Is this the beginning of the end?

1 minute read time.

5th May 2011

I haven't been around here for a while but I think I might need some special support soon.  I feel very much alone at the moment because nobody who hasn't travelled this journey can fully understand what we're going through.

John has undergone five sessions of the planned eight of chemotherapy - infusions every three weeks and daily pills.  I thought he suffered enough last time with the dreadful side effects but this time round he's even worse.

He's getting weaker and weaker, his nose streams almost continuously and he's having problems with his sight.  His appetite is very poor, he's either constipated or suffers from diarrhoea and he's cold almost all of the time.  He's finding it hard to swallow too and his liquid intake is very low, no matter how hard I try to encourage him to drink.

I've finally persuaded him we need a buggie for him because he can't come out any more.  He tries but, after a few steps leaning on a stick, he simply doesn't have the strength to carry on.  He thought it was a sign that he was giving up but I've convinced him that it's not giving up.  To my mind he's giving up if he doesn't get a buggie because then he'll be trapped indoors.

Trouble is, we've had to buy a bigger car because no way was a buggie going to fit into our tiny little motor.  Hopefully we'll have both car and buggie next week!  Keep your fingers crossed!

Sorry to moan after such a long absence but I needed to get this off my chest.

 

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Madge,

    Its good to hear from you again. Sorry to hear about John

    Hope he gets his buggie so he can get out and about,it

    will do him the world of good.. You look after yourself.

    Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello Madge,

    Good to hear from you again, but sorry it's because you are so worried about John! I agree with you and others that getting the transport that will enable John to get out and about is NOT giving up, just a way of getting on and making the most of the days when the weather is warm and kind. I hope that being able to get out of the house easily will lift John's spirits and make things easier for you both.

    Sending you love and hugs, Rose x x x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    hi madge

    whatever helps can only be a good thing in my opinion, so i hope the car and buggie arrive very soon and you can enjoy some outside time together.

    never be worried about coming back here, we are Macfamily after all.x

    love n hugs, Claire xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Dear Madge, I hope the buggie and new car give you both some pleasure. Keep blogging, especially if you're feeling low - you've lots of friends here who can listen and give you support. Love Val X

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello Madge, welcome back.  Your husband is suffering so much and I sincerely wish him peace.  Hope the bigger car comes asap and you can both go for a drive.  I didn't have chemo as, after only 1 dose I became so ill I nearly died and, by the time I recovered physically enough to continue, it was too late.  I'm still here though and wonder whether his symptoms could be helped in any way by his oncologist - I am sure you have already asked, but trying to think of something useful for you both.  Sometimes the mac nurses are able to guide on specialist treatments to relieve symptoms and maybe they could help.  Keep yourself well Madge and lots of strength, love, peace to your husband.  Ann x