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Hi,
My mum is suffering with severe back pain after her total gastrectomy and I was wondering if you did get a solution to your question asked earlier. I feel quite helpless in the situation of not being able to do much...The pain killers aren;t doing much for her either....
please respond if you get this.
Thanks Chris
Wow - Sorry I never got back to you - I forgot about this site! My husband has not had back pain. His chemo was Epirubicin, Cisplatin and the 5-FU - sounds similar to your moms.
How is she doing?
My husband has been done with chemo for 2 months now, and is doing so much better. Has some days where he feels crummy, but much better overall. He is learning to eat more often, and wants to wean himself off of the j-tube eventually.
paula
I will definitely try the BeneCal. We've tried the Ensure and all the other protein drinks and she just can't stand the taste of them. It just makes her sick.
Mom had the j-tubes, but they had to take them out due to infections, they just couldn't get rid of the infection. Since she's had them out the infection has cleared up. She is now down to 101 and she eats high calorie foods several times a day. She is now experiencing severe back pain (which had dissappeared for about 3 weeks), but is now back again. Not sure what all that is about. Does your husband have back pain?
Mom starts the 5 week Chemo/Radiation treatment this Monday, Oct 19th. She will be wearing a portable pack that will drip the chemo into her system 24/7. The chemo she is taking is 5-FU. What Chemo is your husband going to take?
Thanks for responding, I appreciate any advice.
My husband has a similar story - his surgery was July 23rd, and he will start the 5 week radiation/chemo next week.
He had a j-tube put in when they removed his stomach, which has been a life-saver. He pumps liquid nutrition in at night.
A high-calorie, high-protein product we found that can be added to food (tomato soup and oatmeal work best for us, but can be added to shakes, etc.) is called BeneCal. It takes a very little quantity to add lots of calories and protein, which help with recovery.
Our oncology office has a nutritionist who we work with, too. You may want to consult with your doctor to get a referral to a nutritionist.
Good luck & God bless.
Sure wish there were more answers out there for those who have had a total gastrectomy!