Cancer Survivors Network

Hello again folks,

I dont know what i would have done without this site.  As many of you have given me information that has helped us process Dad's dx.  Just to give you the story so far, Dad went to the ER after a few days of stomach pain and unable to go to the bathroom.  Drs dx him with Colon Cancer stage 4 after running tests that found an 8cm tumor in the colon.  During a colonoscopy, they inserted a Stent.  Initial biopsy from this procedure was inconclusive although CEA was in 500 range.  So, a few days later they did a Liver biopsy with a needle.  Dad has been home for 1.5 weeks now, thank God, and seems better than when he was in the hospital and before.  He however, is losing weight. His weight in the hospital was 152 and he is now 144.  Dad's regular weight was 165-170. 

He is scheduled to have a chemo port placed in on tuesday and I would imagine will start chemo shortly there after.  I believe the oncologist said Avastin.  This has no doubt been a hard experience and I am his only child.  So, I am taking this on as not only his daughter but health care proxy and I want to get him the best care possible.  I am no familiar with cancer so I am thankful to the website for giving me such knowledge. 

In the meantime I have been trying to work on his Medicare which is incredibly frustrating but I think I have it covered now...

Stats:

Dad is 65 years old.  Was preparing to retire at the end of the month.  He was in a physically demanding and stressful job. 

Pre-existing conditions:  Dad has high blood pressure.  He takes 10mg of Amladopine daily.

Here are my questions:

Dad says he feels pinches in his side (where they did the liver biopsy)...any idea what this could be?  keep in mind it has been a week and a half since then.

Occassionally says his skin is itchy near the liver biopsy site.

I made myself in charge of his diet but I am no chef by any means so I am cooking what is generally healthy.  The other night I made turkey tacos but i think the lime juice in the pico de gallo was acidic and bothered his stomach.  He told me it was burning the next day.

What is the chemo port process like?  I hear it is an hr long outpatient procedure, what can i expect to observe from him after?

What can we expect from the Chemo process? 

How can i help Dad gain some weight without shocking his digestive system?  I am concerned about his weight and want to cater to his high blood pressure.  He hasn't been eating big portions which i expected but any recommendations for good calories?

I am also debating a second opinion.  Oncologist said he doesnt feel surgery will be beneficial because is spread to liver and lungs...thoughts on this? 

Right now he is being treated by the hospital.  We live in NYC and he is being treated at Beth Israel.  I am debating getting his care at Sloan because it is a cancer hospital, but i have heard some experiences of treating patients like research...and quality of life etc? 

For the family members...What can I expect to feel myself?  I find myself not wanting to leave the house but i have to for work.  And I dont want to be anywhere else but home but i know i have to take breaks sometimes I just dont want to at the moment.  I want to be there with him as much as possible and help him process this information,

GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR YOUR RESPONSES AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MESSAGE ME!

Julia