Chapter 2
Living with a Stent

Chapter 3
Living with Palliative Care

1)
Introduction
Background
Endoscopy
2)
Initial Diagnosis
3)
Telling the family
4)
First Appointment
Taking the tests
5)
Second appointment after tests
6)
Treatment -Chemotherapy and Radiation
7)
Remission
8)
Coping at Night
Coping with Fear
9)
Relationship with Doctors
Keeping Track of Medications
10)
Deciding on a Stent
Conclusion

Last Revised, 05-Nov-2002
Copyright © 2002

Click on sections on sidebar for Chapter 1

Treatment -Chemotherapy and Radiation

        It was decided that my treatment would take place February, 1999 (February, 1st - 5th Chemotherapy and Radiation then February, 8th - 12th, Radiation alone). Since I was not having any problems with walking and my wife was very supportive, they allowed me to use a pump that I wore around my waist for the chemotherapy and it pumped in a measured amount of chemicals. I only went to the hospital each day for the radiation treatments and to have the needle in my arm checked or moved if necessary. I found this system suited me better than spending 8-10 hours a day in the hospital.

        By this time I found that eating was impossible except for fluids. To be honest I did not feel well at all. We decided to take it “one day at a time”. I had to ensure that I drank a minimum of 1.5 liters a day of fluid or I would have to be put in the hospital to be re-hydrated. I just managed to drink the required amount liquid and thus was able to avoid the hospital for re-hydration!. The technicians were very helpful during the treatments and were a major factor in getting through the treatment period in reasonable spirits.

        The technicians told me that I would not begin to feel better for almost a week after the treatments were finished. Being warned not to expect improvement for quite a time at least prevented me from panicking when I did not start to feel better right after the treatment ended. I found that the Chemotherapy caused my sense of taste to change for the worse. During this period do not eat or drink your favorite foods or beverages as it may be a long time before you can face them again!

        I found that I had to take each day as it came and to try not to think of the days to come. Both listening to music and doing a project on my computer helped me to cope. My wife was of the greatest help and I allowed myself to “be babied” and got head rubs. To this day I still try to get the same treatment, but my wife is good at spotting a fake and normally I do not get away with it!

        Less than a week after the treatment ended, I felt so bad I went to see the Dr. and he gave me some medication that made it much easier to cope. By the next day I started to feel better. If things get too bad for you, see your doctor and he will be able to help. It you don’t let him know what is really bothering you, he cannot help!
 
 

Contact
livingwithec@yahoo.com

Note: This email address is only occasionally checked, and due to volume, I am unable to respond to all messages. Nevertheless, feel free to send your thoughts, experiences, or comments.