What’s next…

Hi Cat,

I haven't got any words of wisdom for you but I had to comment and say that I signed up for an account today to ask for help for almost exactly the same situation and I am hoping you get some replies that offer insight. I'm so sorry you are going through this - it is so utterly draining and terrifying. 

My family member is also suffering from stage 4 inoperable stomach cancer, has had a few rounds of chemotherapy which she responded so brilliantly to and we have had 3 monthly scans which she has been signed off on with no issues. There is just over a month until her next follow-up appointment and the past 3 weeks have been a gradual but significant decline... From 'healthy' to sickness, confusion, unable to go to the toilet, barely eating, speech slowing... It's so destabilising and I feel so helpless and not sure where to go from here as it seemed to have happened so 'fast'. We have been to the GP (with all clear for bloods, blood pressure and the like) who has passed this information on to the Oncology unit but like your mum that's all that has been done for us. Please update here if you are able to? Like you, I am not sure what I am preparing for or where to go from here. 

Sorry to offload on you but just know you are not alone. I hope you find the answers you are looking for from other more seasoned members and I hope to learn from them too x

Hi Mooze

Thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry you’re going through this too. It’s just horrendous. Has the GP offered any medication? We’ve tried steroids as well as an anti sickness tablets that are to support with Gastro paresis. The rate of decline doesn’t make sense when she’s been doing so well. She definitely seems to be bothered by acid reflux too but she’s due to have an endoscopy tomorrow so will know more then.  You are not offloading at all!! It’s a really lonely place to be in & I know that only too well. 

Hi Cat

How is your mum doing? Apologies for the late reply it has been an difficult few days. I hope you get some answers with your mum and that the Endoscopy has gone well. We have been back in contact with the GP and the follow up has been brought forward to an emergency appointment at the hospital but at the moment she is just sleeping a lot and where she is now I’m not sure she will be able to make it in as she is so tired/sleeping so much. We are getting a house call from GP and I suppose we will see where we are but we are all fearing the worst. We are also waiting on a call back from Macmillan nurses but it’s all moving so quick and still don’t and won’t know exactly where we are until later today. 

We are really lucky to have such a close family and we have all been visiting and spending time with her and making her feel loved. She isn’t in distress, worried, in pain. I’m not sure if it is denial but I think we are all more worried than she is despite how little she is able to do now and how much has changed. It makes me feel guilty because none of us have spoken out loud how worried we all are. 

Sending love to you and your mum xxx

Hi Mooze

I’m so sorry to read this. Don’t give yourself a hard time for not sharing or speaking about how worried you are. You’re actions will speak volumes for sure.  We’ve got an appointment this afternoon at oncology to discuss the scan & next steps. The endoscopy revealed an ulcer at the junction of oesophagus and stomach too so she’s been prescribed Sucralfate and to continue with high dose of omeprazole. I’ve been bombarding her with sugary drinks this week….I figured sugar is better than nothing. Please keep in touch. Hoping we’ll both have a better day than we expected and that you don’t have long to wait for that emergency appointment.