Dad's been given 9 months

Hi Kpkkc2004

Welcome to the forum, and thank you for having the courage to write your first post, it is not an easy step to take, but I hope that you find the help, support and greater understanding of Oesophageal cancer and the different types of treatment available.

In May 2020, My Husband was diagnosed with OC, so I understand some of what you are all experiencing emotionally at this time. I am so sorry that you Dad has been given this diagnosis, and that he has been advised that his prognosis is 9 month.

When my husband was diagnosed, he was advised that he had approximately 4 months without treatment, and although not curable his condition was treatable, but even with treatment his prognosis was just over 12 months.  Here we are - 15 months later and after having chemotherapy and immunotherapy almost ever fortnight since mid-May 2020, he is doing really well.

So in answer to your wondering, How much longer will that give him? the answer cannot be defined, it will depend the treatment, Dad's acceptance and reaction to the treatment.

Are you able to tell us a little more about the type of OC Dad has been diagnosed with, I am thinking that if he is not suitable for surgery, what was their reasons for that?

There is a Telephone number in my signature for the Macmillan helpline, Dad can access that during there opening times on any day that he may feel like speaking to someone. People do have different experiences of chemotherapy, so it really is hard to say.

For you, some of Macmillan's additional Forums like Family and Friends and Supporting someone with incurable cancer  may give you and other family members a place to chat with others who have similar experiences to you, this can be an invaluable source of support for some people.

You may have already looked at the information provided by Macmillan on Oesophageal Cancer ?

I hope that we can be of support to you and your Dad, we are here for you.

Take care

Lowe'

Hi

I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s diagnosis.

My mum was diagnosed with metastatic OC at the beginning of May. (Given life expectancy of 6 months only)It has been a roller coaster of emotions that we have never experienced or seen before

My first reaction was that of guilt and could I have done anything more to catch this cancer earlier.  Lockdown meant we couldn’t see mum as regularly as we would have liked too.

Mum is of the generation that you have a stiff upper lip.  It is only now that she has some tears.  She is very frightened and has bouts of anger at us.  Her anxiety levels are quite high too.  Her St Barnabas Nurse and OT are wonderful and mum has been referred to a Welfare Nurse so she can support mum with her mental health as we find it quite difficult to cope with at times. We understand that this is all part of the grieving process.

We let mum lead with what she wants as long as she is safe. 

Are you able to have a chat with your dads Consultant/Nurse as they are fountains of knowledge and they can support you?  We have support from the Upper GI Macmillan Nurses from the hospital and also the St Barnabas Nurses are amazing.  Is there a Macmillan Hub in your local hospital, another information and support network for you and it feels better to speak to someone face to face.

As for you having support, I am lucky enough to have contact with “Carers First”  

I’m not sure that this is what you are looking for but hope you get some answers.