Hi, my 90 year old grandad has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer, he has 2 tumours in the oesophagus, which has spread to some lymph nodes and his liver, although they say his liver is functioning normally atm.
We have been told at this point they can only offer to treat his symptoms and are talking about putting in a stent, to enable him to eat.
I have been trying to research stents and thought I may be better off getting opinions from people who have experienced it rather than statistics and medical opinions.
My fear is the trauma and pain for him during and after the procedure, and if it will cause more pain and suffering for him.
It seems to be the only option other than do nothing!
im thinking of asking about a feeding tube instead.
any thoughts, advice on that would be gratefully accepted.
Hi TAC78
Welcome to the forum, and thank you for finding the courage to post here.
I am very sorry to read that you Granddad has been diagnosed stage 4 OC, I know how much of a shock it is when a loved one is given this diagnosis, so my thoughts are truly with you.
Have they mentioned what type of treatment they might offer your Granddad? How fit is granddad overall? I ask this because I imagine his overall fitness will have a impact on what treatment they can offer. If they are looking at chemo or radio therapy and depending on when this may be able to start then, a stent may be able to be delayed if you can find ways for granddad to get the nutriments he needs from foods, maybe blitzed into smoothies? I say it could be delayed only based on my husbands experience, he is stage 4 with various mets, lungs, liver and lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis. His stent was delayed in the hope that once the treatment started his swallowing would become easier. This is exactly what happened Our Blog starts HERE if you would like to read it.
If they are unsure of what type of treatment they will provide and Granddad is struggling greatly with swallowing then as you say, a stent may be the only option. Some of the other guys here have stent experiences which they (I am sure) will be along later to share.
Wishing your Granddad the very best.
Lowe'
Hi, thanks for the reply.
They have said that it would not be beneficial to put him through chemo/radiotherapy, and that the stent would allow him to get nutrition in, although Im worried about the trauma, pain and complications associated with having it done and wondered if a feeding tube was a kinder option.
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Hi TAC78
I am sorry I did not respond sooner, did your Granddad have the stent fitted or did you agree on the feeding tube?
Lowe'
Hi
I write a blog which may give some feeding/food ideas, it is Here if you are interested. (start at the bottom) this is my husbands journey so far.
Maybe you could consider writing one for your Granddad, I feel it helps me and in turn when others read, it may help them also.
I wish your Granddad luck with the stent if that is the only option
Lowe'
