In the hospital

Sorry Dan is in the hospital but it sounds like that is what will get him over this bump in the road. One more rad...that's wonderful! It will all get better from here.

Kari,

A big part of healing is staying hydrated....but more importantly keeping that pain level down to a point where we can stay hydrated.  I'm happy to hear this will be addressed for you guys !  Yes you get some well deserved rest yourself !  You've been a real trooper.  Hopefully now things will be tons better for him !   Katie

Definitely one of the best places you can be if something pops up...

Thoughts & Prayers ~ John

My oncologist said the amount I was hospitalized (twice, for about 3-4 days each) is average or even on the low end for H&N cancer treatments. So this is pretty normal and, as Phrannie said, good from the perspective that he can get better medications and hyfration. Hang in there--the treatments will be over soon and the healing can begin!

NJShore said:

Another day..

Dans been doing well, they upped his fentanyl patch again, and he still gets breakthrough pain, but more importantly, he hasn't gotten sick since yesterday and he started back on soft foods today. Now if we could get him to drink too. He says when he drinks he's nauseated and complains that it's exhausting. And I am sure it is, it just not an option. I am thinking of getting him one of the water backpacks that hikers use. You bend forward and sip From a lapel clip straw.. Anyone think its a good or bad idea?

They are also trying to set up home infusions, (no port or peg), since we are 65 miles away, and I'd love to part with the hotel bill, and see my dog! And not have to push anymore elevator buttons... so there's a chance we might get to see home soon.. 

hes got more progress to make, but I am so relieved he's headed in the right direction!

thanks again for all your support everyone.. You all make me feel - not alone!

Kari

...or even relevant, but in my case the narcotics were a big CAUSE of the nausea. It's why I was hospitalized twice. The narcotics put me into gastroparesis, and my stomach/digestion shut down. We didn't even realize this until I was able to ease off the fentanyl.

He probably can't slow down on the narcotics yet, but I wanted to mention that so you know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. The narcotics are essential but they mess with your system in a bunch of different ways. As he starts to feel better over the next weeks and months and stops taking them, the nausea and tiredness may start to ease up a bit too!

VanessaSLO said:

My dad

My dad was hospitalized a week before his tx ended. He was dehydrated and in so much pain that he could not drink or eat anything. So they admitted him and put IV fluids. He stayed in hospital for a week. Then his rads and chemo were finished and they sent him home for recovery. But as they say that first two weeks are the worst, he was admitted again just two days after he was sent home. His pain was very strong. He stayed in hospital then for 3 weeks on IV fluids and pain meds. He said to us that he felt safe there as he had everything that he needed. He never had PEG though....

He was never on strong narcotics because they made him extremely nauseated. They gave him Emend, but he still refused narcotics because they did more harm then good. He never had a patch. But he had some strong pills that he took three times a day and they helped a bit.

But it will be ok, you'll see. He just needs a few more weeks!! My dad was hit very hard and recovery for him vas very difficult. But he managed without PEG and with those pain meds and antidepressant. After three months he started to feel much better. So, what I'm trying to say is that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel! Some people need more time, some people less. But for all there is a light!

About drinking water to maintain his hydration... My dad COULD NOT tolerate pure water no matter what temperature it was. Simply he said that it made him sick and his stomack automatically refused it.

Now, still four months after tx he still does not like water. BUT, he is drinking light fruit or camomille tea, or.... I don't know how you call it in America... grain coffee: it is actually white coffee without caffeine (children can drink it). It is made from grain, chicory I think. Well that he can still tolerate and he likes to drink it. But still no water. Weird, but true, he sais that water tickles and hurts when he drinks it.

VanessaSLO said:

One more thing.... drinking water...

About drinking water to maintain his hydration... My dad COULD NOT tolerate pure water no matter what temperature it was. Simply he said that it made him sick and his stomack automatically refused it.

Now, still four months after tx he still does not like water. BUT, he is drinking light fruit or camomille tea, or.... I don't know how you call it in America... grain coffee: it is actually white coffee without caffeine (children can drink it). It is made from grain, chicory I think. Well that he can still tolerate and he likes to drink it. But still no water. Weird, but true, he sais that water tickles and hurts when he drinks it.

Vanessa,

When you mentioned "light fruit" and tea it got me thinking about the various roobios and tisanes that you might try to see if any suit your Dad better. Of course, you can dilute as desired to get the right level of taste and comfort. As it seems you are in here in the States, you can view these links for ideas. There are far more varities available but this should get you started. I'm sure you can obtain these locally. Good luck Don

http://www.silvertipstea.com/fusionecommerce/browse/Fruit_Tisanes/

http://www.silvertipstea.com/fusionecommerce/browse/Blends/

Sorry I'm too sick right now to give advice or any real support. But I am still trying to follow Dan's journey and pray for him. Rick.