My dad has esophigal cancer, Age 85. Very bad heart. They are going to do 22 radiat. trtmnts. How good is this

Question

He is feeling fine right now. Is eating great, coughing some. He also has COPD. They will not do surgery because his heart is only pumping at 25%. Chemo is said to be too harsh for him. He had a defibulator/pacemaker. We have been told he might have difficulty swallowing and maybe eventially need a feeding tube. My brother is all for this but I feel at his age he should have better quality of life. I would like to know how this is REALLY going to affect him.

Answer 1

The variables are too many to mention here.
What I suggest you do is go with your father to the oncologist and ask for all the options, side effects, quality of life issues.
HOWEVER please remember this is a decision that YOUR FATHER has to make not you. If this is what your father wants I encourage you to respect his wishes. Just because someone has a feeding tube does not mean they do not have a good quality of life.
Perhaps at your age you wouldn;t consider that a good one. BUT at your dads age it is possible that it will be.
I know that your question is based solely upon your concern for him I have been in your position. You will have to get all the info that you can that will help you to respect and honor what ever decisions your father may make. It is his life and sadly the choice on how he meets his end will be his.

I wish you and your family all the best during this difficulty time

Answer 2

I am half your dads age and have been on the feeding tube ( known as the peg tube ) which is inserted directly into my stomach for over six years. During all these years I have not even sipped a drop of water. I "eat", "drink" through my tube. Initially it was tough but now that I have got so used to this alternate lifestyle it does not bother me any more. I go around all my work as usual - office, drive, work out at the gym - everything that a person who has not been through this trauma can do. I am happy as a lark and this I can say without being a hypocrite.

Answer 3

My Dad passed away at 84. He suffered from esophogial cancer.
They did chemo on him. It cleared up, but a few months later he developed bone cancer in his neck behing the esophogus. He likely will need a feeding tube because he won't be able to swallow without worry of choking. If you want quality, the only thing you can do is go natural. He needs healthy, whole and real foods. I don't know how far along he is, it may only give him quality of life (ie more energy etc), but he may not be able to heal himself - too many details unknown here. One of the most basic foods he should eat is bio-available whey protein. This will provide his cells with the building blocks to heal and protect. Brocolli sprouts are loaded with anti-cancer fighting agents. He should consider a high quality aloe vera. Eat oprganic as much as possible. Drink pure water. Do things that make him happy. But spend time with him. There are more things he can consider.

You can learn about bio-available whey protein at: http://www.achievevibranthealth.com

Best of wishes to you.

Answer 4

He should get a feeding tube up front, before any treatment. He is DEFINITELY going to have problems swallowing, EVERYONE does. So, he should get it before he is having problems.

He is going to have a lot of problems, I am telling you. It won't be too bad at first, but near the end of treatment I would expect him to have been hospitalized at least once. Most people develop yeast infections (thrush) and difficultly swallowig. The good news is that after the treatments are over, the side effects will go away after a few weeks.

Look for thrush, mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, nausea. Address these issues before treatment starts so you guys are ready.

Good luck to your father.

Answer 5

As a physician, I will tell you that it will probably be rather bad for him. There will be discomfort or actual pain and depending on the extent of the lesion and the area of irradiation, a feeding tube may have to be used. With the medical history you have given, my advice to you is to do supportive treatment only...make him comfortable, and happy but there is little that can be done to prolong his life. I'm sorry.

Answer 6

I am a cancer nurse and I have to be honest with you, At 85 years old, your dad is going to get 22 radiation treatments which will stop his ability to eat, cause him immeasurable pain and he will end up sick as a dog and probably die from the treatment even without chemotherapy. Is it worth it at his age?
He will be so increadibly sick after they burn his throat and esophagus up with radiation. It will cause his quality of life to go downhill and for crying out loud, it will probably kill him. While he is able to eat and doing ok, I say let it alone.
Please re-think this option and get a hospice consult. I dont know your dad, and I dont know you, and I in no way am trying to be biased, but 10 radiation treatments will stop his ability to eat and make his throat and esophagus hurt so bad he will wish he was dead.
Prayers and peace to your family.
PS: Dr. Frank above me is right.

Answer 7

Best of luck.
Keep on top of the radiation treatments. they work well, but he needs to be monitored to not get too much radiation.
Been there, done that. Not an easy situation at any age....
Sending prayers and love.
The feeding tube is not as bad as it seems. If he is having trouble swallowing, it will help him stay nourished. Nourishment = strength.

Answer 8

In many cases, the cure is worse than the cancer. He's probaly to old to survive the treatments. I think I would make sure he is pain free and comfortable and let nature take it's course. He's lived a long life and to all the end will come. Peace to you both.

Answer 9

Have him drink mangosteen juice every day. Contact me thru here by email and I'll lead you to information on mangosteen and it's health benefits. All natural, fully patented and tastes great!!!

Answer 10

talk to you Dad.

he already knows the answer

Good Luck and BIG hugs