Husbands Cancer Diagnosis

48 hours on and we are just back from a long walk in the fresh air, which was much needed.  He got home the same day (his operation was first thing in the morning).  He is eating and drinking well, it is night time he is struggling more as he can't sleep very well.  They say the discomfort will get worse from day 3-5 then will improve.  Just trying to make sure he regularly takes his painkillers - he is not good at taking these at all!   I read on this forum how Propolis can help during treatment to soothe throat pain, so I have bought the Propolis liquid and throat lozenges to help.  Also honey on bread. When my husband had his op, there was a lovely man opposite who had had his tonsils out 2 weeks before.  He made it sound very bearable and he had 3-4 days of discomfort he advised and was out everyday walking.  I guess everyone is different - I definitely believe that exercise will help recovery.  I will let you know how he gets on over the next few days so you have an idea what to expect.  

That’s some good news at least he’s feeling well enough to take a walk out in the fresh air. It’s good that he is eating and drinking also.

I do dread my husband going through the pain and the eating afterwards as he’s already struggling to eat at the moment as he feels like he has a lump in his throat (think it’s the lymph node mass pushing inwards) Trying to get as much nutrition in him is tough going all though he is a fan of cadburys caramel eggs!! 

I have also had to speak with the GP this morning as he was in hospital over the weekend with ?lymph node abscess. It was infected however his consultant said it’s highly likely its a another cancerous mass. Anyway yes so he’s struggling swallowing his tablets at the moment to have asked for soluble antibiotics instead. 

let me know how your husband gets on. x

I know exactly how you feel...it breaks my heart to think of what my husband has to go through, but I am just trying to focus on each day which is helping to keep me sane. I've been making some soups and smoothies so that he is getting enough nutrition, although up until this op he was eating normally.  My husband also struggled to swallow his tablets last night, however this seems to happen after a tonsillectomy as the throat can swell.  I think everything seems worse and more scary at night! x

Absolutely Beth, during the day at least you have people available and on standby if needed. 

My husbands swallowing issues started around Xmas time so he’s been struggling for a while to be honest. 

Post came today to say his pre-op is not until the 15/03 that seems such along time away. Also had a phone call today to say he is meeting the nutrionalist to talk about his PEG feed next Tuesday. 

My husbands been so quiet today he said he’s fed up with the constant waiting and just wants answers and dates, which is totally understandable.

x

Morning all, have woken up feeling very anxious today. My husband has been up most of the night and said he has a feeling at the back of his throat like he has something stuck and won’t dislodge a bit like phlegm voice is horse but that’s not a new symptom. How can I not worry that he may have something going on in his oesophagus like a cancerous tumour that’s making it difficult for him to swallow.

sorry for the sense of paranoia and anxiety this morning, not a great day. Just feels like one worry after another.

Bexx85 said:

Just feels like one worry after another.

Yes it does. All I can say is that the mind plays awful tricks. He's being looked after now.Just hold on

Hi your mind goes into  overdrive u woke up one night convinced I had been to my own funeral. Can he still swallow and breathe ok?  Of course any issues where he can’t ring 999 or 111. Our cancers are unlikely to go to the oesophageal area. Keep off google you can try to contact consultant s medical secretary ti see if appointment csn be brought forward or csn hd gi in cancellation listc? Worth a call

Hugs Hazel 

Hi Hazel, thank you for your reply. Breathing and swallowing ok apart from this annoying sensation at the back of his throat.  I think he’s got to a point where he’s fed up and not getting enough sleep. Will give his CNS a ring later and just portray concerns to her.

x

Hi Dani, taking today as a bad morning. Anxiety may ease as day goes on. x

I know it’s awful watching somebody you love going through something you have no control over. 
Hopefully his CNS can give you a date for his surgery. 
Can you make a little time for yourself? Can you pop round to a friend for coffee for an hour or so? You have to look after yourself too