my dad has oesophageal cancer

Thank you for your message :) We had dad's scan results 2 weeks ago and it's really scary to go into so good luck with the scan today i hope it goes ok- my fingers are crossed for you. His symptoms have not been too bad - massive weight fluctuation- He usually loses about a stone the first week of Chemo round and manages to about make it up in the 2 weeks that follows. His appetite and sensitivity to certain foods is one of the biggest symptoms and the nerve damage is the worst. He has to have a hot water bottle with him all day and wear gloves all day. Luckily no throwing up so far and he seems to still have lots of energy which is great but all round he's an absolute trooper, as is i'm sure your dad :) 

Hi Beth hope your dads treatment is going ok. I have just finished 4 rounds of chemo and awaiting results of Petscan to see what is next.

I had bad taste in mouth too and a lot of foods I just couldn't taste. Had bad pins and needles too to the point they reduced strength of last round and it helped.

Talk to your dad's team and they may be able to adjust his drugs too .

Wish you all the best

Dean

his scan isn’t for another 4 months he’s having this first lot of chemo today. but yeah i can imagine the scan is the worst part not knowing if it’s gotten worse or not. thank you so much though! i’m glad to hear his symptoms aren’t too bad, it’s horrible to see the weight drop off them but i’m glad your dad is managing to get some of it back on. that’s so important. he sounds like a right trooper and goodluck to you and your family. i’m wishing you all the best. is the weight loss a common thing? is it because of their appetite or just a side effect of the chemo? worried about him losing more weight! 

Hi ilmdaisstlhinr I have oesophagal cancer too so I know what your dad is going through . I too have lost quite a lot of weight and I think it's partly the chemo making you weak and the lack of taste/ loss of appetite. I think it's quite common in all cancer patients to lose weight but it is a bit scary.

For someone so young it sounds to me as if you are doing really well in the situation you find yourself in It is perfectly normal to worry. There is lots of support from the cancer teams so talk to them and I'm sure they will do the very best for your dad. 

It is horrible waiting for results as I know full well. Try to stay positive and I wish you all the best

Dean

thank you so much for your reply and kind words. yes it’s just horrible to see because the weight loss happens so quickly and his appearance is changing which is sad, but it does make sense. may i ask what chemo you are on/were on? i get told that a lot and it makes me question whether i’m dealing with this properly. i guess i feel as if there’s so much pressure for me to do well as my family say my graduation is his ‘purpose’. i hope you are well also, thank you :) 

Hi ilmdaisstlhinr I am on the FLOT chemo which is all given through a PICC line which is like a canular but they can take bloods from it as well as giving pain relief if needed. I think you are doing really well  as it must be so difficult to even come on here to discuss your dad. 

Please use the helpline as they are so experienced and they will support and guide you every step of the way.

I can only imagine the pressure you are under with all this and university. Maybe your graduation will keep your dad's spirits up and you have to carry on for your own well being. Stay strong and always in here if you need someone to talk to

Best wishes

Dean