Dad recently diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer.

Hi Slunksomas and welcome to the forum. That sounds like a challenging and difficult situation for you all. We are here for you as and when you need us to be and hopefully be able to point you in the direction of support and information. I just wanted to add one thing to my post please look after yourself, as what is happening is tough on everyone but remember you need to take time for you as well. Best Wishes for now.  

Hi 

You have joined the best, most informative, most caring group of people you possibly could.

If you have any questions ask away as whatever it might be there will always be someone who has an answer for you.

Take Care

Anthony 

Hello Slunksoma,

What an interesting user name you've chosen. 

I'm sorry you have had to resort to this particular forum but you are very welcome. I hope we are able to provide support, advice and comfort at this difficult time. 

Is your Dad still able to eat some food? Before his treatment started and began to do some good, my husband's diet was increasingly comprised of softer food. He found that the later he ate, the worse his regurgitation problems became and disturbed his sleep. He cut down on bread and avoided red meat, as advised by the nutritionist. Although, minced beef in spag bol and chilli went down okay. Greek yoghurt, custard and ice lollies or ice cream became his go to.

Your parents are lucky to have you there to help them. Do set aside some time for you too, though. This will help you to stay strong for them.

Take care,

Lorraine

Hi Lorraine,

Thank you for your reply. My dad is struggling to eat food, but is trying his best. We have the supplement shakes to help keep his strength up. I have a good support network around me, who have been invaluable already. 

Take care

Phil

Hi Anthony,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. You're right! I have already found so much useful information and context from this forum. I'll make sure to ask if needed. 

Take care

Phil

Hi Gail,

Thanks for your kind welcome. It is challenging of course, I think I'm managing OK considering. I have people to support me as well, who have been great. Thanks again and take care. 

Phil

Hi Phil, it’s a real commendable act to look after anyone who is I’ll so I take my hat off to you for doing it, it’s not easy seeing anyone on this pathway especially not a loved one,

I truly hate seeing new members to this forum knowing it’s another person who is sadly diagnosed, but here we all are.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the community if you have any questions about any part of his treatment, I’m sure someone on here can relate if not had the same experience 

And good luck in your journey supporting your Dad

This really escalated quickly. My Dad passed away on Saturday night. He’d been in hospital since 14 November due to liver issues. Chemo a week later, but his liver hadn’t improved and therefore the decision was taken to end treatment and move to palliative care at home. He was discharged on Wednesday, in a really stressful and chaotic process I have to say. We got him comfortable at home, but he rapidly deteriorated. At least we got to bring him home, but to die after such a rapidly progressing cancer- from having no symptoms a couple of months ago to now this - has been traumatic. I even said above I was preparing to lose him. Of course that’s impossible to do really. 

I wish I could have provided a more positive update. I got to tell him how much he meant to me, and care for him - even in the less glamorous moments. It was an honour. He was my hero, and I’ll miss him everyday. He was 68. 

I'm so sorry, Phil. Your Dad must have been comforted by having you with him over the last few weeks. I'm glad you got to have those special moments together too.

Sending my condolences to you and your family. 

Thinking of you all,

Lorraine

Hi Phil,

I am so sorry to hear this news and am shocked at the speed at which your dad’s cancer progressed. I am sure however that your presence and the care that you gave provided him with some comfort in his final weeks. Such an awful time of year for this to happen too. My deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. CB