Jaundice

Hope 2022 over 3 years ago

2 replies
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Hi - my father is a stage IV patient currently on capox (5th cycle out of 8). I have noticed that the colour of his skin in changing. He looks quite tanned but has not really been exposed to the sun. I am worried that it may be jaundice? Or could it be a side effect of chemo?

I am also really struggling with the fear of loss at present. Everyone keeps telling me how strong my father is, and I really want to believe such a statement, but the reality of the situation is that he is half the man he used to be physically and very little do we know at present whether the chemo has been effective. We have been told that he is incurable.

I’ve registered for counselling this week, but doubt if I’m strong enough. I struggled to explain why I was referring myself for counselling as I was so upset.

I’m sorry for a negative post.

Love to all…x

court over 3 years ago

Hi Hope 2022

I think if you are at all worried it is something to raise with his team however they do keep a close eye on the liver enzymes and all bloods are taken before each chemo cycle and they will tell you if they are reaching unacceptable levels .

I did notice a change in my mum’s skin on chemo and can tell from photos from the past exactly when she was on / off chemo . It was a strange grey/ green tinge that went away after she had stopped chemo .

Most oncologist still track CEA numbers( bowel cancer tumour markers ) and hopefully will see them going down . Apart from my mum’s who went the opposite way . However even then she had shrinkage .
I would encourage you to get the help you need . I had a good chat with my GP when my mum was first diagnosed and he pointed out it not only calls into question our parents mortality but our own too and getting help to sort these thoughts out can be very beneficial.

Chemo reduced my mum completely . Three stones lighter and it shook me to the core but it was in fact doing a great job .
You definitely don’t have to be positive . This is hard and uncertain, we keep it real .

Take special care and if you want to chat any of this through with our helpline staff 0808 808 0000 they would be happy to do so .

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Hope 2022 over 3 years ago in reply to court

Hi Court - thank you ever so much for your reply.

I’m so glad that I reached out and feel better for it.

I’m reassured that these things are being monitored and having gained some further insight in to these measures from your reply, I sought to ask my dad about them. His reply was to indicate that they haven’t raised any concern during his visits, which again has provided some re-assurance!

I will get on to the GP on Monday..!

Thanks again..x

Love to all..x