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Counseling

Counseling

Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of esophageal cancer. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
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Resource Navigation

Learn more about how CancerCare Resource Navigation can help you address barriers to care.

Financial assistance

Financial Assistance

Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare® is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

Support groups

Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

We currently do not offer a esophageal cancer specific group. You may consider joining our general online support groups for people with cancer. Register now.

Community programs

Community Programs

Learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.

Specialized programs

Specialized Programs

CancerCare offers specialized programs to address specific populations and concerns.

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Coping Circle Workshops

Virtual educational and supportive workshops led by oncology social workers and qualified co-facilitators. These workshops cover numerous topics and are offered in English and Spanish.

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Connect Education Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

We currently do not offer a Esophageal Cancer specific workshop. You may be interested in these general-interest workshops:

Upcoming Workshops

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Ask CancerCare

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Esophageal Cancer
  • Q.

    My husband has stage IV esophageal cancer and his prognosis isn't good. My son is worried that he is going to die, but also wonders why his dad is so "crabby" and keeps yelling at him to clean up his room. How do I help my son understand what his father is going through?

    A.

    Esophageal cancer presents a person with especially difficult physical challenges - changing the way a person eats, swallows, and even sleeps. This may make him much more sensitive to the disorder or messiness around him, including your son’s room. In addition, physical discomfort or pain can make a person extremely irritable. It may be too difficult for your husband to talk to him right now but you can reassure your son by letting him know that his dad is going to the doctor, taking his medicine, and doing his best to get better. Esophageal cancer almost always causes a great deal of weight loss, which can be scary for children and may also be causing your son’s concerns. You can explain how you and the doctor are helping to keep dad strong. Be specific about what is being done to help dad nutritionally.

    Here are other things you can do:

    • Always reassure your son about how much you love him.
    • If you husband is unable to talk with your son about his feelings, help him write a brief note using age-appropriate language.
    • Let your son know that you will tell him what is happening so he can feel included and that he can ask you questions.
    • Let your son know that no matter how messy his room gets, it has no effect on his dad’s cancer, because his behavior has no connection to his father’s illness. You may need to say this often and in different ways.
    • If your son’s room gets so messy that it overwhelms him, offer to help him clean it and find ways to stay organized.

    You may also find helpful tips in the book, How to Help Children Through a Parent’s Serious Illness, by Kathleen McCue (St. Martin’s Press, NY).

    You can get more support about communicating with your son by calling us at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) to speak with an oncology social worker.

    Photo of Julia Little Answered by
    Julia Little, MSW, LMSW

    ∞ Direct link to this question

    Tags:
    esophageal cancerchildren
Stories

Stories of Help and Hope

Read inspiring personal accounts from people affected by cancer and the ways they've found to cope.

  • Jessica W., Caring for her husband with esophageal cancer

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