Treatment for my dad starting today.

Schmidt7
Schmidt7 Member Posts: 9
in Esophageal Cancer #1
My dad is having his first radiation and chemo treatments today and I am not sure what to expect when I go see him later.

I almost didn't come back to this board. I appreciate the kindness and thoughtfulness and good intentions behind some posts, but I think I will allow the doctors to fill me in with the facts for now. It's not that I am in denial, but after reading some of the posts and tutorials from you all I have more anxiety than I know what to do with. Right now, I would just like to know what to expect when I see him later. Will he be sick, sleepy, aware?

I'm just wondering what to prepare for. Can I touch him after he has had radiation?

Comments

  • annalan
    annalan Member Posts: 138
    #2
    Everybody is so different
    Everybody is so different when having the treatment. Your dad could be just fine. He will certainly be aware and yes you can touch him. Some people sail through it but any problems he may have I'm sure the Drs. will be able to advise you. My husband had a lot of sickness with the Chemo but no burning or sore mouth with the radium.

    Ann (2)
  • ABC321
    ABC321 Member Posts: 52
    #3
    All the best..
    Hi there,
    My partner is 4 months into treatment, and i understand the anxiety that comes with this journey. His treatment in the early days was generally ok, but as the chemo and radio takes effect (days 4, 5 etc....)he did feel more tired and sore. The radio certainly makes it difficult to eat, but i would remind James that the pain is there because we are 'fighting back' and that's a good thing. James is now eating well and putting weight back on. So yes, the treatment is hard at tmes, and everyone is different and will react differently to treatment. Its a really scary time and i know there are so many questions. You can certainly touch him, hug him, and he will most likely be able to walk around and talk, funtion to a large extent. He will be tired, and will sleep more than usual, perhaps not eat as much, but all these things change as time progresses.
    All the best for you and your dad.
    Cheers
    Steve
  • froggerjen
    froggerjen Member Posts: 28
    #4
    Scared too
    Hi there, my Dad has EC too, and has been through radiation and chemo. It's true that everyone is different. My dad had very little side effects. He was more tired than usual but never got "sick". I was anticipating the worst, having to take time off work to help my Mom with things, running to the store for who knows what in the middle of the night, etc. We took it day by day, and it all worked out in his case.

    My advice is to not treat him like he is "sick". Take it day by day, that's all you can do.

    I hope your anxiety lessens each day..
    Jen
  • Rick0311
    Rick0311 Member Posts: 38
    #5
    Sorry to cause anxiety
    I don’t mean to scare you or add to your anxiety but you won’t know how your dad is going to react until he gets started. For me, the week of chemo wasn’t too bad but the following week I was terribly sick. The radiation and chemo brought me mouth sores. They hurt pretty bad but the Docs had meds that really helped with that. Please don’t be afraid to touch your dad and try not to treat him like he is sick. He needs you now more than ever.
    He will function pretty much like he used to but he will probably be tired and hopefully not too sick. He may be a little irritable but that’s just part of it. Like everybody has said, it is different for each person.

    Richard (Rick) Watson
    Neoga, Illinois

    DX – 0411
    EC – T2N2M0
    MIE – 083111
    Barnes Hospital, St Louis
    Dr Brian Meyer
    NED
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

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