HI
In April 2020my husband was diagnoses with stage 3 Colon Cancer, He had major surgery followed up with Chemo for 4 months. Was given the all clear December 2020.
In March 2021 he started to feel unwell and had crippling stomach pains. Was admitted to hospital had several scans blood tests and told in the clear still. But had key surgery and peritoneal cancel was discovered all over his abdonminal cavity. He was offered several options but he was physically strong and went to the hope of life of advance surgery to his abdomen to clear out the cancer. It seems the cancer was more advance that shown and had to have nearly all his small intestine removed and most of his large bowel. The hospital saying the surgery was a success but his body cannot cope with waste product and it just pours out of his stoma. Now being fed intravenous as well as having normal food. 6 weeks on from the operation they are no further forward in sorting the solution out to thicken up his waste product to enable him to manage at home.
At the moment I cannot see any positive outcome to this. I am struggling to come to terms with the future changes to our life [ if he comes out of hospital] or becoming a widow. Its not been a great year. Our son emigrated with his family just before Covid took hold , so meaning he cannot get back to visit, our daughter had major surgery and now my husband has been dealing with different cancers this last year. And not even mentioned covid where I was classified clinical vulnerable.
Peritoneal cancer is relatively rare in men and nearly always secondary.
Has anyone of this forum either had peritoneal cancer or been a carer with someone who has it. At the moment I cannot see any positive outcome and sometimes just overwhelms me.
Has anyone had a stoma bag fitted where the waste product cannot be controlled and have to have an 'overflow tube to another large bag. #
Thanks for any support.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis and especially the time you are having.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be so challenging in so many ways but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer journey (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this difficult time.
The Community has many cancer specific support groups so can I recommend you join our supportive Peritoneal cancer group as this will be a good place to connect with folks on the same cancer treatment pathway.
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from talking with others caring for family and friends so do check out our Carers only groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
All the very best ((hugs))
