My mother has cancer of the gullet. The oncologist says surgery is not an option (she is 84 with a not so good heart) He has told us that chemo and radiation treatment is also out. I assume that means the cancer is to far advanced. He said that a stent will ease the symptoms. I am confused, does this mean she will soon be dead or that she can live a while longer.
Hello! I've read your concerns.  Your mothers' problem could really be far advanced since your oncologist limited your options to stenting, plus you mother may not be a suitable candidate for invasive procedures (surgery) and chemo/radiation.  Definitely for these types of cases, the stent will give your mother a better quality of life and more importantly she will, can be able to eat and take medications orally.  Placing a stent will prolong her life in the sense that she will be able to nourish herself properly without a stent she will not be able to eat, hence, her immune system will go down Chat Doctor.