Caregiver support needed

CQuezada68
CQuezada68 Member Posts: 1 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

My name is Christy and my husband is Javier. Javier was diagnosed with adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon . The tumor grew outside his colon and was the size of a melon when it was removed. It was Stage IV. It is rare and aggressive. 3 weeks after surgery,the cancer has returned. We underwent radiation to the tumor on his spine to relwve the pain and allow him to walk again. We are now in Chemo. First therapy is down , not good. Huge drop in wbc , low BP.

As his wife and caregiver i struggle most days and i am working full-time with a very understanding company. I am sad and frustrated and feel veey alone in this journey

My husband's stats

Male , 55

Diagnosed July 2024

Prognosis 6-12 months

Adenosquamous Carcinoma no specific origin

Chemo: Folfox6

Comments

  • Savahna
    Savahna Member Posts: 1 *
    #2

    Hello Christy,

    I'm sorry for your struggle.

    I identify with all you are relaying. It is good that your employer is soft. Cancer is a familial disease. So, we as caregivers also go through the disease process.

    Are you taking care of yourself? I only ask because we tend to slide ourselves into the shadows. Sure there will be times when you don't do dishes or laundry or shower. Give yourself some grace.

    However, do eat everyday- just a little something, do brush your teeth every morning, do something you yourself enjoy every couple days. A little longer shower with a sugar scrub scent you love, or get a hair cut, these are grooming items. But caring for ourselves has many dimensions. Sleep is so vital. Good nutrition. A little bit of exercise. Positive thinking time- time where you don't allow the bad thoughts or fears, only good thoughts and grateful thoughts.

    I'm lonely too. Even with people around me....

    Just that simple permission to take care of yourself is important.

  • slc50
    slc50 Member Posts: 1 Member
    #3

    Hi, Christy…. My name is Stephanie and I’m new here. I hope you get this message and are holding up okay. I wish I could give you a gentle hug, as we both seem to be going through so much of the same things. My S/O was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colon cancer following his very first colonoscopy at the age of 51. They found a mass in his Sigmoid Colon. It’s a very long and complicated story to get to now…. Chemo, radiation, surgery to remove the sigmoid colon. What brought me here is that all my “friends” and family have bailed on me since he got sick (January 2024) and I have no one but him to turn to for support.
    This could turn into a really long post…… please message back if you’d like to chat, I’d love to connect with you,

    Stephanie

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