Hi, I’m new on here and it is my husband Rick who has rectal cancer with a stoma and 25 treatments of Radiotherapy in October/November.
He also has Alzheimer’s which seems to have advanced in the last few weeks and I had to arrange through the social workers on Monday for him to go into a care home due to the Alzheimer’s.
I spoke to his radiotherapy doctor this morning and he said that he couldn’t offer Rick any more treatment sadly. The cancer has shrunk through the treatment but he didn’t say by how much but, we were told at the beginning that it will regrow and secondaries can come from this.
I phoned our oncology nurse at lunch time to ask what it meant and she told me in all honesty that Rick would now receive gentle care and the Alzheimer’s could be as dangerous for him as the cancer..
I haven’t been in to see him yet as I know I would just break down and cry which is no good for him but the person I spoke to at the home said I will be able to go and see him whenever I want to. I’m not going to tell him about the conversation with the doctor though.
I just feel that I could do with some support on here, Rick's 80 and I’m 72, my family are in London and Ricks niece is in Derry so none very close. Thanks for reading this xx
Hi Ciara
You are having a really bad time I am sorry.
Maybe if you give yourself a little time to try and process the information you have been given its a lot to take on board.
I think I would try and forget the cancer as it’s been treated and has shrunk so for now it’s not on the top of your list of priorities.
When you’re strong enough visit your husband and enjoy time together, you may find him in good spirits
Can your family visit from London, I’m not sure how far apart you are?
Ann
