On 2/11/2008
tripletmom wrote:
On 2/11/2008
Betz08 wrote:
The problems you are describing are pretty much right-on-track for only being a month post-op. She will adapt to new eating habits. The surgery is major and recovery takes a while.
You can bolace water through your mom's J tube. Just fill the huge syringe with water and push it through. It's time consuming but it helps with hydration and it's something she can do on her own.
As for her postponing the treatment, there is probably an underlying reason she doesn't want to start chemo. It might maker he sick, might not. My dad had very little nausea with the chemo. They give anti-puke meds with the chemo so you don't feel the effects as badly. She may be having some pyscological issues too but the sooner the better. My dad's cancer is apparently identical to your mom's. (Stomach, spleen and pancreas portion removed. Lymphs also involved) and I think the chemo/radiation is what put him into remission. His cancer has since returned but there are no regrets about the agressive treatment and drastic surgury.
Hang in there. It get's easier. Keep us posted.
Thank you for your post. I am glad to hear that your father is in remission. It gives me hope. My mother tells me that when they "flush" the j tube with water, it makes her sick. She experiences cramping and more nausea. Was your father able to tolerate and try foods 5 weeks after surgery? My mom just keeps losing weight, now 107 lbs, even on the j tube because she is literally not eating - but she does have the desire. Everything she does brings on the symptoms. Is it really too soon to expect more? How long did your father receive nutrition through the tube?
My dad was able to try solid foods at about a month post-op. He never really regained his appetite though. Even with a plan with a dietician, nothing about eating was easy. He has been on the tube since the day of teh surgery. It supplemented the nutrition even while he was eating regular foods. The weight loss will be an ongoing problem. There is nothing that can be done. My dad is on 2000 calorie tube feeding and still loses about a pound per week.
I must tell you though, he is no longer in remission. The cancer is back and the prognosis is bad. He's with Hospice now and they are making him comfortable. As of the past Sunday he has chosen to discontinue the tube feeding. It makes his very uncomfortable and his body is rejecting it.
Don't give up hope. Your mom can beat this even if just for a while. Keep calling the docs about her nausea. They will find something that will work to keep her from feeling like she's going to throw up. Reglan is the best for that. Is she actually getting sick or just feeling sick?