or radio for this as he suffered the same complication with the swelling, if I’m honest no one said it was near the end either and I can say that the district nurses have been amazing but no one told us really what was happening.
I hope all goes well, and like I say try and obtain as much info as possible! X
Dear Charl30
I am so sorry to read that your Father was lost to this horrible disease.
Thinking of you and sending you strength
Lowe'
Sorry for such a late reply to any of this, my relative sadly passed away so quickly. Like you Charl30, we weren't ready, we thought he had months. I'm sorry for your loss.
I will look in on this group from time to time if only to offer some support, been through this a couple if times now.
So Sorry to hear this Sistersupport,
Thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Lowe'
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