Please, Please Help Me

My father was diagnosed with Stomach Cancer in March 2007. Since then, he has been through a regimen of 5-FU, Leukovorin, and Irinotecan, and it did not even touch the tumor. A laparoscopy was done at Sloan, and they told him he was inoperable. We were never given a time frame. Just a week ago, he finished 6 weeks of Taxotere (docetaxel) once a week. For the past month or so, he has been throwing up saliva, on a constant basis. 20 times a day, at least. He has a J tube in his intestine, and uses the feeding tube at night while he is asleep. Nobody can explain the constant throwing up, so he has been admitted today through the urgent care facility, where he will have a cat scan done. I am losing my mind. I cannot concentrate at work, I am always depressed and crying, and all I want to do is be by his side. I am so scared of what the next cat scan will show.

He feels that the tumor has spread to his intestines, and the saliva is not going from the stomach to the intestines. Has anyone ever had this experience. I am 2 steps away from walking out of my job just to be at the hospital. Please, anyone, if you have any insight or thoughts, I really need all of the help I can get right now.

First, let me say that I am sorry to hear about your Dad's cancer,and subsequent difficulties.

I don't have any answers for you regarding the saliva issue, as my Mom's cancer is Colon.

I want to say that I completely understand how overwhelmed you are about everything.  It is very common, and only human to feel that way.

Before actually "quitting" your job, comsider the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act).  That may be exactly waht you need at his time, if you are able to do it.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Blessings~

~~Beth~~

Hi:

I am so sorry to hear about your dad's illness. My wife is battling brain cancer right now, so I can understand the urgency and despiration. I am not sure where you work but I presume you are in the USA, so you should be aware of the Family and Medical Leave Act. This is a federal law which requires all employers to grant up to 12 weeks (can be paid or unpaid) leave to people who are seriously ill (or giving birth) or a seriously ill immediate family member. Perhaps you can check with your employers to request that you take some time off. My employer offered to let me take it a day at a time, so I know this is possible. I beleive if the company you work for is a certain size, they are required by law to hold your job for you.

While no one can say " I know how you feel" ; beleive me, the emothions you express  and tears you shed are normal under this kind of stress. I was a wreck when we got my wife's diagnosis and was able to find some good counciling at the hospital support center and the American Cancer Society. These are free, and perhaps if you are able to talk to someone, you will find some comfort. Hopefully you have your Mom, siblings, or freinds that can help too.

I will be thinking about you and your Dad......

C

I don't have much more to add to this besides the typical "I know how you feel"

My father is currently battling stomach cancer and just like you I can't even concentrate at work.  My projects are stacking up and my boss is constantly hounding me to get things done.  I actually cancelled a vacation to the caribbean just to stay with my pop.  Hang in there and try to be strong for your dad.  That is the best you can do and if you need to talk about it just send me a PM.

Hi,

My father battled IV stage stomach cancer until he passed away 2 weeks ago. After the complete removal of his stomach, he started to throw up saliva. What we found out that it was his bile and not saliva due to the surgery. Stomach is what usually stops bile from coming up, but since he didn't have it, bile would constantly get to his mouth and he would need to spit it out. You said your father didn't have surgery, so not sure why he would have that. Maybe his esophagus is not functioning correctly.