New diagnosis for my Dad

My husband has recently been diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary in his peritoneal. He is currently being treated with medication which is used for treating bowel cancer. 

I know how hard it is to listen to a diagnosis. My husband has been losing weight since April 2020. His diagnosis took such a long time because all his bloods, scans, colonoscopy, endoscopy & X-rays were coming back clear. 

Anyway after the initial shock & then telling family I have surprised myself in how I have been able to carry on as 'normal'. I don't feel like I am being particularity strong although people always tell me I am but In my eyes there isn't any other option. It's the flight or fight analogy. I have 2 young kids & we want to keep life for them as 'normal' as possible so we are fighting. My husband is being positive about fighting too. Don't get me wrong the diagnosis & feelings don't go away completely but you do learn to live with them. I have low days just as my husband as good days & bad days while he is going through treatment. I have a cry to myself occasionally but I do it on my own as I don't want the kids to worry. 

My husband is on Fortisip drinks which he takes twice a day to try to build up his calorie intake. This may be something to ask the GP about. He just started treatment so is experiencing loss of interest in food & changes in his smell & taste & is still struggling with his weight.  

I'm not sure if this will help you understand how your mum is feeling. 

Good Luck. x

Edinmum thank you so much for your message. What’s happening in your life sounds incredibly tough and my heart goes out to you all. I’ll add your suggestion to my wee list for him to discuss with thGP. I’m wishing you lots of happy times in amongst your difficult ones. Thanks again

Hi 

Welcome to the forum from me too . Is the delay due to covid ? I would have thought given he has a cancer diagnosis it might be under the two week referral fast track. But you might like to give our helpline staff 0808 808 0000 regarding the steroid information as they would be better placed to tell you how to approach the NHS from a medical point of view . They could also guide you on the colonoscopy delay too.

Really sorry to hear about your day . It is so difficult to hear that information. However it does get a lot easier when a good treatment plan is put in place . 
Thinking of you all ,

Court 

Hello Sassy33, I think all the head knowledge we have about cancer changes when it comes to dealing with our parent's health. I have been there. On the meantime rely on what his GP says. Hopefully your dad will be seeing by an oncologist soon, who can recommend the best treatment for him.

Cancer survivors and caregivers may be eligible to participate in a telephone symptom management support program, call 520-279-6505