Hi All, just found out yesterday my dad has oesophageal cancer spread to the ribs and it is terminal. He is a fit 78 year old. He was informed by the endoscopy consultant and seeing oncology Tuesday any advice / info very grateful. All a bit scary no cancer history in our family ever so unexpected. Thanks
Hi
so sorry to hear this so many of us on this site are fit and healthy and this is the last thing we expect to be told !
Many daughters sons wives and husband supporting their loved ones some people going through their own journeys some come out the other side and some struggling ! you will find this site and the lovely people on it a great help ‘
I am just at the beginning of my journey and am fortunate that I am on a curative path.
sending love and support
Tricia x
I'm sorry to read your news and that another person has received this awful diagnosis. The first few weeks of undergoing tests and awaiting results are excruciating. However, most people on this forum have received amazing support, care and treatment from the NHS once the treatment pathway has been decided upon. Sending love and strength as you set out on this journey supporting your Dad.
Thanks so much my main worry is he isn’t eating enough does anyone have any advice for this? He is relatively fit swimming three times a week. He is very stubborn about his eating lives on his own, totally blind and has no transport to get food either. Have tried making soups, he has meal replacement drinks but 300 calories not much really. I think he is eating half his required calorie intake.
Hi Calm Seas
Sorry your family is on this journey. Is it possible to join your dad for his medical appointments? It sounds like he could do with some support from the dieticians. Hopefully if his medical team tell him what he needs to do, he'll listen. It may be that he'll need a feeding tube. Another thought which doesn't help with the problem of too few calories..I use spray vitamins and minerals. I seem to have difficulty with absorbing nutrients so I tend to be low on some vitamins and iron. I use a mouth spray. The make is 'better you '. You can get them in Tescos or Waitrose or from their website. They are other companies that make vitamins and minerals that are absorbed in the mouth like Biocare.
Take care
Suzy
Hi. Sorry to hear about your dad. However he does seem to be only at the very first stage of the diagnostic route and he will I am sure need much further scans to get his full diagnosis. You have come to the right place to get the support you need. When you have a bit more information then those of us with similar diagnosis will be better able to offer advice. It is a difficult journey possibly worse at the start when you are in shock. All you can do at this stage is to go with him to the meetings to get a full understanding of the professional advice he receives.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007