he is doing relatively well for having terminal cancer. The hair is starting to thin, but the chemo has helped him to be able to eat, I have not had to use the blender or juicer for a month now he can eat whatever he wants, we are taking a christmas cruise, it works at that this second round of chemo finished right before we leave so he can relax and see a wonder of the world the Panama Canal. Most people seeing him would never know he was sick. But we see it. Hard to plan his last christmas.
- Syd_Pea
- Dixon, CA
- Member Since Sep 2012
Their Diagnoses (1)
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- Family/Friend: Esophagus (Esophageal) Cancer
- Patient Info: Currently in active treatment (initial surgery, receiving chemo rounds/radiation), Diagnosed: over 10 years ago, Male, Age: 59, Stage IV
- View this journey (5 Experiences)
Their Links
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Syd_Pea asked a questionEsophagus (Esophageal) Cancer
What do you do when your loved one is talking about giving up ; and would rather die, then try to continue to fight ? I am lost for words.
over 9 years ago18 answers-
izzysmom
Before my cancer, I had been the caretaker for my entire family, even some friends. When things looked bleak, I would thank the person for fighting-that I could only imagine what he/she was going through but I was grateful for them not leaving me. I would do the same now, however being the one going through this, I understand that nothing one can say, can instill the desire to live through this awful disease. If this is end-stage or it is near, I would spend my time letting my loved one know how valuable they've been to me and spend time checking things off a 'bucket-list' which I highly recommend having one. Before my 'list' I was just passing time. Now I am purposely checking things off my list and feel as if I am living again. The most powerful thing you can give someone is LOVE, UNDERSTANDING, PATIENCE & EMPATHY.
Best wishes to you both.... -
emnurse73
I don't know if this is helpful. I can only speak from my experience. I had never been sick was an emergency room nurse for close to 40 yrs and always said if I get cancer I will choose to do nothing and trust the Lord for the time He chooses to give me. When I was told I had stage IV bone (spine) Non Hodgkin Lymphoma with maybe 2 months and would be bedridden because the spine was like a sponge- it was clear to me I would do what I had told all my kids I would do-nothing. My younger son was my friend and said he would support me with what ever my decision was. That meant so much to me -I could make a decision about how I was going to live and maybe die without feeling guilty that I didn't do what they would feel OK or good about. I feel that gave me peace about asking the Lord as I prayed what HIS will was? I did not have peace that God was done using me-I still had a purpose. I did take 6 RCHOP and Zameta treatments and had some very tough times. That was almost 3 years ago- in remission which was never even suggested that could happen and I am back to work as a nurse part time. My prayers are for your loved one and you.
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Reel
I've made the choice for no clinical trials for my cancer - there is no chemo. When I explain it to others they can't understand. My choice was made when I was not in pain and suffering, and was not depressed. I completely understand the choice not to fight. You always want to respect the choice of the one with cancer, but you have every right to let your wishes be known too. Just be there to support and love him.
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Syd_Pea posted an update
Dad's GI Endoscopy went alright. Doctor said, the trouble swallowing was from the tumor's, dead cells falling off. He said the Chemo is doing its job and shrinking the tumor. But he is not a candidate for surgery, (removal of the tumor) because there is still some signs of cancer in his liver. Unfortunately. So the doctor also briefly explained, that one day the tumor will grow back, and one day the Chemo won't work. Well as devastating as that news was, I was, and I am just hoping that "one day" won't be for a long time from now. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm just glad to see my Dad so excited about eating food, instead of his liquid diet. He was really happy after we left the hospital, all he wanted to do was go home and have some lunch! He was determined!