Im sorry to read about the struggles your husband is going thru. This is very common with OC patients. Some have a difficult time moving past the horrors of being diagnosed and treatments. Its common for patients to have PTSD as well as depression.

For the burns, several times a day, pat on a thick cream like aquaphor and let it soak in. There are many over the counter creams as well as prescription ones that will do the job. Never apply before going to treatment but immediately afterwards, pat it on. If the burns start to ooze, place a piece of gauze on top to help keep the lotion where it belongs and it off his clothing.

The final week of treatments and first 2-3 weeks afterwards are the hardest ones. Radiation continues to work even though treatments have ended. The patient often feels abandoned after all the routines of going to rads and seeing medical professionals suddenly stop.

The mental aspect of OC is the hardest pat of it. Everyone is different and will handle things in their own way. Being told you have a potentially deadly disease can hit you like a ton of bricks. Its not something that can be ignored. Being forced to face our own mortality is a life changing experience. Many find help with speaking to a special therapist who sees cancer patients. Others will take anxiety meds, some short term while others need it longer. Some patients seem like they can handle everything while inside they really are falling apart. My mindset is to do whatever works to help someone get past probably the worst months of their lives.

Next comes the recovery phase. Many patients struggle with this as well as they can not get well fast enough. Its terribly frustrating having ups and downs with some setbacks here and there. After OC treatments, it takes a full 2 years to be completely recovered. This cant be rushed but with proper intake it can be easier. At the very least, the recovering OC patient should continue to take in a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water every single day. If they can do more like 3000 or 3500 calories thats not too much and can only help them get well faster. Adding high protein whey powder to their diet can help speed their healing. Most patients dont understand that their body has been broken so far down it needs extra fuel to rebuild itself and this cant happen overnight or even in 2 or 3 months. This phase can be very upsetting to patients and many struggle trying to regain their former lives. Thats another reason continued counseling and anxiety meds helps many OC patients, caregivers too.

Maybe talking with another survivor would help? In my experience, being around others like yourself is like reconnecting with extended family members. Thats the feeling even if meeting someone for the very first time. We are connected thru the horrors of diagnosis and treatment for a terrible disease. We all understand each other as we have walked similar paths and can easily relate. Send me a PM if your husband needs someone to talk to and I will give you my number. Over the years Ive talked to hundreds of OC patients and caregivers. I think it would help your husband to know he isnt alone in what he is going thru.

Best wishes!