Cancer Support
Related: About this forumLast 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.
Irishonly
(3,344 posts)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"
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)...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.
maddezmom
(135,060 posts)so sorry to hear this news.
Ecumenist
(6,086 posts)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.