My husband is day 20 of 30 of radiotherapy for cancer in the back of his tongue and cheek ,he opted for tube feeding in his stomach which he does 5 times s day I am at a loss of how to help as he is so down,
Am sorry to hear of treatment husband is going through and how down he feels.
I am at the end of my 8th week post treatment after having 30 sessions of radiontherapy for throat cancer. si I know its a tough journey and I'm afraid its one area and treatment that is the worst. On the plus side it is the most curable and with light at the end of the tunnel, but nontheless the treatment and side effects can de quite debiltating.
As for helping, my partner felt the same as to be honest there is not much you really can do other than be supportive, be there, and i know its difficult, but also try and remember this light at the end of the tunnel. Just being there is a big help, making sure medicines are maybe logged and taken on time and corrently. I had a spreadheet to log as so many and sleep fragmented to needed some way to have some control over. I dont kow if it will help but I have kept a log of my journey and update it here every Friday and its under living with cancer and thread is called "Radiotherapy for Throat Cancer"
I kinda give an update of each week prgression on journey and there are others who post as well and there are lots of helpful tips from many which I hope would help. Sometimes the little things can make a difference.
My mantra is drink water, and at least 3/4 lires a day if he can. It does help recovery no end and was told by my specialist team best medicine for post recovery.
So he has 10 to go, then into post recovery period, which can be challenging as well, especially in terms of fatique so I guess just as much positive support and being there when you can is helpful.
Hopefully sorted medication wise, so should never really be in any pain.
I feel for you both and hope you read my thread as there a lot of positives there from quite a few of us as well as updates on people getting the all clear after treatment.
I hope this helps a little as you are by definition already supporting your husband but please feel free to ask away anything or just chat away if it helps at all
Hello, I am so sorry to hear your news of your wonderful husband. My thoughts are with you both. I know how hard it is, that “I can’t believe this is actually happening” shock you sometimes get. My boyfriend of 8 years died of Multiple Myeloma a couple of years ago. He was 28 and we’d planned a future together.
I’dsay just be there for your husband whatever. You are not ill, he is but it’s also a terrifying time for you as well. I’d say make sure you carry on doing the things you enjoy. Take a break at times, go out with friends cos although you’ll still be thinking of it all, it will give you a mental break in a way and you will be stronger than ever to support your husband. That being said, no-One can be cheerful all the time.
do you mind me asking what the prognosis is?
You don’t have to but if you want to talk or ask any questions than go ahead. If I can help I’ll be happy to
Hi thank you for replying my husband's diagnosis is excellent as it was caught early he is 45 ,when diagnosed it was like omg this only happens to other people .I am doing most of what you have suggested but emotionally at the moment I just feel useless he doesn't want to take his feeds if 5 times a day I'm doing them as I feel this could take a little pressure off .after the radiotherapy in 2 weeks they say it continues to work for 6 weeks and his taste buds and swallowing, eating and taste could take up to a year to come I just dont know how we will get through this.
My husband had stage 3 SCC of the tonsils and lymph nodes diagnosed in December 2015. He had 5 cycles of chemotherapy and 30 radiotherapy sessions ending with a neck dissection in July 2016. I just popped by to say its hard caring and supporting for someone who is undergoing this arduous treatment. Although its them that are experiencing the pain and side effects of the treatment it is equally hard to watch someone you live going through this. As they say ‘If one person in the family has cancer the whole family have cancer too ‘ as it impacts on every aspect of your life. However you are doing everything you can to help him get through this and his feeling of despair will pass as he comes out the other side. The recovery period is slow and at times frustrating but he will get there.
My hubby has now been in remission for 2 1/2 years and although hecdoes still get fatigued at times can eat anything he likes ( with water to hand ) he completely relied on his feeding tube at the end - he completely lost all taste and this has returned although some things do taste a little different - he does get a dry mouth but can run 4 miles wuthout having to stop for water. There is light at the end of the tunnel and you will get there.
