Cancer of the oesophagus - Stents

Danny1931

I am not sure if this is an appropriate forum, if not please redirect me. I would like to hear from users or carers that have experience of using stents and 'feeding tubes'.

DUKE

Have a look here Danny, they're a great bunch & very supportive https://community.macmillan.org.uk/

Danny1931

Thankyou Duke, I will contact them this morning.

Bettie

Danny1931 wrote: »

I am not sure if this is an appropriate forum, if not please redirect me. I would like to hear from users or carers that have experience of using stents and 'feeding tubes'.

My brother had this type of cancer and had a stent put in. He went from being unable to eat anything for many months to being able to eat softer type foods again. I remember he was very nervous about having it done but it went well and was well worth it.

Danny1931

Thankyou Bettie.,
I have just had a period (18hrs) when I was completely closed and unable to even sip. I had not realised the amount of saliva that you normally swallow and have to regurgitate. At 84 I doubt I will be offered a stent. It's a month since a barium swallow and I await an appointment with the consultant. I have had my life so I may well decline any treatment if offered. My thinking is that pushing a stent into a cancerous gullet is going to aggrevate the cancer and it may well reclose at either end within a few weeks.

Bettie

Danny1931 wrote: »

Thankyou Bettie.,
I have just had a period (18hrs) when I was completely closed and unable to even sip. I had not realised the amount of saliva that you normally swallow and have to regurgitate. At 84 I doubt I will be offered a stent. It's a month since a barium swallow and I await an appointment with the consultant. I have had my life so I may well decline any treatment if offered. My thinking is that pushing a stent into a cancerous gullet is going to aggrevate the cancer and it may well reclose at either end within a few weeks.

A friend of mine has a long term feeding tube through the stomach. I am sure the consultant will discuss all options with you, then it's your choice. My brother was able to eat for a while then lost all appetite - though he could still swallow food ok. Every case is different I guess, hopefully they will be able to do something for you.

Torry_Quine

My great-aunt had cancer in that region and after time her oesophagus closed completely and like you couldn't even swallow her saliva. She had a feeding tube inserted and became much stronger with nutrition. She was fed this way for over 8 years until she died.