Another unexpected issue, last week of treatment

Hi All.

On the subject of holidays - after the all clear recently we decided on  a holiday. Our travel insurance via the bank will not cover tonsil cancer, although everything else is covered.  I've got a few quotes which are pretty exorbitant.  Since he isn't likely to get an acute problem relating to his previous tonsil cancer we are considering just going without that being covered.  Just when we need a break it's difficult!

Hope things are going ok with the PEG - it's a means to an end and so important to keep nutrition on track. The path post treatment can be  a rocky one but 6 months on my husband is eating everything - except his favourite chilli and red wine!

B

Thankyou for taking your time to read my issue and give me some much needed advice it's much appreciated. He's is using his tube now but yes he still doesn't like the thing at all. Alot of people have pushed me to try and get antidepressants for him, he'll be very against this suggestion but it seems to be quite a common thing to do, he's very proud and he's had to be being a single parent to both of us with little to no money, he's had to be strong and up until this point I don't think I ever saw him buckle even when the weight of the world was on him. Asking for help isn't his fortay trying to get him to admit he's depressed will be difficult but I can only do my best to encourage him. My dad's partner is looking after my dad until Wednesday next week and then I'll take over for about two weeks, you mentioned the two weeks following were grim, do you mind me asking in what way? and what can I do to prepare myself for this? I'm scared, I'll be alone during this period I have no close family to call on and the last person I want to burden is my little sister, if its going to be bad I need to know when to panic and when to not, I can and will do it, but I'm afraid that these boots that life has handed me are alot bigger than what I can do, I don't want to screw up in this crucial recovery period. Thankyou everyone for anything you can suggest or have suggested for me it's been a big help. 

Acornette it sounds to me like you're doing all you can in tremendously challenging and scary times. You can't do more than that.

The two week period after the RT is "finished" is actually when the effects of it peak, the treatment is done but stuff is still working in a "cumulative effect" manner during that time; it can be difficult especially as you no longer have daily contact with the hospital.

My heart really does go out to you; keep on asking whatever you want on here and never hesitate to contact his team if you're concerned about anything. You will see light at the end of the tunnel soon I promise.

Hi Acornette 

Radiotherapy continues to work for about a fortnight after it’s stopped. So the effects pile up on top of what your Dad will be experiencing on his last day. Ie he might well feel worse. Add to that the fact that you are not getting the daily interaction and support from radiographers nurses and doctors at hospital. It’s a common feeling to feel abandoned and on  your own. 
I think I can say that for me those two weeks were difficult. My husband fed me and medicated me via nasogastric tube and I slept a large amount of that time. I internalised all my pain rage and angst and let nobody in. It was the only way I could cope. 
You have done a grand job so far. Just keep doing what you have. Your Dad is lucky to have you. 

Okay so it's gonna be pretty bad, but I suppose I'll just try and do the normal, encouraging him to eat and to rest. If space is what you needed to recover and cope ill try and not be overbearing on him aswell. Thankyou everyone for your advice and tips, I'm beyond grateful for the support I've had here. This has been the only place I've reached out on and it's been comforting because I'm able to understand my dad's view of his situation and there's also people on here in my position too, these tips have been very helpful and I trust you all so I'm just gonna do my best until it gets better, which it will, thanks so much again. 

Keep us all in the loop

We are all rooting for you and it would be great to share your joy once you and your Dad are back out in the sunshine again. 

Hi yes the first few weeks after treatment has finished is pretty indescribable,but plenty if us in here are proof that it does work and life goes on I am now 18 month post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer and living my life almost the same as before ,watch out for oral thrush in yiur fad as well has that can creep up and effects eating and drinking as well.plus it’s oretty painful.

keep in touch

Hazel xx

Ps all yiu can do is be there for your dad don’t badger him babybsteps are the way to go if he is using feedingbtube that’s a good start try and maintain hydration for him , treatment finishing is a milestone but recovery period can be an all new ballgame .like everyone says the medical teams that have surrounded him in previous weeks have all but gone .best way to describe his body is it’s  like an oil filled radiator full of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and it’s just got to leech out slowly before normality can begin to set in. You e come this far remember that.

best wishes Hazel x

madaboutmutts

Hi, don’t think I’ve spoken to you before. 
Have a read of my profile. We both have cancer.

Ive just done an online quote with Insurewith and we can get a 12 month multi trip policy that includes cancellation but has a £75 excess for £210. I think that’s amazing  considering I declared everything! That was for Europe only though. I think I can probably get it cheaper in a couple of months as our treatment will then be over 3 months ago. Online it was a sim0le straightforward process and our predicament is fa4 from simple. I’ll be using them without a doubt and at least we’ll be covered for the whole year.

Enjoy whatever holiday you decide to take. 

Thankyou Hazel, I'm just gonna try and do my best to look after him, make sure he's eating and drinking as best he can, he seems to have perked up a bit these past few days I hope that isn't wiped out by these next few weeks. He strong and I believe he'll beat this, and I'll do my best to help, it's going to be tiring but it'll all be worth it in the end, thankyou everyone