Hello Tricia84,

I'm sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis and how it has affected you. Here is some useful information and I hope posting your feelings on Cancer Chat has helped in some way.

Best wishes,

Moderator Anastasia

Hi I'm Lee just been confirmed with tongue cancer, my mom had the same as your mom has, we made the decision to have the operation, big job tbh the issue was eating after, my advice would be make sure the hospital force feeds her including the forty sips, my mom ending up with anerexia.

Really hope things work out for you, fight for everything 

Hi Tricia, 

My mum has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer this month. The exact same problems as your mum - trouble eating and swallowing. The past two weeks my mum has had scans, scopes and has had a stent fitted. Today my mum was told the cancer hasn't spread but they cannot operate as it is close to vital organs so the plan is chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 
My mum is my absolute world, it was just the two of us when I was growing up (I am now 41)  and we speak everyday. My mum is 69 and very healthy, fit etc so this has came as such a shock.  I know exactly what you are going through, it is terrifying xx 

Hi Nadine,

thank you for replying to my post. I’m sorry to hear about your mum. But it’s positive it hasn’t spread. You both sound so like me and my mam. It’s just been the 2 of us for a very long time. My mam is normally fit and well, she’s 68. 

How is your mum following her stent? They are arranging one for my mam ASAP. She’s currently being fed through an NG. We have an appointment with an oncology consultant on Tuesday to discuss treatment. I’m staying positive, but not eating and drinking is really getting her down at times.

Thanks again for getting back to me! xxx

Thank you Lee for replying to my post. My mam is currently being fed via NG tub and is putting weight on. 

i’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you’re doing ok?!

x

My mum was absolutely fine after the stent, her throat was a bit sore in the afternoon but only needed painkillers once. The next day she was up and about as usual, really didn't faze her at all. 
My mum has an appointment with her consultant on Monday to discuss her treatment, they have advised chemo will start in about two weeks. I'm a bit worried about my mum coping with the chemo as I have been reading up on the side effects, my mum has been warned it's tough going. 
We are all being as positive as we can, I just want my mum better xx 
 

That’s good to hear that your mum was ok following stent. I’ve read that lots of people have pain afterwards. My mam has absolutely no pain so would hate for her to start experiencing pain on top of the stress she’s already going through. Has it improved your mums swallow? 

Hope Monday goes well. I’ve read that the chemo can really take it out of the patient. Sounds hard going but worth it.

Really hope the chemo works well for your mum ASAP. xxx

The stent has really helped my mum. She's now able to have mashed potatoes, macaroni, soft foods at the minute but building up to solids.  My mum has also been prescribed shakes (they look a bit like protein shakes), she has 4 of these a days and they contain all the essentials your body needs. My mum gets these free due to her cancer diagnosis. 

Keep me updated with your mum, I will be thinking of you both. My mum is so strong but she gets upset sometimes about the grandkids (I have a 7 year old boy and an 11 year old girl) and she's worried she won't see them growing up. I'm just staying as positive as I can, I don't want to see her in pain and ill with chemo but I will be with her every step of the way and hopefully she comes through the other end. Take care and keep in touch xx 

Sounds like the stent has really helped. I think my mam will really benefit as not eating and drinking gets to her the most.

I’ve been off work the past month and they’ve been brilliant, they’ve told me not to come back until after my mam has her treatment. So I’m not leaving her side. Definitely keep in touch. Will be thinking of you xxx