Role of caretaker

kcporter1 · New User Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 1

I am hoping to connect with other caretakers who are helping with a loved one's bout with cancer. I am committed to stay positive and be my husband's cheerleader throughout this difficult ordeal. Problem is I have to come up with enough hope and positive attitude for the both of us. He is just sure that the Drs. aren't telling us everything. He just completed five weeks of radiation and five days after we returned home he was hospitalized due to severe dehydration. They found that he had severe burns/ulcers in his esophagus due to the radiation. That explained why he couldn't and wouldn't drink any liquids. He kept telling me that it felt like he had razorblades in his throat when he tried to swallow. I just brought him home from the hospital (after eleven days) with a feeding tube inserted in his stomach. He is really bummed out and says he feels like giving up.

Can anyone out there make any suggestions of what I might do to lift his spirits. He usually enjoys reading the paper, watching news on TV, etc., but now he just sits and thinks and his mood gets much lower each day. Thanks to anyone who reads this and is willing to share with me.

gwen57 · New User Joined: 07 Nov 2005 Posts: 1

First, I am so very sorry you are going through this. Cancer is a horrible thing! I went through it with my Mom 9 years ago (lung cancer and was in-operable) and now going through it with my Dad for the second time in a year and a half. It has matastezied from his lung to his adrenal gland (very rare). My problem is that he has not been well since I was about 6 years old (about 42 years now). He has finally decided to go through surgery. They will remove the adrenal gland, the spleen, part of the pancreas and colon IF they can, as well as whatever is not vital to get to it. When they open him up, if it is attached to anything vital they will close him back up and we will probably loose him within a few months. Cancer is a bad thing. There is nothing good about it. I am sorry but I just cannot "sugar coat it". Treatment has come a long way but the disease is still a very bad thing!

The only thing you need is the Lord, Jesus Christ. That is the only way and the only POSITIVE thing there is. This is THE ONLY WAY TO GET THROUGH THIS!!!! I KNOW without a DOUBT that if my Dad doesn't make it through this he will be OK. He will be where God wants him to be... (may not be where I want him to be...that is still to be decided... ) The words, "if God leads you to it, He will lead you through it..." He will! You MUST hold onto Him! You or your husband will not survive this if you don't!

I know I probably did not offer what you wanted to hear. But I tell you the truth. I would have NEVER survived loosing my Mom without Him to this horrible disease. She was my best friend... Sometimes it only seems like yesterday! I don't want to loose my Daddy too! His surgery is a week from tomorrow. I am scared to death... only because I am SELFISH and want to keep him here for myself!

You MUST let God take care of this! Prayer DOES help and I will say one for you! It hurts to watch someone you love just sit and "rot" away! For your own peace of mind, let God handle it!

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Other Cancers Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others