Greetings to all ~
I want to assure all of you who have responded so faithfully with so many different suggestions and options that I have been in constant contact with the Doctor/nurses. I appreciate your concern very much. I have spoken to so many professionals in the field regarding all my concerns and the variety of opinions vary as much as the variety of my questions.
What I have gathered from all of you is that these symptoms are not unusual, and that they can be treated, which is a great relief. I get so frightened but then when we do have an opportunity to talk, he makes complete (most always) sense in the decisions he has made...like forgoing certain meds. He has never been one to put pills in his mouth and very much hates having to. This is not to say that I will not be discussing this with the doctor tomorrow. In fact, I will be mentioning everything suggested here just to cover all bases.
Last week, when I talked with the Doc, he was going to schedule an Esophogial exam of some sort as well as a Gastro Something? to make certain there is nothing going on in that part of him.
My husband is a tender, sweet guy who couldn't hurt a thing - a muscian and photographer - people all over simply enjoy him. He can't eat if he is upset ..as well, food for him is a necessity to maintain life ..he isn't joyous over food like I am. He does start another round (#3 of 4) of chemo tomorrow.
I surely do not understand why he gets the hickups so bad or the belching so severe either. It seemed when he would excert himself, like just in talking, it would bring them on more severely or bring them on if he wasn't having them at all. I understand now why he did not want to have any conversation at all. I read on one of the reputable sites regarding cancer fatigue that if you sleep almost 24/7 that it is possible for the doctor to prescribe something so that he can have awake time. Is anyone familiar with what that might be? I also wonder if the sleeping is his body needing that rest to heal itself? Does anyone have a thought regarding this?
He does have a desire to eat and is doing more on his own of regular food, but not enough in my opinion. Today he had several glasses of whole milk and a bowl of cherrios, and that is progress, I am happy to report.
He also has a few bouts with incontinence and I see others have had that as well. I am so sorry about this for all of you as it must be very disconcerting.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts, they are very helpful to us. Are there any further suggestions you might have for us that we should inquire about at our oncology visit tomorrow?
God Bless
Mardilove