My husband has moved from what was thought to be a simple bowel cancer to further growths in the peritoneum. As in Spain they displayed the CAT scan results on the health web before discussing them with him, you can imagine that things looked bleak. Now, an advanced hospital in Barcelona say they are very hopeful of removing all metastases using cryotherapy. This will involve quite a large operation, basically going through all his organs practically by hand and burning out the small metastases that have appeared.
When we visited the hospital we were told he would have general anaesthetic and an epidural for post op pain management. The biggest risk will be infection with exposure of his innards on the operating table for an extended period of time.
He is both more positive and obviously scared. Being selfish, I am exhausted. This is the third year with no holiday, no break, nothing and the second operation with the first being complicated by a serious infection. It kind of gets me down that there are things he shares and things he doesn't. For example, he has decided to take the fourth Covid vaccine before the operation, which I am fine with, but he could have told me as the last three times, having had chemo, he was totally wiped out and in bed for 48 hours and in one case dehydrated so I had to call an ambulance.
Sorry if I am venting, I just feel tired and need to get things off my chest.
Big welcome to the forum . So sorry to hear about your husband but delighted he has a surgical solution . Quite a few people currently looking into cryotherapy/Hipec so maybe we could pull a thread together to help people connect and provide a resources for others to use also .
Over the last five years surgeons seem to be able to achieve more and it’s encouraging to see .
Post op wise my mum had an epidural . Some hospitals are moving away from them here to enhanced recovery where you are back up and fast tracked out the door !
. However my mum actually thought the couple of extra days in ICU , pain free and well attended to gave her a chance to draw breath and gain some strength .
As a carer it was reassuring to see her so bright for those few days before being transferred fully to oral meds . There was a tough day to get those just right .
You are not selfish, self care is important and it’s also important for relatives to listen to their own bodies needs a bit too and see if there is a way to meet some of the challenges they face . I too had several years of caring and found it easier to go for a few days at a time or an overnight . My mum paid for a spa for my sister and myself and it was amazing how a small adjustment can help . It’s also ok to slip out with friends for a meal /coffee . Build these supports into your own life . Keep up any exercise and don’t feel guilty about it . I actively encourage it as you will be much stronger to handle what comes your way .If you need to speak to your GP please do this as I found it of great encouragement.
We have a members only carers thread if you feel it would benefit you to connect with others who understand only too well what you are going through .
Remember you have navigated a pandemic then this . Two major life events and it’s ok to say it’s tough and support would be welcomed .
I have navigated a few dehydration episodes with my mum . They are scary to watch aren’t they !!
Take care ,
Court
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