Guilty for recommending treatment

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I can relate to each of the posts I've read on this forum. Only carers know how tough it is being a carer. I helped my partner get quick access to chemoradiation for throat cancer, encouraged him, and made sure he got to the appointments. I reassured him - but very quickly he developed extremely bad side effects including critical weight loss that has left him too weak to walk. He's mainly been in hospital since completing treatment three months ago so we've gone from being a team to him going through it on his own (though I'm there almost every day). He's frightened, angry and in pain, unable to swallow - and I'm horrified. We don't know if the treatment has killed off the cancer yet - scan due in a month, but he's battling to get over the treatment that I promised him would help. I can't stop thinking how we should have taken time and explored other options, got second opinions, and even tried some of the out-there alternative treatments that friends and family suggested – because things couldn't be worse. I know he made the treatment decision but he always trusts my advice (over anyone else's), and I always trust doctors. I feel really responsible for what he's going through and constantly guilty. I tell myself I gave him what I thought was the best advice, but it doesn't make me feel better.

  • Hi  

    That waiting to see if the treatment has worked especially after seeing the serious side effects is very diffcult. 

    I can relate in some way in some of the issues in my wifes past - long story. 

    Of course what we can never know is what would have happened on the path we did not take, getting a second opinion would have taken time and may well have just backed the same option so things might have been worse then.

    From what you say it sounds like you gave him the best advice given what you knew at the time and that really is the best any of us can hope for.

    I know how tiring visiting hospial ever day can be - and hospital visitor catering can leave something to be desired too. I hope you manage to find some time to look after yourself too.

    Fingers crossed your partner starts to impove soon and for a good result from the scan.

    <<hugs>>

    Steve

    Community Champion Badge

  • Thank you Steve. That’s it I think - you do what you think is best at the time, then have ages to turn everything over in your head while drinking bad coffee to stay awake in the hospital canteen. You don’t mention whether your wife’s treatment was successful, but I’m sorry if you also had a period wondering whether you both could have / should have suggested exploring other options. Thanks again for replying.