Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Uben

(7,719 posts)
Wed Dec 28, 2011, 05:52 AM Dec 2011

Last radiation treatment today

CArol will have the last of five radiation treatments today on her vertebrae. The chemo doc asked if we could get it done early today because she says she wants to admit her to the hospital. She wants to do a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Carol is getting so weak, it is becoming an ordeal just getting to and from the van.

We were told this was a recurrence of her breat cancer nine yrs ago, but it looks now like it is something new, and this is an attempt to identify the primary cancer source. It could be anything, says the doc. I'm not getting any clear answers, and it's really pissin me off. I thought maybe they knew and were waiting until after the holidays to tell me.....you know...bad news. But, I'm thinking they really don't know at this point.

We do know it's cancer, and has spread throughout her body, and will eventually take her life. Everything we are doing now is palliative care, trying to make her time left better and longer. It is living hell watching someone you love die.

I almost welcome the admission to the hospital, as I know they can do pain management more effectively. Bone cancer pain hurts. I bet a lot here can testify to that. I experienced bone pain a few years back when I broke a leg. I just hope this is temporary, but I can't help but think we are in "end game". The thought of her leaving home and not returning is......well..you know. Probably just my depression talkin to me.

I am at the point I am afraid to leave the house and leave her alone, but she won't let me call someone over to set with her while I go to town for necessities. We are very private. We like our solitude, but that will have to change now. We have had a thousand offers of help....neighbors friends and family. I asked folks to stop bringing food. She has no appetite and I am eating very little due to nerves, so it just goes to waste. We live in a gated lake community and have for 20+ years. We have both been active in the community, and everyone knows us. So, help is never more than a phone call away.

Sorry for the long rant, but at 4:30 in the morning, there's not that much to do. I can't sleep.

What will today bring? Who knows? One foot in front of the other...keep trudging..keep fighting. It's what we do.



6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Last radiation treatment today (Original Post) Uben Dec 2011 OP
I don't have the words to tell you how sorry I am Irishonly Dec 2011 #1
I am so sad KC Dec 2011 #2
It is important that support is there... YvonneCa Dec 2011 #3
keeping you both in my thoughts maddezmom Dec 2011 #4
God bless you. Uben.... Ecumenist Jan 2012 #5
I'm so sorry that you and Carol are going through this. I hope you will get some answers. sinkingfeeling Jan 2012 #6

Irishonly

(3,344 posts)
1. I don't have the words to tell you how sorry I am
Wed Dec 28, 2011, 10:38 AM
Dec 2011

Please come here and rant whenever you need to and know everyone here supports you and Carol. I wish I was closer so I could be more help. You have every right to be frustrated and angry.

I know how hard it is to accept help and I hope you can convince Carol to know it is offered out of love and friendship. I pray the stay in the hospital will give you answers and some relief for her. Constant pain is horrible. I have it and I always say I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Please let us know what happens today. :grouphug"

KC

(1,995 posts)
2. I am so sad
Wed Dec 28, 2011, 03:59 PM
Dec 2011

To hear this news. I can't even begin to tell you how much it hurts me. Knowing Carol and knowing how strong of a person she is I understand why she refuses help. I am relieved though that she will be in the hospital and will receive help there for the pain and other things she needs help with. It will help you too just knowing she will be getting that care.
Please give her my love and a hug for both of you!

YvonneCa

(10,117 posts)
3. It is important that support is there...
Wed Dec 28, 2011, 06:17 PM
Dec 2011

...for YOU, too. Is it possible that someone in the community could arrange a 'relief schedule' to be with your wife and give you some down time...even for an hour or so? They could donate time instead of food?

You don't want to get sick yourself now.

Ecumenist

(6,086 posts)
5. God bless you. Uben....
Sun Jan 1, 2012, 10:13 PM
Jan 2012

You'll be in my prayers as I will post a year in my own cancer journey. I will remember you and your dear loved one each and every time I pray.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Cancer Support»Last radiation treatment ...