need support and guidance for my husband’s condition

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I’m reaching out regarding my husband, [Husband’s Name], who was diagnosed with bowel cancer last Wednesday. Since then, we’ve been waiting for the results samples taken from the tumor. Unfortunately, the doctor was unable to get a clear view of the tumor, and we are still waiting for a CT scan and test results to understand the next steps in his treatment.

At this point, my husband is in severe, constant pain. He is very weak, unable to go to the toilet due to the tumor blocking his bowel movements, and I’m concerned about his overall condition. We visited the doctor this morning, but despite his significant pain and discomfort, he was sent home without any intervention or plan to manage his pain.

I’m deeply worried about his well-being. We have a young baby, and I’m working, so it’s becoming incredibly difficult to manage everything while he is in such pain and unable to care for himself. I’m writing to you because I feel that we are not receiving the care and communication we need. We don’t know what steps to take next, and we’re feeling increasingly helpless.

Could you please help us by advising on how we can get more immediate support for his pain and condition? Is there anything we can do to expedite the test results or arrange for further medical care to alleviate his suffering? We are desperate for some guidance or action, as it feels like we’ve been left in limbo.

I greatly appreciate your time and any help or advice you can offer in this difficult situation.

  • Hi lamh,

    Thanks for getting in touch. I’m Eileen one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the support line.

    I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s bowel cancer diagnosis and appreciate your concern about his current situation. It must be very distressing to see him in such pain and difficult for you to manage when you are also caring for your baby.

    I’m concerned about the fact that he is in constant pain and is not able to have his bowels opened. These symptoms can sometimes be caused by the tumour blocking the bowel. In this situation people can also experience nausea, vomiting and bloating. If the tumour has caused a bowel obstruction this does need urgent medical attention as there are different ways of relieving the problem.

    If you can take your husband to your nearest Accident and Emergency department today, please do so. If he is not well enough to travel by car, please call 999 and explain that you are concerned that he has a bowel obstruction secondary to his cancer. The staff there will understand that this is a condition that needs to be reviewed by a doctor in a hospital setting as a matter of urgency.

     

    I do hope this information is helpful.

     

    If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Best wishes,

    Eileen

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    Ref : UH/

    Eileen M - Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist