My dad has stage 4 esophagus cancer: Can't keep anything down

So sorry to hear this. My husband was sick during chemo/radiation and couldn’t eat/drink anything. He has a feeding tube which is a game changer! He also uses Zofran/ compazine to help with the nausea. Good luck with your dads treatment.

Benn there...unfortunately, nausea and vomiting are a side effect of the most common chemotherapy regimens for adeno or squamous cell esophageal carcinoma. FOLFOX is particularly tough on the gastrointestinal system. Nausea and vomiting can be eased by odansetron (Zofran) or compazine. Diarrhea can be managed by loperamide which is available over the counter. Be sure that he does not get dehydrated. Giving him room temp fluids such as pedialyte for volume and electrolyte replenishment.

Thank you so much.. so you recommend the feeding tube? Did your husband get sick from fluids as well?

Thank you, they have told us that this nausea is from the actual cancer so I don’t know that it’s gonna get better until the tumor shrinks. Just wish he didn’t have to be so miserable

He was not able to tolerate any food or liquids. He was hospitalized twice for malnutrition and dehydration.
He had surgery end of July to remove shrunken tumor and part of his stomach. He’s been on immunotherapy for about a month. He’s still got the feeding tube, he’s eating and drinking but can’t sustain himself on oral feeding alone. He’s much better (except the recent bout with Covid 😒).

Thank you for sharing. What a journey for all of us

He had an oesophagectomie?
I think he might feel much better if tumor was removed.
Zofran works really good if the nausea or even part of the nausea comes from chemo. If the tumor is removed than it’s not from the blockage anymore?

He has chemo or immuno ?
What do you mean by stage 4 - they saw a metastasis?

A month after surgery he will feel better I believe.

Keep us updated.

Naomi

I have esophageal cancer and have had 3 rounds of chemo so far. Spitting up phlegm, cold sensitivity, vomiting, and diarrhea have all been side affects.
This week I go to Moffitt Cancer Center for PET scan and hope to learn how well the chemo has shrunk tumor in lower esophagus. In December I will probably start radiation and chemo.

Good luck! I have stage 4 esophageal cancer, and have had around 15 rounds of chemo. Tumors have shrunk, am able to eat and exercise so I can’t really complain. Am looking into clinical trials and trying to stay positive. Hang in there!

I had esophageal cancer. The esophagus was removed and the stomach is stretched to replace the esophagus. It's now a year and a half ago and still no sign of cancer. I have had a couple of issues but am still ok. Just be positive! Good luck.