Experience of Bowel Cancer...

[Misky]

My dad (76 years) is just about to start a five week course of daily radiotherapy for bowel cancer. He went yesterday and had things put under his skin and all sorts of things in readiness (he's a very proud, very private man and I have no doubt he will tell us only the bare minimum of what he goes through). Does anyone have any experience of this treatment who could advise me of any practical thing I can get him, or do for him, to make the next five weeks a little more comfortable for him? I mean, things that wouldn't occur to anyone unless they were going through it. Anysuggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Mamyalynne]

http://www.bowelcance...-for-bowel-cancer.pdf

That is a link to the official guidelines, I am sure you have those already though. My husband was treated with Chemo following his surgery, so the effects were a bit different.He may well be a proud and private man, but talk plenty and give him the chance to open up, he may well be far more frightened than he is letting on.
Stock up on favourite foods and drinks but his appetite may be diminished, so small portions of his favourites will be good, plenty fluids too.
Plan small but fun things to do at the weekend, to take away the monotony of the weekday visits to hospital, above all talk .

I wish you and Dad all the best, take care.

[Misky]

Thank you for responding mamyalynne. I have indeed looked up lots of official sites, but it's always good to get and give feedback re. real life experiences. We are making sure my dad knows we are ready to listen, talk, sympathise or join in a rant whenever he wants to (he's the only quiet member of our famiy) and will continue to make sure he knows that. His appetite is dimished now, but I will make sure there are always treats there for whenever the fancy takes him. I had arranged to be off work tomorrow to take him out before the treatment starts, but yesterday knocked him for six and he's not up to it. I've told him I've cleared it for me to take other times at short notice whenever he wants me. Thank you for your kind wishes.

[woofgang]

From my experience with patients. Make sure that his underwear is soft and cottony rather than man made fibres or mixed, ditto shirts and trousers and pyjamas. If he is someone who will eat sweets, they can give an easy calorie boost. He may feel the cold more. If he has to wait around in the hospital then a new magazine or book makes it easier.

[Misky]

Thanks Woolfgang - that's a good tip about his clothes. He does have a very sweet tooth, so we won't count the calories in his treats! He has been feeling the cold lately which I think was a bit of a clue he was properly poorly. I'll stock up on more crosswords, which is his thing. He always has a book of them on the go, so I'll make sure to stock up. Thanks for the tips.

[Mamyalynne]

It is a tough road you are travelling, but you certainly seem to have the best attitude and will get to spend quality time together too, keep us informed and happy to chat any time. xxx

[Misky]

Thank you again mamyalynne, we keep saying, five weeks is five weeks, it'll be over in no time. Then he'll have the operation, and be back digging the garden ready for autumn! XX