My brother was diognosed with stage 4'throat cancer, he's undergone radiotherapy and chemo therapy which he finished approx 10 weeks ago, this is further complicated by him being HIV positive and has a kidney that is failing ; for which he has a drain in.
he is due his follow up scan to see if his treatment has been successful in about 2 weeks time.
since starting his treatment he has suffered pain in his face and head on the same side of his tumour. Over the last week or so I have noticed his face and neck are becoming swollen and his pain is increasing.
Ive always known the prognosis might not be good, and have prepared myself for the worse, but the waiting is hell. I'm taking care of him by myself, it's not hard in a physical sense but emotionally it's a very lonely place. I brought him home to my home to care for him, unfortunately 2 days prior to me bringing him home my husband left me and my teenage daughter. I've now got the financial worry of running the house as I recently had to retire from work due to ill health, I had cervical cancer 16 years ago and have been left with very embarrassing ongoing problems brought about from pelvic radiation.
He sleeps a lot, when he's awake he doesn't talk much, I've tried to engage him in conversation but he doesn't really respond, obviously he's more worried than me but I just wish we knew...each day is longer than the last.
ive not spoken to anyone, everyone looks to me for the answers, for strength, to get us through.
It is only me and my brother now, we both have our children for which we are thankful, but from our core family we have only each other.
not sure why I needed to write this down today, but I'm feeling better for getting it out, so thank you if you have taken time to read this.
sending love to everyone touched by cancer x
