Might be going to the hospital...

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Lylesmyprince
Lylesmyprince Member Posts: 130
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi, my friends,

Lyle is soooo skinny, in so much pain, and can't keep anything down. Just when I think something might stay down...up it comes. I don't think he has gotten much nurishment in this weekend. So...I have a call into the doctor and hopefully he can make arrangements to take out the stent and place a feeding tube. I have tried to talk to Lyle about a J-tube...but he just isn't going for it. I know we are on this journey together...but his treatment needs to be his decision...and I will respect that. So hard to watch your precious one suffer with pain, vomitting, and now...losing his hair. (tears) He is sooo sweet...and still as weak as he is...when we go somewhere he still opens my doors. What a guy!! Please pray for us this week...as we decide what is best for the next step.

Thank you,
Susie

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  • K_ann1015
    K_ann1015 Member Posts: 500
    #2
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    Susie,
    I feel for you guys.
    Susie,
    I feel for you guys. Hang in there. Lyle is very lucky to have such a caregiver and you are lucky to have such a gentleman! I will say some extra prayers for him & the doctors. Some doctors have a way of putting things that might change his mind about a feeding tube. Lyle must think of it as a failure---and really it is not. It seems that it would help him FEEL better and you'd both be able to have some quality time? I hope he goes for it. It seems less invasive than the stent!

    Say an extra, silent prayer when you hug Lyle next time that he softens on the feeding tube...
    Kim
  • Hope_Faith
    Hope_Faith Member Posts: 150
    #3
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    Please get a feeding tube ~
    Hi,
    I know how hard it is to see your husband like this. I too have a husband who is weak and sick. His feeding tube has saved his life - when he couldn't keep any food down, not even water, the feeding tube kept him hydrated and nourished - and out of the hospital where germs thrive. Yes, it is kinda a pain because it has to be taped up, especially for showers, but it is a life saver! When on a feeding tube, cases of canned 2-cal formula and all the supplies for it will be delivered to your home as well as the IV pole to hang the food bag on. Also, buy a case of water bottles so you can keep him hydrated with clean, sterile water. You will need to be shown how to use the feeding tube, and hook up the formula. The home health nurse showed me. I don't know if you have a nurse coming to your home or not, but I think it is standard for someone on a feeding tube. Once you get the hang of it, it is pretty easy. It has to be flushed once a day even if it's not used to keep it from clogging. I really, really encourage your hubby to go ahead and get a feeding tube. It will make him feel better by getting the much needed hydration (water) and nourishment of the formula.
    If you have any more questions about it, please ask. I"m here to help:)
    ~Shelly
  • cjmac49
    cjmac49 Member Posts: 100
    #4
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    J Tube
    I echo what Kim and Shelly said. I had a J tube inserted during surgery and it kept me going through my recovery. It is essential when swallowing is difficult.

    Jim
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
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  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #6
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    Susie,
    My dad was in the
    Susie,

    My dad was in the hospital last week because he couldn't get anything down and he was in horrible pain and totally dehydrated after going several days without any food or liquids. Turns out the radiation had shrunk the tumor so much it had fallen into his stomach and had to removed surgically. Of course my dad didn't tell me this because I would have said the same thing as you --- if you need surgery get a feeding tube inserted at the same time. But no Dad is like Lyle doesn't want to hear of it.

    So until the next surgery we will see if he gains some strength and weight. Dad had to be carried out of the house to the car because he was so weak he couldn't even stand on his own. I got so angry at them, him and my mom, for letting it get to that stage. My dad's excuse was he didn't want to be admitted to the hospital on a Friday.

    So keep the faith and hopefully they can get some food in Lyle so he can build up his strength. He needs to get back out on your lake and do some fishing in this beautiful weather :)

    Lots of prayers and hugs,

    Cindy
  • Lylesmyprince
    Lylesmyprince Member Posts: 130
    #7
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    unclaw2002 said:

    Susie,
    My dad was in the
    Susie,

    My dad was in the hospital last week because he couldn't get anything down and he was in horrible pain and totally dehydrated after going several days without any food or liquids. Turns out the radiation had shrunk the tumor so much it had fallen into his stomach and had to removed surgically. Of course my dad didn't tell me this because I would have said the same thing as you --- if you need surgery get a feeding tube inserted at the same time. But no Dad is like Lyle doesn't want to hear of it.

    So until the next surgery we will see if he gains some strength and weight. Dad had to be carried out of the house to the car because he was so weak he couldn't even stand on his own. I got so angry at them, him and my mom, for letting it get to that stage. My dad's excuse was he didn't want to be admitted to the hospital on a Friday.

    So keep the faith and hopefully they can get some food in Lyle so he can build up his strength. He needs to get back out on your lake and do some fishing in this beautiful weather :)

    Lots of prayers and hugs,

    Cindy

    Thank you all...
    Lyle went into the hospital today and they are managing his pain, nausea, and giving him fluids to rehydrate him. He seemed to be doing better by the time I left tonight. The plan is to go in and remove the stent and place the feeding tube tomorrow morning. Soooo glad we are to this point. The pressure and worry about him not getting enough fluids or nurishment is really stressful!! Lyle seems to be almost glad to be to this point. He is done with the pain and vomitting! I appreciate all of your encouraging words...they made me feel that the feeding tube is going to help us have a fighting chance. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Our trips to the hospital are always soooo challenging at first. Lyle has what is called a fistula for dialysis in his left arm...no blood pressures or pokes on that arm...he has his picc line in his right arm...so blood pressures are on the lower arm only. Due to being a dialysis patient he cannot have more than 48oz of fluid a day...so letting everyone know to not over hydrate him...I feel like I am nothing but a rule setter...to the nurses and doctors. Maybe more like the traffic cop in the middle of the intersection telling everyone what lyle needs to stay as healthy as possible. I come home exhausted!!

    Well I'm off to bed so we can do it all again tomorrow!! Thank you again for your encouragement and prayers. I don't know what I would do without you all!!

    Susie

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