Metastatic Esophageal Cancer

My thread was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer that has metastasized to the liver and stomach. They put in a stent so that it can swallow, but does not even really eat much other than soft foods and ensure they do not shake ... radiatoin but at this stage do not chemo. Anyone know anyone who simiar situation? My wife's parents do not want to ask how long he usually left and we ask doctors to be but I want to know what to expect. My mil takes care of him day and night and is itself running in the ground in the process and let us help struggling. How do I get her to let us get involved?

Life expectancy averages are and everyone is a little different. Some people die within weeks of diagnosis, others live several months and a very small percentage of patients with stage IV esophageal cancer defy chance and go into remission.

In short, nobody can give you an accurate assessment of how long he has left. As for your step-mother is concerned, let him know that you're there for her and will gladly help you if need be sufficient. Some people want (or try) to take care of their loved ones on their own. It is therapeutic in some respects, but can become simply too much of a burden, especially if the patient persists. But it is his decision to make.

Good luck and God bless.

he probably less than six months. and do not push yourself on her, she has enough to deal with ... let him know that you're ready to help, and she finally asked.

The other answerer is correct. An acquaintance of ours just went through this too and he died about four months after stopping treatment. Your step-mother threw herself into the physical care of your stepfather because she does not want to face the inevitable. She will get tired and eventually ask for help and that help should come from palliative care. They are wonderful - helping families to accept what happens and to act as an intermediary between the family and their doctor. They are excellent in allowing a person to die at home and with good pain control so they do not suffer. Most people, once they agree to palliative care, wish that they had been contacted earlier. They help with bathing, medications and counseling families. Your mother-in-need their help now, before it becomes too bad stress individual care of your stepfather. Open every day because time is short and each time, make the suggestion that she get help from the Hospice. Finally, it should welcome such assistance.

I encourage your in-laws to ask the doctor a deadline for your stepfather. I lost my dad one week ago of cancer of the esophagus. He was diagnosed in January 2009 (this year!) And death March 31, 2009. Its also distributed in the liver and that was the final cause of death. The doctors said that once he takes on the liver, the liver will stop as the rest of the body. As far as your husband's family does not want to know the timetable, it is easier to know if you have several months or weeks. Esophageal cancer is an evil beast. My prayers are with your family! I know exactly what you live!

sorry to say the life expectancy is very poor more metastases can reduce the life I do not want to mislead you with false encouragement