thanks for your kind words Kristen. One day at a time. I say that to him often. We can't take on more than that anyway.

the nausea hit hard last night and this morning. Nurse told him to take that second nausea med or he's going on an IV drip for nutrition. He told me I will have to push him to eat anything. I'm going to try a chicken noodle soup later and see how that goes. He said that sounded a little appetizing. Oh boy...I'm glad for the weekend and no treatments and hope he can settle things down for a couple of days and get rest and maybe some nutrition.

How about milkshakes, smoothies, puddings, ice cream or even ice cream sundaes? Since your husband already has a feeding tube that can be used with a feeding pump. Hopefully he was given the Kangaroo Joey feeding pump and all the supplies including prescription formula. This type of thing is brought from a medical supply company. If your husband doesnt have a feeding pump... call the doc and specifically ask for it. The doc must write a prescription for it, the formula and all the accessories like drain sponges (4x4 gauze pads with a slit), 60ml syringes to flush the feeding tube, paper tape to help keep the tube stationary so it doesnt bounce around freely which will cause discomfort and maybe granulation which can be extremely painful.

Its so hard to eat when feeling nauseous! Plus he probably doesnt have much of an appetite like most of us who went thru rads. I could go most of the day and not take a bite or sip of anything . The worst part was I never felt hungry so I never even realized I was forgetting to eat and drink. The scale was what ratted me out to my medical team by dropping more and more weight every time I was weighed. For me it turned into a viscous cycle where I felt horrible and had no strength or stamina at all. I hope your husband is able to handle the soup today. Its a start to getting him back on track with his intake. Sometimes we just gotta celebrate the little things!


PS.. Ive sent you a private message (PM) with an important link. Please click on the tiny flashing envelope next to your "My Stuff" tab to get the PM. Then click on the link and follow the directions to create and add your signature. It really is important! Its something that helps us to better help you and your husband. Thank you!!!

When my husband was in treatment, we were told again and again to get ahead of the nausea — which really meant taking the nausea medication before one got nauseous. Once the vomiting starts, it gets rather difficult to bring it under control. It is not a sign of weakness to need to take the anti-emetics, it is just a way of helping the patient get through the treatment. If your husband has a feeding tube, make sure you give him water with every feeding. It’s important to do that so he doesn’t get dehydrated.

thanks for the responses! He does not have any equipment for the feeding tube other than what's inserted in his belly currently and he has not used the tube yet.

He has not wanted any food or drink whatsoever though after taking that second nausea pill, he did eat some chicken noodle soup that I heated for him. He took a package of crackers too. He's been sleeping the rest of the day so I"m not sure how it went for him as i had to leave a few hours.

I will check out the PM.

Not sure about adding info about husband. I do not know any of the medical stuff at all. He does not ask questions and has seen doctors by himself this week....he can't drive himself anymore though so I might find out some of that info eventually.

Your signature is great! Thank you for taking the time to add it.

First post for me. Im a breast cancer survivor, actively fighting several melanomas but my issue is my husband. inoperable stage 4b BOT cancer. He had radiation and a watered down chemo, due to poor kidney function. He is fed by Gtube and has maintained his weight since May. I empathize with the caregivers whose "patients" will not help themselves in any way. I feel like I am wasting my time in trying to keep his spirits up, etc. His whole disease is on my shoulders and I am tired.First PET/CT post TX is scheduled in 2 weeks. Wish I could sound optimistic.

It's a lot to take in. I had to sit and ponder things for a couple of days after I found out mine had cancer. I didn't even know he was going to see an ENT about a sore throat so it was a total shock. I have done a lot of educating myself and reading here and learning from others. It helps me deal with stuff.

I had to get over the fact that I am taking care of someone who has verbally and emotionally abused me for a couple of decades and I know I will have days where I want to throw something at the wall out of frustration but I my faith is what is keeping me moving forward while I watch my husband listen to the doctors on some things and refuse to follow their instruction on other things until he has a struggle.

Hugs to you mikes wife...mine is named Mike as well. We are all in this together.