Flyman35 Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Well Tom has had a bad week. He has been in a lot of pain. He can't feel his legs at times and keeps falling. His BP has been irratic going from 68/52 to 135/100. It is mostly staying low though. He is very tired and weak. He is not eating which is bad and worse he is not drinking enough either. He won't even drink the Ensure when I offer to make him a shake from it. He has lost another 10 pounds and is now 196 lbs with his clothes on. His coloring is very pale. As a caregiver I am at a loss as to how to help him. I can't force feed him or pour fluids down him. I don't know what to do. I am very saddened over this. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Oh Denise..I'm sorry to hear Tom is struggling.....no real tips for you...prayers and best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Hi Denise. I am saddened to hear that as well. As a caregiver all you can do is continue to make offers of food and drink. After that, however frustrating it may be, your job is done and you have nothing to feel badly about. Sounds like you could use some help on how to deal with though. Have you phoned the clinic or talked to a doctor? How are his spirits? I am worrying with you and am looking forward to hopefully a more positive update. Pain is also not good...something needs to be done about that. Please start phoning. Take good care and just do the best you can like you have been doing all along, that is all that can be expected of you. I wish you continued strength, of which you have shown a tremendous amount so far. Hard to keep digging deeper though...but I am pulling for you. Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellit74 Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Denise, Remron (mirtazapine) is a name of a drug that Dad took to help with his appitite. It worked pretty good. You could ask the md about it. its a pill form, so no icky powder to mix with stuff. It's basic use is as an antidepressant. So if Tom has that going on , it could do double duty for him Shelli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyman35 Posted July 8, 2008 Author Share Posted July 8, 2008 Still having the dizzies today. He ate a smidge last night and had not quite half an Ensure shake. He ate a bit of oatmeal and a slice of toast today for breakfast. I can pretty much guarantee he has not eaten lunch. He decided not to go to work today because everytime he stands up he gets dizzy. Smart move on his part. I called the Onc and they want him to come in for reevaluation. They said he may even need more fluids. They were going to call him but right now he is at home so I don't know what became of it. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simplyklb Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Hi Denise, Sorry that Tom is having a bad time. Is Tom done with radiation? He may be having problems with the effects of the radiation especially if it hit his esophagus. I am glad that the oncologist is going to check him out. Kristi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyman35 Posted July 9, 2008 Author Share Posted July 9, 2008 Stopped at Wendy's and picked up ceasar side salads and baked potatoes for dinner. Tom ate about half of each. YEAH!!! Better than nothing. I also went to the store and got a bunch of quick munchy things. Pudding cups, sippable soups, applesauce cups etc etc. He did say that he is starting to feel the lump in his throat hard to swallow feeling so I got him soft foods. The Onc Nurse Sharon did call and talk to Tom. You don't mess with Sharon Tom says. He will go upstairs and see her after Radiation tomorrow. He also sees the Radiologist every Wednesday after rad. So he will get a double whammy tomorrow morning. Tom says he will talk to Sharon and Dr. Kesslering tomorrow about that stuff for the mouth and throat Miracle something or other. I forget what it is called. I'm sure someone will remind me. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Denise: Sounds like Tom might have been down in the dumps for a while (can't blame him!) but maybe he's snapping out of it. Sharon might be your secret -- or not so secret -- weapon. Hope you and Tom both have a good night. Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaroleHammett Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Hi, Denise. Sorry Tom's feeling so bad. My radiation treatments caused my esophagus to shrink and it became uncomfortable to even try to eat. After I complained about it, they dilated my esophagus and within 2 days I was eating properly again. This may have nothing to do with Tom's problems. I only mention it because I know Tom's been undergoing radiation. Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--the late, great George Carlin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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