My husband has just been diagnosed with this problem and I was wondering if anybody can help me with any advice at all. I feel totally lost and just want to help him.
im really sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis, my dad was diagnosed with the same thing and I looked after him through it all so I’m happy to help you as much as I can. Do you know what stage he is at? My dad was a stage 3 and had chemo and radio at the same time to shrink it and then an operation to remove the remaining tumour which was a success, it has been nearly 2 years now and he is still going strong. It is always a blow when a family member gets a diagnosis like this but there is every chance he will be just fine. All you can do at the moment is just be there for him, and support him as much as you can while still taking care of yourself, so many people worry about those they love and take care of them amazingly but forget about themselves. You’re going though this too and you also need support, keep your loved ones close if you can and we are always here too.
So sorry to read about your Dad, but welcome to the forum!
I was diagnosed with OC in late 2013 and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
My only advice to take things one day at a time as it takes a while for your mind to absorb what’s happening. Oh and avoid Dr Google as there’s a lot of out of date and incorrect information out there - as well as disinformation from conspiracy theorists and advocates of unscientific “cures”.
My husband was also diagnosed with this, If eating becomes an issue (very possible) enquire about Resource nutritional drinks or something similar. Hospital/Dr/dietician will be able to advise you where you'll be able to get them. Hubby wasn't keen on the milky drinks and preferred the fruit drinks. Wishing you all the best.
Hi, I found it wasn't worth saying anything either, it didn't achieve anything, except angry words. Early on I was making lots of soups with meat and veggies that I could puree, and sometimes I would make a casserole in the slow cooker and if the meat was really tender he would be able to eat that, but most of the time he wouldn't eat. I get that the cancer makes it difficult, and the treatment makes them feel dreadful, and just the thought of food often makes them feel worse, but it is so important that they eat. Maybe the dietician or Dr can encourage him a little. As strange as it sounds my hubby was able to eat crackers and cheese, (maybe 3 crackers and 1 slice of cheese), I struggle to understand how he could eat that and not other things but when he ate them I was happy he'd at least eaten something. But the fruit resource drinks were great and he did manage to get 1 or 2 of those down most days. Best of luck and I'll be thinking of you both. Sue
eating and meal times in general were probably the most dreaded parts of the illness . I would be desperate for him to be able to eat often not being able to sit in the same room as him as it stressed him out thinking I was watching over him . I would get upset or frustrated and he would shout .What I learned was take it from day to day ,one day they can eat something the next day they can’t . Little and often is the key . Puréed food is often still hard to get down as is water at times . I even tried him on baby food as it was one of the easiest things for him when he was having a bad day.
Strangely he could eat granola most days without any issue .
Stick with it, it’s frustrating knowing what to cook from one day to the next . All you can do is hang in there and be prepared to throw a lot of food away at times it’s part and parcel of this horrible disease . If they struggle to get water down I would contact the hospital and see about getting some I’ve fluids so he doesn’t get dehydrated. Always insist on help it isn’t always offered and you need to tell them what you want . Trust your instincts and question everything . If something doesn’t feel right tell them.
