 |
Chemotherapy gave us a Gift of Time
by Lorraine Kember
http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com
Chemotherapy gave us a Gift of Time By Lorraine Kember
In December 1999, my beloved husband of 32 years was
diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and given a prognosis
of 3 to 9 months.
He was a former Wittenoom child who at the tender age of
seven lived in Wittenoom for period of seven short months.
Tragically it was long enough for him to inhale the deadly
blue asbestos dust that would ultimately take his life.
As Brian's disease progressed, the tumor pressed against
his esophagus making it almost impossible for him to
swallow. For a short period of time, dilatation was given
to stretch the opening, thereby enabling him to manage a
pureed diet. However when these dilations were no longer
successful, we were told that chemotherapy was the only
option. It was painfully obvious that unless
chemotherapy could shrink the tumor, Brian's death would
be imminent.
Although we had no choice, the thought of chemotherapy was
frightening. We had heard stories of extreme nausea and
hair loss, and the added fear of the unknown intensified
our suffering. There were many questions. How would it
affect us? Would it work? How long will it go on? Will
Brian ever be able to eat normally again?
For Brian, chemotherapy was never promised as a cure but
as a trial, offered to him in the hope of shrinking the
tumor, thereby enabling him to eat and drink and
hopefully, to afford him "quality of life" for the
remainder of his life.
Brian began chemotherapy in January 2001; his reaction to
the first round of treatment was dramatic; he vomited
continuously and was unable to retain his oral medication
and needed to be hospitalized. Unable He remained in
hospital for a short time during which the Pain Management
Specialist attached to the Palliative Care Unit was able
to bring his symptoms under control. The medication he
prescribed effectively controlled Brian's nausea and when
taken prior to further chemotherapy sessions, prevented
further bouts of nausea from occurring.
Without fear of side effects, Brian welcomed his
chemotherapy sessions and the resulting benefits of the
treatment soon became obvious. By the end of the second
round of chemotherapy it was obvious that the treatment
had shrunk the tumor; the changes in his condition and
disposition were amazing; he felt and looked so much
better, was able to eat meat and enjoy food again.
I could not get over the change in him.
Excerpt from my diary:
March 2001
Brian is feeling so much better. He is able to eat meat
and enjoy food again. Chemotherapy HAS shrunk the tumor.
I cannot get over the change in him. It is a precious gift
and I am so grateful for it.
Brian has been amazing. The chemo and nausea medication
tire him for a bit but within a few days he is back on top
and his general well-being is amazing. Oh the joy of
seeing him able to eat again! The chemo has definitely
given him better quality of life. His appetite is amazing!
I realized at this time that despite all of our fears
regarding chemotherapy, it had worked well for us. It
had given us a precious gift of time. A special "time
out" from the pain and suffering of it all. There was
quality of life and we were determined to live it to the
full.
Excerpt from my diary
There's laughter now in our days
For we have grown stronger
We have learned to push our grief away
And to live each moment
Of every single day
For we know that tomorrow may never come
And that our goodnight may well be our goodbye
Article written by: Lorraine Kember ~ Author of "Lean on
Me" Cancer through a Carer's Eyes. Lorraine's book is
written from her experience of caring for her dying
husband in the hope of helping others. It includes insight
and discussion on: Anticipatory Grief, Understanding and
identifying pain, Pain Management and Symptom Control,
Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, Quality of Life and dying
at home. It also features excerpts and poems from her
personal diary. Highly recommended by the Cancer
Council. "Lean on Me" is not available in bookstores - For
detailed information, Doctor's recommendations, Reviews,
Book Excerpts and Ordering Facility - visit her website
http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com
Submit An Article
|
|  |
