Trying to remain positive for hubby

FormerMember over 5 years ago

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Hubby was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer Feb 2018. Due to spread to the liver he is unable to have the operation and has been having palliative treatment to control the cancer.

The oncologist has been really pleased with how well hubby has responded to treatment, however the symptoms that hubby is experiencing does not reflect this.

Hubby has not been able to swallow food since approx Aug last year and unable to swallow liquid since December, including his saliva, the oncologist confirms there is no blockage so the swallowing problem is likely a neurology problem. (thankfully Hubby has a feeding tube)

Other symptoms currently include fatigue, weak muscles, insomnia, agitation, retching and vomiting mucus, and due to these symptoms he is also suffering from anxiety and depression. (all of which are being treated with various medications)

He had a CT scan and MRI yesterday, so fingers crossed. I have also managed to get hubby referred to a hospice who are coming to assess him next week, hoping they can help with the symptoms.

Is there anyone else who has responded well to treatment but struggled with similar symptoms?

Trying to remain positive, which I know hubby is struggling with, due to feeling so awful all the time.

I have been reading through the comments on here for many months and not yet reached out.

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Just wanted to drop you a note as my mum has the same diagnosis as your husband. My mum was diagnosed in November 2017 and responded very well to treatment with few side effects. Unfortunately the cancer mutated and that line of treatment was no longer working for my mum as of March this year. She has been put on a new chemo and has been miserable. No energy, dizziness, although thankfully she has no pain and is able to eat anything she wants so we are very lucky there. She is due a CT scan in the next couple of weeks to see if this is helping. I’m so sorry to hear that your husbands quality of life is suffering with all his symptoms, but have heard wonderful things about the hospice team, they are just better equipped to deal with symptom control so I hope you and your husband can look forward to some better days. I am Hoping for some for our family too, it’s so hard to watch the ones we love suffering.

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Thank you for your kind message,

I ended up having to take Hubby to hospital yesterday as his latest blood test shows an infection and they are trying to establish where it is and treat him. He is feeling a little better this morning so fingers crossed.

I have my fingers crossed for your mum and hope symptoms improve and the treatment works.

It is true about looking after yourself and getting out for walks in the fresh air, it really helps me and I am still hopeful that hubby can join me on these walks sometime soon. xx

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