anyone here from Wales?

Gil 21 days ago

6 replies
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Hi, all, I'm a partner to someone whose undergoing chemo after a bowel resection. The op went well, the first round of chemo was going ok, then he was admitted to hospital on Thursday with a high temperature and diahorrea. we rang his chemo helpline and they advised us to go to a surgical assessment ward. Because its a weekend, there are agency staff. They have said they don't know about chemo and he has to wait for the regular team to come in on Tuesday. Has anyone else found that the team isn't there on weekends? How did you manage any issues, can I ask, please? He's having 6+ bouts of sickness and diahorrea every day, lots of green bile and not eating or drinking, even water is burning as he tries to swallow it and his stomach is cramping. His temperature is 37 - 38. He's on paracetamol drip, and tramadol, and sometimes they give some fluids but not until I ask about them. I am new to cancer and don't know what I should be asking for to help him get what he needs. Can anyone advise please? Thank you so much - I am frightened at how he has deteriorated since being admitted at the moment, I must admit, and worried about sepsis.

CerysM 21 days ago

Hi Gil, I am also in wales. I’d suggest calling the chemo helpline and getting their thoughts, but also maybe they can speak to your local hospital team and give them advice? I’ve never had a problem with the helpline itself.

Is he carrying his chemo card? That normally has information for hospital staff.

Hope he gets sorted quickly!
cerysm

Kareno62 21 days ago

Hi Gil I had something similar about a month after my op and it was an infected build up of fluid around the rejoin. I was struggling to eat and although I had a stoma I was passing a vile smelling green liquid out of my bottom. They sent some of the liquid off for testing and eventually put me on some antibiotics and inserted a drain in my buttock to clear the fluid build up. However your partner is further down the line after his op so that may not be relevant. Was he tested for a DPD deficiency before starting his chemo? This can cause a severe reaction to chemo so might be worth mentioning and hopefully they have an oncologist that they can call for advice?
Hope he starts to improve quickly x

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Gil 20 days ago in reply to Kareno62

that's really helpful - thank you - hope you are ok, too. The oncologist wasnt available over the Bank Holiday, so I hope we get some answers today

Gil 20 days ago in reply to CerysM

Thank you for taking the time to reply - much appreciated. Yes, he has his card etc, in fact it was the chemo helpline that got us the admission to the hospital, but because of the Bank Holiday the oncology team weren't available to speak to. Hoping we get some answers today - and hope you are well, too

Gil 20 days ago in reply to Kareno62

DPD deficiency - I'll make sure to ask...

CerysM 20 days ago in reply to Gil

If he’s under Velindre they will have tested and should have it on his card. I have the deficiency so am on half dose for longer. However definitely worth mentioning to everyone according to my team :-) hope he’s on the mend shortly!