Alla….As mentioned before my husband also was on TPN - I believe that it extended his life by several weeks to a few months. I recall asking a physician: as the cancer is progressing, are we feeding the cancer with TPN? The response: you might be feeding the cancer however; at present it is keeping your husband viable.
Since I have learned that the cancer will take the nutrition needed and unless progression of disease can be halted or slowed, it will deprive the patient of the valuable resource. In other words, regardless of TPN when the cancer does not respond to treatment, it will continue to spread.
The overriding issue is pain control and that has been achieved so far. The ongoing nausea is difficult to control and as you witness in your husband’s case, medication is not helping much, if at all. This had been the case for my husband also. For him the non-response to anti- nausea medication was indicative of progressive disease.
Alla, the fact that your husband’s pain has been controlled is a major achievement. Hopefully tomorrow will shed some light on the next steps to be taken by the physicians.
In regards to speaking with the children, is it possible to involve a social worker or counselor?
Alla, know that you are experiencing a situation none of us are prepared for, tears come with the territory. You have exhibited enormous strength and determination and you will continue to do so. Please keep us posted – we are in this together.
My heart is with you,
Hugs,
Marion
THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
