Support with final stage of colon cancer

I am so glad I found this forum.  I need to find support from others who are going (or have gone) thru the final stages of colon cancer. My brother's treatment ended 5 months ago and his symptoms are starting to show. A nagging cough which seems to be progressing (cancer in lungs). Doc gave him cough syrup that does not work.   He is also having back pain, lower stomach and side pain.  The doc gave him vicodine to keep him comfortable.   It is so sad and frightening.  I hate not knowing what to expect or what I can do to help.  Any advise would be greatly appreciated

Hi Liz,

I am so sorry for your brother's illness.  I was caregiver for my husband through 3 different cancers.  He died earlier this year.

Have you called in hospice?  I suggest that it is time to do so.  They are excellent with end of life care and control of pain.  They know pretty well how to judge when the end is near.  There are nurses, aides to help with bathing, chaplains and social workers.  They provide all eauipment and meds you need and deliver these to your home.  They are kind and compassionate.

I suggest you read the book Final Gifts written by 2 hospice nurses.  Many in your position have found it very helpful.

Wishing you strength and courage as you help your brother on his last journey.

On Oct 31, 2010 12:51 PM Liz49 wrote:

I am so glad I found this forum.  I need to find support from others who are going (or have gone) thru the final stages of colon cancer. My brother's treatment ended 5 months ago and his symptoms are starting to show. A nagging cough which seems to be progressing (cancer in lungs). Doc gave him cough syrup that does not work.   He is also having back pain, lower stomach and side pain.  The doc gave him vicodine to keep him comfortable.   It is so sad and frightening.  I hate not knowing what to expect or what I can do to help.  Any advise would be greatly appreciated

Sorry to hear about your brother,  I too am working with my husbands cancer pain, he has Colorectal cancer that Matastized to his lower spine his oncologist took him off chemo few wks back due to non response to it and his CEA level kept rising to show tumor getting larger ea. month. I agree with Liz we have had Hospice care for almost 8 months now and they have gave much support with pain management, please contact them if you haven't already.  I try to get onto this link from time to time for support and others are very supportive and good advise from friends who have been there or just learning you will find you will be of help to them.  Hang in there and God Bless!  Cathy

Thank you for your kind words.   I will look for that book.  I am going to inquire about hospice even though he feel he does not need it yet.  I think he is trying to delay this decision because of fear.  He is fearful of the next step in this horrible process.  I admit I am afraid too.