Difficult to swallow, then it feels as though Esophaagus is clogged.

[team 420]

My mother is having difficulty in swallowing EVERYTHING, then once she is able to convince herself to do so she says that it feels as though she is getting "clogged up".  She had a Bariun Swallow Study performed 2 weeks ago and we were told that her Esophagus does not contract. The Pathologist recommended IV feeding or Stomach feeding; however, since she has terminal cancer(non small cell)the Oncologist states that neither one of these are viable options because of her diagnosis & that doing either of these would only "feed" the cancer.  My question is:  Are there any corrective procedures or meds that could possibly help?  We feel as though our Oncologist has given up and we have NOT!!
Thank you for your time!

[jenag]

I think the ultimate question is:  what does your mother want?  If I hear you right, she is in the end-stage of her terminal cancer.  I think whether a feeding tube "feeds" the cancer is probably a debatable topic-- and the opinion of *that* oncologist-- probably not all oncologists.  Ask your mom what she wants and no matter how hard it is, give her the space to make her own decision.  If she wants a feeding tube, then by all means quickly find a doctor who will give her one.  If she is unresponsive and unable to relay her feelings, then I think that is your answer about what to do.  If she doesn't want one, then as hard as it is, you have to respect her decision.

I don't think there is any medications or surgeries to help her out at this point (aside from a feeding tube).  

I can somewhat understand your frustrations as a care giver watching a loved one go through this.  My husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 28 and is now a survivor, 3 years post-chemo.  You also may want to go to http://www.acor.org and see what you can find there.

Best of luck and hugs to you.