chickencam Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 I am clutching at straws I think. My dad received his diagnosis yesterday He has had such bad luck in his life. A heart attack that nearly killed him at 60, a ruptured oesophagus 5 years later incredibly rare and often fatal. Various other digestive and heart issues. He is the exception that proves the supposed lifestyle rule. Very slim, clean living, no drinking smoking over eating etc. Life is not fair. He is only 74 All we know so far is he has a tumour almost blocking the lower part of his oesophagus. We will know more over the next week about whether it is operable etc. He went to the GP at the beginning of December and had to beg for an appointment. He was given one for 30th! They have a modern health centre but can't get doctors for it. One retired and they haven't replaced him and the only one left is due to retire this year. He has been having issues getting food to go down into his stomach for over 6 months, he wasn't sure if his issue was related to scar tissue from his ruptured oesophagus because he has always had a few difficulties since that happened or if it was largely anxiety related. It has however got dramatically worse over the past 6 weeks or so. The GP reluctantly and only because of his history referred him as an urgent case and he was seen yesterday and then immediately sent for a CT scan after which he was told the news by the consultant who had brought a Macmillan nurse into the room with him. I just wondered if anyone here knew of any positive outcomes, like I said clutching at straws and probably just needed to get the news off my chest. . Incidentally they don't think that it is related to his ruptured oesophagus because it is much lower down. Just plain bad luck and maybe long untreated acid erosion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 I haven't got any advice or information to share but just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear your news. I can't believe that your poor Dad had to wait so long for an appointment to see a GP I hope someone will come along soon with something more helpful but just wanted to send you a big virtual hug. Thinking of you xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted January 10, 2017 Author Share Posted January 10, 2017 Thank you, I think that is what we all need right now, can't get our heads around it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 I haven't got any advice or information to share but just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear your news.I can't believe that your poor Dad had to wait so long for an appointment to see a GP I hope someone will come along soon with something more helpful but just wanted to send you a big virtual hug. Thinking of you xxx I was going to say the same thing. Lots of love xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 So sorry to hear that your Dad has this diagnosis....do hope that the news next week is more positive and that an op is possible. Sending virtual support and will be thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 So sorry to hear your news, that is no age at all. You will probably get more information to work with over the next few weeks. I would recommend having a note book and keeping any questions that you think of in it,then at appointments you won't forget things. The Macmillan website is excellent in terms of types of and treatment of different types of cancer. They also have a useful relatives section.I know you can't sometimes read things on web you would rather you hadn't. I am an information freak and find it good to find out lots but I guess it really depends on the stage your dad is at. As you said life is so very unfair and that is true Poor health is so very hard to watch in those we love,and makes us realise how impotent we are. Just being there for your dad and talking to him,especially about his illness if he wants to, are the best you can do. Do not let cancer become the ' elephant ' in the room. Thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 So sorry to hear that Liz, no experience/advice from me, but sending you strength and positive thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted January 10, 2017 Author Share Posted January 10, 2017 He got the result of the CT scan today and the good news is that it hasn't spread to the surrounding organs. No news yet about how operable or otherwise it is though. After yesterday though it feels like hope at least. The downside is that is is growing so quickly that he couldn't eat anything at the start of the day. Yesterday he could eat soup with peas in and thin porridge today he couldn't manage the porridge and could only eat thin smooth soup and ice cream. Tomorrow he may be able to eat or drink nothing so he is being admitted for them to attempt to fit a stent to hold the tumour away from the opening of his stomach so that he can eat. Really hoping that they can do this . The health services are really rallying around now and the Macmillan nurses have been great. He is feeling positive today Thank you for your good wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Sending best wishes x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 In as far as it could be this is good news Chickencam! Hopefully Dad will be eating properly again very soon and that always helps! Again, the fact that it has not spread is very positive. How is he feeling? Sending more virtual support (shame there isn't an emoticon for hugs!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Thoughts are with you for positive news today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 That's great to hear that it hasn't spread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 I'm so pleased to hear that it hasn't spread. It must give you a little comfort in a very worrying time. Thoughts are with you xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Just catching up on the forum and wanted to say I am thinking of you and sending best wishes. Remember to take time for yourself while you are assisting your dad at this time, I bet your head is buzzing with information overload at the moment, there's always too much to take in at times like this. Take care xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted January 12, 2017 Author Share Posted January 12, 2017 He is going in this morning to have the stent fitted to hopefully push the tumour aside so that he can eat. He will only be able to eat soft food but at least that would be an improvement. I am worried because they have heavy snow forecast in their area later and not sure how he will get back or how my mum will get to him. She doesn't drive and they live in quite a rural area she will be dependent on friends and taxis. The hospital is about 15 miles away. We live 150 miles away and are still unwell following a nasty bout of flu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 Hope op goes well and snow stays away. We were forecast to get it at midnight, not a flake in sight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 All the best for today, do they have patient transport from the hospital or similar they could use. We have ambulance transport and volunteer transport which the patients pay a small portion per mile to the volunteer for petrol costs. We have just about an inch of snow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 I hope the snow stays away too and that the stent fitting goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 Sending best wishes. Hope the snow stays away. I hope the stent fitting was successful. Hugs from Rutland Northants border. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted January 12, 2017 Author Share Posted January 12, 2017 Thanks all. Stent fitting went well after a long wait. He is so hungry but all they could let him have was jelly, and custard. Good sign that he has his appetite though. Hopefully home tomorrow and will be able to eat a bit more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 That sounds good to start, hungry is great too, wishing him all the best, keep us informed please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
