Hello

It will be a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs,but you will be able to find lots of information and support on here.I hope your journey is a good 1

Hi, we have now been referred to Community Palliative Cancer Nurses, it seems there is no cure, can't be operated on because of other underlying issues. We heard today they are fitting a Picc line in on the day before 2nd Chemotherapy treatment. He is booked in for a blood test on the same day at our surgery, so I am presuming bloods will be done at the hospital?

Trying to get him to eat something seems impossible, always time for another lot of medication. 

I make him meals that all have to be blended, his main worry was sickness which would be impossible, it's hard enough getting the food down, with out it coming back up again.

He sits wearing gloves as his hands are tender and tingling all of the time, both have had very little sleep.

Just feel so inadequate, if I could take it away from him I would, we have been together for over 40 years. 

I am sure many of you can relate to these problems.

Hi BB

The bloods are usually done a couple of days before treatment. It can be done at the hospital, at your local surgery or even at home by the district nurses.

I wish you and your hubby nothing but good luck for the future. Any questions fire away there's always at least one person who can help you.

I'm so sorry that you are both on this journey. Its awful. Do as many (gentle) nice activities that you can. It really is one big roller coaster ride as Kaya has said. Hopefully the treatment will help to reduce the tumour so it doesn't cause so many issues. 

Take care 

Hi Bikerbabe. It’s all so much to take in. It’s a real assault on the mind and body. You will both be reeling from the shock and the new way of life which does revolve around taking lots of medications. It’s a massive learning curve and a different way of living but thank goodness you have each other. My husband and family were simply marvellous when I was diagnosed. How is your husband’s fitness levels? I found getting out for a walk with my husband immensely useful. We started to do everything together which I found a massive comfort. 
Keep strong and take care and know there are lots of great people on this forum ready to help if they can. Julie

Thank you for your response. My husband also has severe COPD, plus arhritis in both hips, before the cancer diagnosis he was on the list for hip replacements. The cancer has double trumped that and that has all been cancelled by the Gastro team. His fitness is poor. We are now under the care of the Community Palliative Care Nurses, as we were having major problems dealing with the surgery, so that is one less thing to worry about. This has happened so very quickly managed to see a GP on 12th July, who was very good, and because of the quick weight loss, made an emergency referral for endoscopy, which found "something very nasty" move on to CT scan then Pet scan and it has spread to his liver. 

There is no chance of surgery as he would not survive the operation. All I can do is be there for him and guide him through. I really would not wish this on my worse enemy. 

He feels a bit more settled now we are being dealt with by one team.  

Ask about PEG feeding so he gets his nutrition?

So sorry to hear about your husband's illness. My son's blood tests (different cancer)were done at the hospital a day or two before the chemo usually, but sometimes immediately before the chemo. I would ring hospital and ask as if you haven't got them done they will postpone the chemo.

Since his first Chemo on Monday the week has been horrible, to see him struggling is breaking my heart. We have now been referred to the Community Palliative Care Nurses, Should have a visit next week. He has said he can't go on with this treatment to feel like this all of the time. I understand, as he has always been as active as possible and in either his shed or garage making models. Nor being able to do this is effecting his mental health. It seems to be a choice, quality over quantity, and I know which way he is leaning.

This is awful and I'm sure all of this new world feels so sudden. See how he feels this week.  Hopefully the side effects will wear off and he'll feel better. Worth speaking to the oncologist to see what the options are e.g. a lower dose of chemo, etc. So sorry you're going through this.