Progress following food tube fitting

Topsymum said:

I’m distraught to experience the sad state of the NHS first hand. Heaven help us all.

Heavens. That’s awful. I hope it gets sorted out. Keep on at his MacMillan nurse and raise the issue with PALS. 

Thanks Dani, I am so tired and shocked by what is occurring. Will contact PALS when I get myself together.

Have you got anywhere with this, Lynda?
Have you somebody who can help both with your husband and to help look after you? 

Hi Dani, no, got no where. As of 3.30 today he was still in A&E. Dr saw him about mid day and said the food pipe is leaking he is being kept in the hospital they took him to last night so his cancer treatment is suspended until they sort this out. They will either operate to remove it and replace it or just remove it and stitch him up. This after he was subjected to Dr and his posse attempting to just pull it out, which because it is infected, was very painful for him. A burly male nurse made an attempt with a pair of pliers and Dr told him to leave it alone. Nurse returned when Dr left and said he would have another try! My husband told him no and so he left it alone. A&E sounds like a circus, screaming, crying, singing. It’s driving my husband crazy, he is so tired and just wants a bed. MacMillan Nurse at Cancer Centre says the hospital he is in doesn’t come under their jurisdiction so all decisions will be made by the A&E Drs there. I told Nurse I would prefer him to be at the Cancer Treatment Centre, where the rig was fitted. That won’t be happening apparently. I await to see what ward he will be admitted to so that I can keep our family informed. We want to visit but I don’t think A&E have visiting hours. My Brother, Sister and Sister in Law are supporting me, as well as our lovely sons. It just feels surreal and I am praying for just one thing to go right for my poor husband. Thank you for your interest.

Hi Lynda. What an awful experience for both of you, what a nightmare. Just what you both don't need on top of having treatment for HNC. I do hope that things settle down over the next few days and you can both have a bit of well earned peace. It is certainly an indictment on the health system highlighting their weaknesses at the moment. Sending you both positive thoughts and best wishes for the future.

Lyn

Thanks Lyn, it’s hard to remain calm when there is chaos during one of the most vulnerable times of a loved one’s life. We have got to keep positive because the alternative is too grim to consider. Thank you for your kind words.

Hello fellow wife  I just came across your posting and shocked that this is happened,so sorry about what your husband is going through.Where is he getting treated?  It's just awful. How long is his  treatment plan scheduled for? It's going to be a long journey as it is, he certainly doesn't need this. I hope you are all sorted now and can concentrate on the rest of the treatment and then recovery. My heart goes out to you. Lots if hugs, Mel x

Hi Mel, his Cancer Care is being dealt with in Hull and his current situation is Scarborough. His treatment schedule was six weeks, started 8 April. He is still in the  Hospital awaiting a decision about whether they will operate or not. He has been nil by mouth since his arrival and says he has not been given any of his prescribed medications since his arrival there. I am exhausted and despairing with what is happening. So, unfortunately we are far from sorted yet. I don’t drive so am reliant on my family making a virtual 90 miles round trip to get me to the hospital to see him. The posts I put on here are the very basic details, actual events have been far more badly handled by those looking after him but too numerous to list. I am waiting to see what today brings.Thank you so very much for your message to me. It is so useful to get input from people who have first hand experience of the journey we are on. Dani has also been supportive and both of you ladies give me hope of a good outcome when all this has ended and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Lynda