Fictionalised case study: John’s story
John, a 63-year-old farmer, was admitted to the oncology ward for management of extensive oesophageal cancer with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He lived alone on the farm, was estranged from his wife and saw his adult children infrequently. John had a history of moderate alcohol use and his nutrition had recently declined because of the extensive cancer. A feeding tube was inserted to assist in maintaining nutrition while he was undergoing treatment.
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