Hi
This is the forst time I have posted and I am grateful to anyone who reads this. My husband was told he has cancer about 6 weeks ago. He had been admitted to hospital with rib pain after some months of different pain. As he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver In Sep 2019 he was already battling that. Discovered his potassium was high so that was also treated. Basically he had a CT scan that showed a growth in liver and secondary lesions in ribs, spine, abdominal and chest lymph nodes as well as a mass at the bass of his spine (had a session of radiotherpay for that already). It was assumed that the liver was the priamry source however an MRI scan shows that it is not. He is to have a biopsy via camera down his throat on Wed to take cells from a lymph node.
We haven't had too much info as we were told he has months but the MDT meeting wants the biopsy to try and work out where the primay source is to see if there is any palliative treatment. There has been mention of possibly prostate etc. The local Macmillan team are invovled but at a low level at the moment, My husband ahs just spent three weeks in hospital with life threateningly high potassium, severe hepatic encepalopathy, aspiration pneumonia which have all been treated and he is home. The potassium and encepalopathy were caused by medication. He ahs bad oedema in his legs too.
I feel in the dark as we don't know what prognosis is etc eventhough we know theres no cure and that he is unable to get upstairs, is very tired. He has pain in his back and ribs and his legs make miving difficult but he is walking, I don't really know what I'm hoping for from this email but at least it has helped to write it down. Thanks for reading.
Hi positivemum and a very warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis and ongoing investigations. This is such a challenging and stressful time for all the family but I do hope you will find lots of support and comfort as you connect in with the Online Community.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various support groups and other services and when it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our supportive Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends.
If you'd like to connect in with a group, you do need to join the group. Click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’ and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
