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Nausea, how do you manage it? Just been diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

Sam1967
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I have just been diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. I had a PET scan today.

I am 56. Normally fit and well. A few months ago, I began to struggle with dysphagia. It got to the point where I couldn't keep anything down and I was losing weight (3 stones). 

I am now being fed via a PICC line with TPN. I have been in hospital 3 weeks. I feel forgotten. I have an Oncology appointment next Friday 11th October. 

My biggest issue is the nausea and "vomiting". I have found that sleeping helps, but as the day progresses, the nausea hits about 1pm then stays for the remainder of the day. I can't eat anything substantial without bringing it back up. The vomiting/retching just really brings up frothy mucous. 

I can manage ice-cubes. I'm trying sea-bands. I can manage a tiny amount of custard. Ginger tea. I've done research myself as very little is coming my way. Initially, they messed up my anti-emetics and they cancelled each other out and literally turned me into a zombie. I am now on metoclopramide and ondansetron, but they don't really help. 

I am at my wits end. 

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    Hi Sam 

    My wife has something similar with the same problems and also had to be fed via a PICC line for nearly 2 weeks before they were able to insert a nasal feeding tube through the blockage. If they can get nutrients into you that way and hopefully they can get a feeding tube down into your upper intestine then I wonder why you are still trying to take food via mouth. My wife could not do so without vomiting it all back up so there did not seem to be any point. Once on the feeding tube she was able to put on a couple of Kg weight without having to eat anything orally. She is home now without the feeding tube following the insertion of a stent to open up the blockage caused by the cancer and can take very small amounts of food via mouth now but still needs to take an anti sickness drug. This is cyclazine a fairly old drug now but it seems to work mostly except if she gets a coughing fit which sets of the nausea. 

    While Susan was in hospital the patient beside her had the same problem as yourself but the medics were still struggling to get it under control when my wife was discharged. Don't know if any of that is any use to you but I wish you well and hope the medics can get it under control. Everything that happens in hospital is mind numbingly slow so you must try and have some patience. It's all incredibly frustrating.

    Wishing you well

    Ashley

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm really sorry for what you are going through right now. This must be incredibly tough for you.

    There are a number of different anti sickness medications that may help nausea and vomiting and sometimes it’s trial and error to get the right combination that will work. We do have some tips on our website about managing nausea which you might find helpful.  As your current anti-sickness medications are not working do speak to your doctors about trying different medications to see if they work better. Doctors will sometimes prescribe a short course of steroids as this can sometimes help with nausea and vomiting.

    I'm sorry you feel forgotten at the hospital. Many hospitals have cancer information and support services that provide emotional and psychological support. You can ask what support services are available to you.

    I see that you are seeing your oncology team next week. You might want to write a list of question that you want to ask them to get the most out of the appointment.

    I hope this reply helps a little. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things over.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Offline in reply to Ashley-Dye

    Thank you for taking the time to reply. I couldn't tolerate a nasogastric tube and I think I'm a way off a feedingjej yet :(

    Nothing is going fast. I am very shocked at how slow everything IS going. 

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Celene

    Thank-you.

    They're going to try metoclopramide at an increased dose and haloperidol now. 

  • Offline in reply to Sam1967

    Hi,

    These things often no feel more scientific than trial and error. All you can really do is work with your care team till they get it as right as they can. 
    It’s a lousy situation to be in.

    Good luck
    Dave

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