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Update on MummyDoIt's DH

11 replies

MummyDoIt · 07/05/2008 08:22

He had a gastroscopy yesterday. His oesophagus was very narrow (pinprick opening was the way the consultant described it) so they dilated it to 13mm. Not sure how close that is to a normal oesophaguus but, hey, it's got to be better than a pinprick! We're hoping it improves his swallowing as he's been reduced to living on soup, jelly and ice-cream. The consultant said the procedure could be repeated as often as necessary. It was better than we thought as, last time DH had the procedure, the dilation wasn't enough and they had to laser away some of the tumour. He felt quite sore and poorly for a couple of days after that. This time, he was absolutely fine and was eating a couple of hours later.

He starts his next course of chemo on Friday. We're both dreading it, to be honest. Him because he knows he'll feel sick and tired and he'll lose his hair again. Me because I hate to see him suffer and also it's so hard keeping the DSs quiet while DH needs to rest. Also, I hate the day we have to spend in hospital with him - long drive each way and DS2 has to come with us and it's not fun keeping a 4 year old occupied in a hospital room for a full day! Still, we have to try.

DS1 really upset DH this morning. DH is still managing to work but it's a long walk to the station from our house which would really tire him so I take him in the morning and pick him up in the evening. The DSs hate this. Often they're still asleep and I have to wake them up so we can leave on time. It's not fair on them really but there's no real alternative. DH can't drive himself at the moment and taxis would be too expensive every day. This morning DS1 commented that all the other daddies walked to work and that his daddy was the odd one out and should walk like everyone else. Poor DH felt really bad about it. Felt so sorry for him.

OP posts:
BoysAreLikeDogs · 07/05/2008 10:18

Thank you for the update, Mummydoit.

Chemo sounds gruelling, for all of you

CHildren say things that are apparently cruel,it's just that empathy comes with maturity.

MummyDoIt · 07/05/2008 11:03

DH has been lucky so far in that he feels sick and tired for a couple of days after a dose of chemo but not too bad the rest of the time.

DS1 is only five so can't really be blamed for being a bit insensitive. He told me last week that I should get a job. Having given up a good career to become a SAHM, that went down well, I can tell you!

OP posts:
notjustmom · 07/05/2008 11:06

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MummyDoIt · 07/05/2008 15:55

Thanks.

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hippipotami · 07/05/2008 15:58

Thinking of you and your family. So sorry you are going through this.
xx

Kewcumber · 07/05/2008 16:03

can you get incapavcity benefit - its designed to coever things like taxis from teh station when he's tired. My mum got it when she was having treatment - talk to your GP. It made a big difference to her.

MummyDoIt · 07/05/2008 18:12

We've applied for it, Kewcumber, but haven't heard back yet. We did apply when he was first diagnosed but were turned down. Then our Macmillan nurse said apply again as apparently there are special rules that mean you get immediate payment if you have limited life expectancy (there's a cheery little phrase!). Fingers crossed we get it this time as it would certainly help. We spend a fortune in petrol these days as I have to drive DH everywhere. Plus he feels the cold so our heating is on a lot more than it used to be.

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Kewcumber · 07/05/2008 20:50

my mum used it to pay for the extortionate parking fees at the marsden. With weekly outpatient chemo and monthly inpatient chemo for two days then dialy radio for six weeks, the parking cost a bleedin fortune!

RubyRioja · 07/05/2008 20:54

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MummyDoIt · 07/05/2008 21:20

We're lucky that the hospital DH goes to for his chemo doesn't charge for parking. The one he went to yesterday did cost a fortune - I'd hate to pay for that on a regular basis.

Ruby - the Nintendo isn't a bad idea (I quite fancy one for myself anyway!). I usually go armed with a big bag full of books, jigsaws, something to make, Lego, etc. He's actually really good and plays very nicely. All the nurses say how good he is but it is very boring for the poor little chap, especially as he has to miss nursery which he loves.

OP posts:
RubyRioja · 08/05/2008 08:28

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