My wife has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and treatment isn't possible. This is a frightening time. Is anyone else in this position? How are you coping?
Do you mean the diagnosis is that it isn't curable? If you can give more details then I'm certain there will be people on this wonderful forum that will be able to advise you better
My husband's oesophageal cancer is also incurable so his treatment is palliative. There are different sorts of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy that various people in the same situation have been given. Rod was on a clinical trial which involved chemo, immunotherapy and a trial drug or placebo. After a great start, it stopped working so he will start on a different type of chemo soon.
I'm sorry to read about your wife's diagnosis. Once it has sunk in, write down all your questions and concerns ready for the next meeting with the oncologist.
This is a very supportive forum and it's great that you've reached out so soon.
Im sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis. Being told it isn't curable is devastating. Do you mind expanding on why it isn't curable and we may be able to give more advice.
My dad was also told it wasn't curable and palliative chemotherapy only. He was diagnosed in December 2023. His wasn't curable due to the fact his oesophagus tumour was too bulky as it was wrapped around his aorta and also spread to the liver.
He started 6 cycles of capox in March 24. By the end, his liver tumour had disappeared but his oesophagus tumour was starting to push on his nerves on his back which was causing excruciating back pain. He was also back on a liquid diet.
We were then fortunate enough to be offered 10 cycles of radiotherapy due to his back pain. This started in September 24. This was a rough ride, causing burns on his back and making him feel really poorly, however by the end of the treatment the back pain didn't subside and he could eat again! Our consultant called it a win as even though the scans didn't show much reduction he said it must of shrunk in the oesophagus to be able to eat again.
January 2025 he started his 2nd line treatment of Paclitaxel. Today he has just finished his 2nd cycle out of 6. The only real side effects so far of this has been tiredness and a pain in his leg.
December 24 he was referred to palliative care to manage pain relief, this was the best thing he could of done as they were able to give different varieties of medication and now some days he can be pain free with just a few twinges. The aches usually come on at the night.
He is looking well and has even started to put on weight. We have another ct scan booked for March to see how this treatment is doing.
We were devastated that my dad's diagnosis was not curable but we are 15 months down the line now and he is much better than he was 15 months ago and hopeful and praying it continues this way.
The whole point of this was, do not give up. Treatments can work if the right one is found and if it does work, it works miracles.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any questions answering. We are all going through different journeys on here and have different experiences
My wife has been diagnosed with a bulky, poorly differentiated carcinoma, staged as T4. She is not fit enough for the typical chemo regimen or an extensive surgical procedure. Radiotherapy would also be technically difficult. She is considered to be too frail for any active treatment.
If her condition improves, now she has a PEG and is home from hospital, treatment options will be re-evaluated. We have another consultation on Monday.
The chemo didn’t work for me and I became in operable. But I then was offered immunotherapy and was on that 2 years and I’m now stable. I’d oesophageal cancer too. Hope this helps. hilary x
I had a pic line in and it was an hour once a month. It turns your immune system on to high alert that it blocks it to enable it to attack cancer cells. A friend of mine had same diagnosis and she’s same as me 3 years after diagnosis
I’ve had immuno alongside chemo for getting on for a year. The chemo has been dialled back a bit - losing the oxiplantin and stuff which generates most of the side effects so feeling very good right now. The oncologist originally classified my OC as inoperable and gave me 8 months to live. Following treatment at the McMillan centre at UCLH I have been in remission for almost 6 months, feel fine and currently on holiday in the Med. My advice would be to investigate the chances of a clinical trial - your oncologist should be able to help and maybe seek a second opinion. A positive attitude will help. Best of luck!! D
