Cancer Research UK main site

Palliative Cancer Treatment stopped

MRS-PS
Offline

My husband has been treated for AITL since Christmas, but only palliatively. About 4 weeks ago he was losing his appetite, extremely breathless and fatigued. About 3 weeks ago he stayed in bed sleeping night and day for 9 days, only rousing for drinks and toilet visits. He has suffered night sweats for almost two years but they got even worse, and the horrific itch, no matter what I try he gets no relief. 
His oncology team have said to stop the Cyclophosphamide now as it’s no longer working, and we’re now being supported by district nurse, and the hospice community nurse. He’s on Oramorph for the breathlessness which has helped. 

Sadly he also suffers from Vascular Dementia and it’s almost unbearable to see him so distressed by this awful combination of day & night sweats and the dreadful itch. 
Has anyone found anything that will relieve the itch? xx

  • Hi MRS-PS,

    I'm sorry to hear of all these difficulties, this must be a lot to be dealing with and I can only imagine how tough it must be for you to see him struggling with it.

    If there are others here with similar experience who have any thoughts or recommendations to share then hopefully they'll see your post and send a reply. My reply here will give your post a boost so a few more people should see it.

    Presumably you have already asked for support from the medical team about the itching - they will of course be best placed to advise.

    You are welcome to post in the 'Ask the Nurses' section of this forum to receive a reply from one of our nurses, although they may not be able to advise further to what you may have already heard.

    I hope your husband is able to get some relief from the itching soon.

    And I also hope this forum can be of some support to you.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.