Husband has stage 4 esophageal tumor. Pet scan showed "intense" large tumor and lymph node. Esophagus is completely closed off. He has to take all formula, water and pain meds through PEG feeding tube (Bolas).
PET also showed lesions on liver rated "moderate". Also lymph node in spleen area rated "moderate". Very small nodes on 1 lung rated "mild".
Oncologist said go and live life and do whatever you want to do. My husband cannot do that. He takes high-powered pain meds every 3 hours through PEG. Also, weak and sick from almost constant nausea. Vomits often but only foul smelling mucas comes out as stomach contents can't get up through closed esophagus. He has lost about 40 lbs.
My question is this: it has been 3 months since the stage 4 diagnosis. What signs should we be looking for to flag that hospice needs to be called. He is not bed ridden. He still showers and dresses himself. He doesn't have much quality of life but he is still fairly self sufficient. Will he die from the "intense" esophagus cancer or the "moderate" liver lesions? I feel like we are running into walls in a dark room when it comes to knowing what's next in the agenda.