Hello, my name is Derek, 67, husband to my dear wife Maureen, 63. Maureen was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 lung cancer May/June last year. (and in her liver!). She had chemo end of last year but after the second session developed pneutropenic scepsis and c diff as a result of her immune system being destroyed by the chemo. After some weeks in hospital, they tried a third session at a reduced 65%. But again she became very ill with c diff and other problems. More time in hospital! A scan on completion showed a good response to the cancer from the chemo and it had been reduced..but she could not tolerate any more chemo. It nearly killed her twice. Six weeks ago, she completed ten sessions of radiotherapy, but again it made her so ill, more time was spent in hospital. We both know and have been told the cancer is incurable, too far advanced and terminal, but the chemo and radiotherapy was meant to slow the advance and give her more time. But since being diagnosed, she has spent close on three months of her valuable time in hospital because of the the treatment that was meant to help her...and not the cancer.
I have joined this forum because I desparately need to talk to anybody who can help me get more info on things like signs and symptoms to watch for as things progress. Maureen is currently lying on the settee and has been asleep all day. She is totally wasted and exhausted with only moderate pain. Last night she was clammy and soaked in sweat for no reason. She tells me that she feels so unwell and senses something is happening inside! What do I do? Phone the GP...WASTE OF TIME! Phone Oncology? Phone an ambulance? I really do not know what to do. Could somebody out there please help, 'cos I know I'm slowly losing it. I'm trying to remain strong for her, but feel so helpless. Thanks for reading, Derek.
