Oesophagal stent with alzheimers

[Duggies-girl]

Took dad to the gastroentology appointment today. We already knew about the cancer and this was to discuss his treatment. They are going to insert a stent on Tuesday to make it easier for him to eat something. At the moment I am having to dilute his prescription milk shakes with more milk just so he can keep it down. They did mention that chemo or radiotherapy can be looked at later and that we may or may not want to consider it. Also he may not be suitable but that is for later anyway. He looks like a stick and I have to guide him or he would be lost.

I am worried that he may not last until Tuesday, I am worried about the anesthetic as it may effect his dementia, I am worried because they said he may need morphine for a while after because the stent will slowly expand and it can be painful. I am worried about looking after him afterwards. I am worried that he is going to suffer more because of this but I do realise that it has to be done. I am scared that this will never end.

I was mean and sprung his appointment on him when he got up. I said they had rung me and could fit him in today. He said I had ruined his day but he came along quiet happily in the end and was just glad that it is all over with. Bless him.

He's forgotten all about it now and has no worries again.

I just don't know what to expect.

 

[Jessbow]

((Hug)) Ring his consultant tommorow and ask questions, tell him your concerns. Granted there is not a lot he can do in the 'lasting until Tue' scenario, but the rest...Surely they would understand your position as carer?

What would you wish to happen in an ideal world? ( Given the circumstances you have now)

 

[Duggies-girl]

((Hug)) Ring his consultant tommorow and ask questions, tell him your concerns. Granted there is not a lot he can do in the 'lasting until Tue' scenario, but the rest...Surely they would understand your position as carer?

What would you wish to happen in an ideal world? ( Given the circumstances you have now)

Thank you. We talked about it this morning at the appointment and really he has no option but to have it done. If he doesn't have it the tumour will expand and nothing will go down and that would be unbearable.

I suppose a lot of my concerns are about me as much as dad. As much as I love him I want this to be over, I don't want to watch him fade away and I don't want him to suffer at all. He has no pain at the moment just a slight discomfort but I can see this just going on and on and dad just withering away. It is all so cruel and he does not deserve this.

What would I wish to happen in an ideal world? I wish he would quietly slip away in his sleep.

 

[Jessbow]

What would I wish to happen in an ideal world? I wish he would quietly slip away in his sleep.

That isn't such a bad thing to want. There comes a point that Quality of life has to come before quantity. Do you have any hospice help?

 

[rosy18]

Can't offer any advice but couldn't read your thread and not reply. I feel for you with so much to worry about on top of the dementia. Just wanted to send you a ((hug)) and I'm hoping and praying that all will go well for your dear Dad.

 

[Duggies-girl]

That isn't such a bad thing to want. There comes a point that Quality of life has to come before quantity. Do you have any hospice help?

I agree and he would hate it. He is coming home after and they are optimistic that he will be able to eat soft food in a couple of days.

I hope it helps him even just to make him more comfortable but I am a bit worried about the effect of the anesthetic and morphine.

Thank you.

 

[Duggies-girl]

Can't offer any advice but couldn't read your thread and not reply. I feel for you with so much to worry about on top of the dementia. Just wanted to send you a ((hug)) and I'm hoping and praying that all will go well for your dear Dad.

Thank you for that, I think I was fed up earlier. Dad is ok tonight and has kept his milk shake down. As long as he drinks them has some hope. This is all so very hard and he is oblivious to it all. He says he is fine.

 

[Mudgee Joy]

Thank you for that, I think I was fed up earlier. Dad is ok tonight and has kept his milk shake down. As long as he drinks them has some hope. This is all so very hard and he is oblivious to it all. He says he is fine.

I am facing the same scenario right now with my husband - a cancer near the bottom of his aeospogus is to be dealt with a stent - living on soup and milkshakes right now ! Please tell me what was the outcome with your dad ! Many thanks
Mud-joy

 

[Duggies-girl]

[Hi @Mudgee Joy So sorry to hear that your husband has the same problem as dad. It will obviously be a very worrying time for you, it was for me.

The outcome is that dad is still here and doing fine physically. It is almost a year since he was diagnosed and he has had a good year.

He has had no treatment other than stents. His oncologist said that chemo could make dad really ill and spoil whatever time he has left also it could affect his dementia. His age 88 and his frailty at the time was also against him. She said he could possibly have radiotherapy at a later date when it could benefit him more. We all agreed with this and looking back it was definitely the right decision for dad. We decided before the appointment that we would just go with whatever she advised.

He had lost over 3 stone before he was diagnosed and he regained almost all of that after he had the stent. I fed him up really well with lots of high calorie food.

We were doing absolutely fine until dad got pneumonia a couple of months ago and was in hospital for 3 weeks which has made his dementia worse but just about manageable. He also lost two stone in weight while in hospital so I feel like I am back where I was this time last year as he is back on the ensure milk shakes.

Dad was stage 3 when he was diagnosed and we were given no timeline for him, he had 4 endoscopy's last year and he was a model patient every time. He had no discomfort from any of the stents. He has forgotten all of that of course and thinks he is a fit as everyone else.

@Mudgee Joy if you want to ask me anything else please do ask, you can message me if you want to and I will be happy answer.

 

[Mudgee Joy]

Many thanks @Duggies-girl - I am really struggling with this but your words have given me heart. Today he did well with eating - he is 88 btw, but he had a busy day with people calling in - including a government assessor - with s long interview - with the upshot that he is significantly confused and shaky and now a bad episode of sundowning - he has gone to bed fully dressed as he wants to “go home “.
But yet I am gratified by your experience that your dad managed to stents without undue stress . We have 3 weeks to wait till the surgeon interview us and then maybe another 4 till it happens - we live in a small country town and it’s not easy to go any faster - the specialists just visit once a month ! Thanks though with much love MJ x

 

[Duggies-girl]

Same age as my dad then @Mudgee Joy Dad had the sedative each time and immediately forgot about it afterwards. I think I was more worried than he was. I suppose I am quite lucky really because dad is very compliant and also very happy because he thinks he is very fit and healthy. He has no worries and a very positive attitude and maybe that has helped him.

He has no other symptoms and no pains. It's me that does the worrying. After his first stent he was eating well within a couple of days although I still stick to safe foods, Shepherds pie etc and lots of high calorie desserts. I think the ensure milk shakes probably saved dad's life.

I hope it all goes well over the next few weeks and you don't have too many worries.

Wishing you both well .

 

[Mudgee Joy]

Thanks again @Duggies-girl - it’s very very helpful - I shall let you know how it goes eventually - MJ xx