My hubby's team were so impressed at how well he was after the chemo drugs were underway, that on the Saturday they organised his first radiation. I drove him to St Andrew's, and it didn't take very long at all ... maybe 10 minutes, and I think the radiotherapy was only for 2-3 minutes of that. The longest part, is making sure he's in the correct position so that the machine does it's three zaps in the right places and misses the vital organs.
During the next week he had a nasal gastric tube inserted down his nose. First they tired it 'blind', but the tumour wouldn't let it past. Next they used the endoscope and the job was done correctly.
Hubby's not very happy about the NG tube, but they said it's better to put it in place now, than have to try and get it down if the tumour swells. Plus this is a better option than a PEG tube.
We were allowed home a few days later, with boxes of 'food' ... tins of jevity to put in the gravity fed bottles. Hubby is to use 1,800 mls a night in his feeding tube. Then during the day, he's to drink as much ensure plus, as he can. Plus he's allowed to try thicker liquids ... and he has successfully done this, including eating some mushy vegetables. Yah! The priority is not to loose weight.
He's had 10 radiotherapy sessions and is feeling good. He's definitely tired and lacks energy, but we're guessing that was the least we could expect. His weight loss appears to have slowed and although he's lost nearly 40 kilos, he's feeling good. Hubby's hair has started to become fine. He's always had very thick, wirey hair, and he now has soft 'run your fingers through' hair. The chemo nurse told us this would most likely happen ... wonder if he'll become a 'nude nut'.
Here's to the next 18 doses of radiotherapy and second round with the two chemo drugs going well. :-)
During the next week he had a nasal gastric tube inserted down his nose. First they tired it 'blind', but the tumour wouldn't let it past. Next they used the endoscope and the job was done correctly.
Hubby's not very happy about the NG tube, but they said it's better to put it in place now, than have to try and get it down if the tumour swells. Plus this is a better option than a PEG tube.
We were allowed home a few days later, with boxes of 'food' ... tins of jevity to put in the gravity fed bottles. Hubby is to use 1,800 mls a night in his feeding tube. Then during the day, he's to drink as much ensure plus, as he can. Plus he's allowed to try thicker liquids ... and he has successfully done this, including eating some mushy vegetables. Yah! The priority is not to loose weight.
He's had 10 radiotherapy sessions and is feeling good. He's definitely tired and lacks energy, but we're guessing that was the least we could expect. His weight loss appears to have slowed and although he's lost nearly 40 kilos, he's feeling good. Hubby's hair has started to become fine. He's always had very thick, wirey hair, and he now has soft 'run your fingers through' hair. The chemo nurse told us this would most likely happen ... wonder if he'll become a 'nude nut'.
Here's to the next 18 doses of radiotherapy and second round with the two chemo drugs going well. :-)
3 comments:
I am so happy to hear that things are going well for you!
Stay strong!!
Great that your husband is doing well!
Dear Kaz,
Just stumbled across your blog. Good luck with everything. I've been through chemo myself and drunk plenty of Ensure in my time. It is very hard as the carer to watch your loved one suffer so keep your support network strong and look after yourself so you can look after your husband.
REgards
AusiKaz
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