Husband has 2 Primary Cancers

Hi everyone, this is my first post. My Husband is 47yo and has a Glioblastoma (Diagnosed 4/2017) and now has Melanoma Stage 4. I cant't believe it.

First diagnosed with a grade 2 Brain tumor in 1996.  Changed to a grade 3 in 2006. Had Radiation with Temodar.

Continued straight through with the Temodar until 3/2017, then it changed to a Grade 4. Received Surgery followed by Radiation Tx's with Temodar @NY Presbyterian Medical Center. That was all finished by 8/2017.

His Doctors were been monitoring him closely, as the MRI's showed swelling and Necrosis from the Treatments. Waiting for the right time to start some type of Immunotherapy. (They did not not see regrowth)

He always felt sick- sleeping a lot, weak...    They said that was expected from the Surgery and Treatments. 

Then after Thanksgiving had chest pain. Went to the ER and they found Metastatic Cancer. It's in his Bones,Liver,Spleen,Lung and abdominal Lymph nodes.  Biopsies of the Bone/Liver and lymph nodes came back with Melanoma.

He's really declined quickly.     Will be starting Avastin,Opdivo and Yervoy.

We're trying to get through each day.  He has needed me to care for him and I have take time off of work. (He's on a ton of medications, waking is unsteady and having bone pain)

I will need to get back to work for income and Health Insurance (my 14yo daughter is covered under me. Applying for Family Leave( live in New Jersey, USA) which is only 12 weeks. I'm a nurse- Hospice Nusing Manager for 20 years. Currently work supportive.

I'm completely overwhelmed.

  • I'm really sorry to hear of your husband's diagnosis and his suffering, and to hear what you are having to suffer, I can't imagine how you are feeling in terms of being overwhelmed. Do you have any support (family or friends) near you?
  • Hi robinson3. Welcome to our forum.  

    We're actually based in the UK, but we do have a few members from other countries, and you're welcome to any help and support we can give. However, it does mean that we don't really understand the details of US health insurance, social security, etc. 

    Apart from a couple of nurses who keep UK office hours, we're not medical people here. We're mainly cancer sufferers and carers. The names of the treatments you mention mean nothing to me, but it's possible that others here will have experience of them and can chip in. 

    This is obviously a worrying time for you, but it sounds like your husband getting the best medical care. Clearly, having to go back to work and leave him alone is going to be difficult. I'm sure others here have faced similar difficulties and perhaps someone will be able to offer some practical ideas to help you.

    If you just want to talk, cry, or vent your anger then we're here. 

  • Thank you RP.  I do have emotional support from family and friends. The hands on care is really over their head.  It's hard for everyone because he's a big guy and the amount of medications he takes.

    I'm hoping he gets stronger with the treatments. If not I can hire a Home Health Aide. Trying to be positive and problem solve...

    How have you been feeling? 

     

  • Thank you for your support telemando.

    It feels good to vent

  • Hello robinson3.  So sorry about your difficulties. Whilst I also am not conversant with US medical insurance and financial support systems I am sure that the problems are basically similar to those experienced  here in your situation, i.e. someone needs to keep the money coming in at the same time doing their best to care for their loved one. It seems to me that unless you have a rich family this kind of problem must arise quite often and you really have enough stress on your plate.