Hello My husband has just completed his 25 sessions of Radiotherapy and 7 Chemo sessions . He is extremely tired , in pain ( does have strong pain killers ) and generally feels rubbish . Whenever we ask at the hospital they always state that this is normal ….. our issue is and hopefully you can help… when does “ normal “ become “abnormal “ Not seeing Consultant for 5 weeks so hubby is worried as he has no idea if any / all the treatment has worked or not . He had an NJ tube in but it was removed due to blockage now he is losing weight ( we did ask for it to be replaced but all they say is keep trying ). Everyone has been polite, helpful and efficient but we are feeling a bit lost and alone at the moment and would really appreciate the knowledge of people who have experienced it personally. Thank you x
Hi Madsy
Welcome to the group, your Husband had roughly the same as me, 35 RT and 7 chemo, it is rough for a few weeks after, I was fine until the last 2 RT’s and then flat on the couch and couldn’t and basically wouldn’t move for 2 weeks then started to come back and after 4 weeks went back to work
He will have a wait for the results of the treatment and you don’t mention when his scan is, that will be the proving along with an endoscopy to see if the cancer has gone and most likely biopsies as well will be taken from the cancer site, only then will your Oncologist be able to say how the treatment has faired. I was very lucky my treatment finished 1st March 22 and yesterday I got another good news from my last 3 monthly scan that all’s still clear-so please tell him to live with hope and assurance that the treatments do work
As for feeding, I didn’t have any feeding assistance but the best advice is eat soft food and make sure it is rich in calories with plenty of fat-cream all the time with everything that will take it, also cheese if he likes it, the main thing is small and regular and as fatty as possible !! He should also be having Fortsips top up calorie drinks
If either of you are worried you should speak with the Oncology Nurses and also the Nutrition Nurses or as I call them the Food Police, I lost over 12 kg with the 2 lots of cancer but am now back over my normal weight
I hope he starts to feel better and I’m sure others will come on with their support, all the best
Tony
We will move mountains to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.
We'll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to,
call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk
Onwards and Upwards
Laryngectomy and OC survivor
Lead Volunteer for Hampshire MacMillan Buddy Service
