Stressed out - husband has advanced bowel cancer and is a hospital in-patient

My husband has advanced bowel cancer. He was a fit and healthy person prior to his diagnosis. he remained fit and well even after his first session if chemo last year. He has since had scans etc and eventually had some radiotherapy at the end of May 2026. Since then he has become very tired, very breathless and in pain going to the toilet. Last month he was admitted to the cancer hospital with "an infection". He was kept in overnight, given antibiotics intravenously then discharged with antibiotics tablets. No follow up was done.  A couple of weeks later he had an appointment with GP who admitted him to hospital with low blood oxygen levels.  That was 2 weeks ago. He is still in hospital with a chest infection and on high dosagee intravenous antibiotics but he isn't making any improvement. His blood pressure is in the low side and he is on water tablets now as his feet and legs are swollen. I am so drained and stressed out as I cant see the situation getting any better.

  • Hi Auntiesand, 

    I can imagine it is such a hard time for you and it is normal to feel drained and powerless in a situation like this. I am so sorry to hear that your husband has advanced bowel cancer and that he has been so tired recently, breathless and in pain. The last month in particular seems to have been so tough for him with two hospital admissions in such a short space of time and you must have been so worried about his low blood oxygen levels.

    I hope that they are looking after him well though at the hospital and that you are able to visit him as much as you would like to. I really hope that the intravenous antibiotics will improve his current state and the chest infection clears soon. He is in the best possible hands at the moment and being monitored for his blood pressure too but it must be so so hard for you to see him like that with also his swollen feet and legs. 

    You must be so exhausted and it's important while going through this not to forget if you can to take a moment for yourself to breathe a little and rest if you can. You might be interested in reading the information we have for Family, friends and carers which also has a section on taking care of yourself and getting support if you feel you need it. 

    We also have a nurse helpline you can ring on this free number 0808 800 4040 - it is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm so don't hesitate to give them a call if there is anything you would like to ask them at any point. 

    Most importantly, I hope that you will hear from others on here who are or have found themselves in a similar situation looking after a loved one with advanced cancer and having to be by their side while they are spending time in hospital.

    I know there are others on the forum who will know exactly what you are going through at the moment and I will now let them come and say hello and share their own story with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator