My husband has stage 4 bowel cancer. In October he had diverticulosis which lead to a scan which showed the cancer. That was just 10 weeks ago - no symptoms before that and after lots of tests we now know the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes and his chest. The original tumour is so large it caused a blockage so two weeks ago he had a stomach fitted.
He barely eats, has morphine and paracetamol for pain, has prescribed drinks to try to boost his energy and weight (he has lost 4 stone). So he is exhausted and pretty much in bed all day. Trying to get up but can only walk a short way and sit downstairs for short times.
Provided he is strong enough, he will start chemo in about 3 weeks then do 3 weekly cycles for 6 months. This is all palliative because it is inoperable. His consultant is hoping with treatment he will have 1 to 3 years but is not sure.
Will he spend the rest of his life in pain and bed bound? Or does treatment make a big difference to energy etc- I thought chemo was quite hard on the body but not sure he can take much more.
It all feels pointless and hopeless. He’s only 51.
Any similar experiences who can give me some idea of the future?
thanks
