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Originally Posted by FlDebra  Dear Patti -- I have not been around much lately and have been catching up on what is happening with your dear husband. I am so sorry you two are having to fight this horrible battle! The shrinking of the main tumors was wonderful news to read! That means the first chemo and radiation must have worked! If he has the type of cancer that is helped by the chemo, it can add a very long time for him.
I wanted to suggest two things. Pls get him to agree to tell the doctor about the numbing problem. The doctors cannot treat him without all of the information. It could mean giving him the wrong treatment if they are not made aware of this major symptom, especially since he has the fluid around the heart problem!
The other suggestion is to discuss a feeding tube with your husband and the doctor. My husband had a very bad throat involvement too -- Barretts Esophagus. They said it was a pre-cancerous condition that left the throat all raw -- I wondered if the radiation had not caused it too. Regardless, it made him not want to eat at all and he was losing too much weight and getting dehydrated all the time. So, we got the feeding tube and I would put his Ensure through that. At least I knew he was getting nutrition. He got his strength back a bit from that.
I will keep praying for you and your husband. The radiation and chemo can help but prayer is the real power when you are fighting something as big as cancer. I know that is what gave us the extra time with my husband. I wish it had been more but I am grateful for every day we had. My husband's was very widespread when they found it so don't want you to compare or anything. You have many positive things going on in the midst of so much bad news. The tumor shrinking is a HUGE positive! So, stay focused on the good news and remember to take care of yourself during this time. Your husband will need you to stay well and strong. If you need a break, reach out and ask a friend or family member to stay with your husband so you can go to a movie, out to eat, or just take a nap. Whatever you need to rejuvenate! It will help to keep you well and positive. Praying for a cure, continued shrinking of all tumors, reduction of the fluid around his heart and strength & comfort for both of you! |
Thanks so much!
The echo today showed o increase in fluid around the heart and the dr said it appeared it may have gone down a little in one area. He said it could be caused by 3 things: 1. Inflammation from the cancer, the first CT scan done in August showed a small amount of fluid on the heart (first we heard about it) 2. cancer cells that have invaded the lining of the heart ( chemo will help with that. 3. Radiation. He stressed how important it is for Ken to not get dehydrated as the heart can't pump well when dehydrated. We need to watch for low blood pressure, heart rate of 110- 115 and heart racing. If that happens he said it could be catastrophic. Ken will have his 2nd chemo next Thursday if his platelets are back to 100. Then in 2 weeks he has another echo and if it is still the same or more fluid Ken will have to go inpatient and have the fluid drained. We are praying it continues to decrease so he can avoid this. The YT prayers are working so if you wouldn't mind keeping them going!! Thanks