Really Nasty Week

[peadubb]

Hi all...in my last posts I was explaining that Bill has cancer back in his lymph glands around the aorta as well as in the liver. He started his chemo regimen on Friday Feb 1. By Thursday night he had determined he could not take any more of the chemo (he is taking it orally)

Before he started, he had been quite ill with coughing, fatigue and overall feeling lousy for several weeks. He was treated twice with antibiotics even though they couldn't find anything to treat.

I took him into emergency on Wednesday as he was almost unable to walk, and was having a terrible time. (If you knew my hubby, you would know that it is not easy to get him in to Dr's or hospitals) In this case he volunteered! The Dr at the emergency essentially told him to go home and prepare to pass.

I then took him to our Dr who said that chemo is the only option for Bill.

My concern is that there is something else going on and if we don't address it, then Bill will not be able to tolerate the chemo. When he did the last round a few years ago, he was great...felt a little queezy for a few days, but he even worked. This go-round he could barely get out of bed, and actually almost fell in the bathroom. He is 6 ft 1 and 180 lbs...it scared me as I know I wouldn't be capable of lifting him.

So now, no chemo for a few days..he still feels sick and low. Talking to people brings on a cough which then almost makes him sick. I think we need to know what is going on and what to expect from the Drs. They don't give us much info around these things.

I know this was a bit of a vent and am truly sorry about that...I wish you all a godd and restful night

Cheers

[rosa01]

Peadubb

Sorry to hear that your husband Bill is having a hard time with Chemo. This has to be hard on both of you. I found the only way to get answer is to ask or demand answers to how things are going and why. I found he further we go along in this journey the less question our oncologist wants to answer. At first they were out for a cure not they say they just want to keep him in a stable state as long as possible. Now whose venting sorry. I know as the caregiver it seems that we have to go one day at a time. Wouldn't it be nice to have a long break full of happiness with that c word being gone. I just wanted to say vent away and if you need someone to vent with please feel free to PM or drop us a note.

Sending you a cyber hug .

Take care
sheila

[Lisahopes]

I agree with Sheila. As time goes on, we get less and less information. Now I believe my mom to be suffering liver failure yet the onc doesn't see her and suggests Stivarga. I arranged for her to see a GP to figure out if she can handle it. I am always left wondering whether she is reacting to chemo, cancer or something else and I never feel prepared.

I hope that you get the answers you need.

Love from me

[KarMel]

I am pretty much in your hubby's situation.
Miserable from, chemo, bad cough, can't eat very much at a time.
I went into hospital to get IV antibiotics for severe bronchitis. Cough better, but not much else.
I skipped last weeks chemo, to see if that was problem. Fatigue a bit improved. But GI issues, abdominal pain unchanged.

So yesterday I got a CT. Really, they found nothing except worsening of cancer. I am glad I got everything else ruled out, even though I now realize I am basically out of options, except trials.

I did Zaltrap for three cycles in the fall. I was stable while on it as far as disease goes, but had to be taken off due to side effects. My onc will not put me back on.

[skypup]

Have you had a consult yet with a palliative care doc? They aren't just for end-of-life and they have a completely different way of looking at our journeys. I got on with one as soon as I became incurable, even though we don't have a lot yet to talk about treatment-wise. But he really, really gets the deeper issues of treatment vs QOL and is able to take a much wider view of my health than the cancer specialists. Plus I am so much more comfortable knowing that when I need him for the big stuff, he will already know me and my wishes.

[peadubb]

Hi all

Thank you for your suggestions and support. I knew I came to the right place!

We don't actually have a palliative care doctor in our area...in fact our oncologist is a 6,5 hour drive...but I will certainly be asking our GP some questions. He is a great guy, but it's like pulling teeth to get much info regarding Bill's status from him. Bill is up and about more in the last few days, but still battles terrible fatigue. He hasn't been out of the house except to go to the Doctor or hospital in almost a month.

KarMel...I'm sorry to hear you are going through this also. I hope you pick up soon!

Cheers and hugs to you all