CancerCompass message board discussion started by Jockey on 4/24/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23371,0.htm Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My son, diagnosed in Dec 07 with stomach cancer has been unable to eat the last 3 weeks.  Needless to say, he has lost lots of weight and looks emaciated.  He is now 133 lbs.  Down from 245.He was hospitalized 2 days ago to be rehydrated.  They found a blockage near the duodenum.  They are proposing surgery to remove it. I am afraid he may not withstand surgery due to his weak state.Can someone who has gone through this kind of cancer pls tell me what to expect.Please keep my son and his family in your prayes.  Jockey Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT What stage is your son?Have you gotten a second opinion?I would think that doctors would not operate if they didn't feel they could save him.  From what I understand doctors do take it person when they can't save someone's life.  I believe that they really do try and do all they can for each one of their patients.  At least that is what I have seen, so I've been blessed that way.I will definitely keep you all in my prayers. cal1519 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/24/2008 Jockey wrote:My son, diagnosed in Dec 07 with stomach cancer has been unable to eat the last 3 weeks.  Needless to say, he has lost lots of weight and looks emaciated.  He is now 133 lbs.  Down from 245.He was hospitalized 2 days ago to be rehydrated.  They found a blockage near the duodenum.  They are proposing surgery to remove it. I am afraid he may not withstand surgery due to his weak state.Can someone who has gone through this kind of cancer pls tell me what to expect.Please keep my son and his family in your prayes. Jocky:Tough to answer.  We need more informatoin on what he has been doing to treat since December.  Has he had surgery already, is the on a chemo/radiation treatment, what stage is it?  Has it spread to other locations?  Everyone is different and our families prayers are certainly with both you and your son.Steve momwithkids Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Steve, Thanks for your response.My son as been on chemotherapy since January.  He is on Cisplatin, Epirubicin and 5-FU.  Lately he has been unable to eat.  He was hospitalized last Monday.  On performing tests, they found a blockage. The doctors decided to do surgery.  It was done on Friday, 4/25/08.  They found the blockage could not be safely removed.  So they closed him back up and said there is nothing more to do in terms of curative care.  He should not go to hospice.  My daughter in law doe snot want to do hospice.  Se feels that accepting means you have given up. Does anyone know how long it will be now? I am totally devastated.  My boy is only 36.Please pray for peace for our family.Jockey Jockey Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My father did not want to hear about hospice either, as he, too, equated it with 'giving up'.  When he reached the point that your son has reached, the Dr had someone from hospice visit with him everyday at the hospital.  At first, he was very resistant, but the hospice nurse was trained in dealing with this very issue.  In short order, he warmed up to the idea, due in large part, I beleive to the hospice nurse's approach and attitude.  My father and our entire family were treated with the utmost respect, care, empathy and warmth by the hospice staff.  It was perhaps the best, most comprehensive care he'd experieneced the whole journey: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Hospice is not 'giving up', it is merely shifting goals.  I believe that hospice staff can enable your son, daughter in law and the rest of your family to make the most of this special time with dignity, warmth and comfort.  I encourage at least one of you to sit down and speak with someone from hospice.  They know exactly where you are coming from.God Bless you all. Chi-girl Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT How totally totally devastating for you - my heart goes out to you so much. To lose a child must be the worst thing in the world - however in regards to your questions regarding a hospice, may I suggest that you do strongly consider this option.Both of my parents were admitted to hospice in their final weeks of life, and my Father was so happy to be in a place were pain relief was administered professionally, without worry and without any stress on myself or my mother. He had previously been cared by myself and husband at our home, and although thankful for this, he was also grateful to be in the hospice, where he knew he was "safe" with all necessities at hand. I was able to take a bed into his room, and slept by his side every single night from admittance right up until his last moments. We too felt the pressure lifted by having Dad at the hospice, and My Mum was happpy to go when her time came, as she too knew of the care she would be given.It is a personal choice though, and if your Son wants to stay at home and his family can care for him at home, then this is what you must aim to do, but please ensure you have the on-call care of the hospice at all times.Wishing you all peace in at this trying time. I pray your son is kept free from pain, wherever he may be, and that you are all able to spend some quality time together at this stage of his illness. s2usy1 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thank you.ToI went to see him during my lunch.  Luckily the Dr.was doing his roiunds. Said he will discharge him to home hospice in a day or two.  My son and his wife were in agreement.  Iam glad he will not be in pain. I am still trying to take all this in. Jockey Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Jockey, get your son on Essiac tea if he can drink and a liquid multiple vitamin. Is he getting fed intravenously? Try taking colloidal silver to thrink the blockage. Definitely get Hospice involved. They will do everything they can to help out. They have wonderful volunteers. My only regret with Hospice is that I didn't get them involved sooner with my stomach canceer diagnosis. Hospice doesn't mean you are giving up! If there is anything else I can do to help let me know. Best of luck. Becky333 Becky333 Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT