My Mother has just been diagnosed with Throat Cancer.They are fitting her with a peg feed as they have told us after about 3 weeks of the 6 week treatment of radiotherapy she will be too sore to eat and drink.I am concerned over weight loss as she is tiny as it is.Also will i be able to care for her and help keep the pain in control.I would just like to hear from someone who has had some experience of this.
The prognosis is good so far.
Also Im concerned about leaving her on her own at night time.Any information would be greatly appreciated.This is such a frightening time.

Hi Trish,

I undrstand exactly how you feel, my mom was diagnosed in September, and the emotions I have been through well, its been like 3 months at Alton Towers!

Try not to worry, the Peg feed is vital though, they are right, your mom will feel fine until the third week of treatment then my mom just stopped eating and drinking overnight, and 2 months latr she is still barely eating a thing.

Where exactly is your moms cancer? And will she be having chemo aswell?

Keep positive, and I know how you feel, especially when its yyour mother.

Oli

Hello Trish
Welcome.
The early stages of diagnosis and pre-treatment are so scary. You have so many questions. Generally we all think cancer means death but that is far from the truth these days and as you can read on this board, there are many, many success stories from people who have been in your Mum's position.
As carer's we feel pretty useless but that is far from the truth too because the love and care you will be giving your Mum over the next few months particularly, will help to get her through some tough times.
No doubt about it, this is a rough road but honestly, while everything probably seems to be going wa-ay too slow at present, you will be surprised to find how quickly it has past when you are looking at the treatment from the other end.
Hang in there and be strong. You will be able to take so much comfort from these forums. You will find answers that aren't forthcoming from health care professionals, and at the time that you really need them ~ not at your next appt. Help is always close at hand so don't hesitate to use the board to let off steam, find answers and/or solutions to any issues that arise and also to find comfort and reassurance both for yourself and your Mum. That's what everyone is here for. We have all 'been there, done that' and are all very grateful for what our online support group has gotten us through.
Everyone is here for you.
Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself (it's easy to forget that when you are caring for someone who is really doing it tough).
Thinking of you and sending you love and positive vibes from way Down Under.
Cheers
Deborah

hi trish wishing you and your mum a speedy recovery, the peg should prevent your mum from loosing weight,in my case it was conected to a machine and i took my feed over night i was in hospital for the 7 weeks idont think i lost weight, time does seem to drag by but eventualy you look back and its just a memory.and in my own case my mind has filtered out so much ihave to be reminded how it was.my wife and daughter carried me emotionaly trough the worst times , so im sure your mum will be proud to have you there for her. jimmy

Just wanted to bring Trish's thread to the top in case she got lost in the system.
D

hi trish
i have had a peg tube since nov 2007,it is invaluable to me as i have lost a lot of weight and having the peg has stabilizes my weight.the peg is better than an n.g tube which evryone can see but the peg hides under the clothes very nicely.there are all types of feeds that can be used,the one i have is from freshubin and i have a high fibre one because i still suffer from constipation and this ensures that i go everyday,back last year i thought i was eating enough so i started having a feed every other day in 2 weeks i lost 12lbs and that was me being impatient and trying to run before i could walk!i can manage to eat about 500 calories a day so i have one feed at night while sleeping but my dietician and myself decided i should have a litre bag instead of 500ml bags as if i had 2 500ml bags i would have to change the bag and it would disturb my sleep.i had the peg fitted while asleep as a day surgery case and it was a little bit sore for a few days but not bad pain and i think it's fantastic.your mum and you will be shown how to flush the peg(really easy) and how to put the feed on etc and no doubt the dietician will keep in contact with your mum making sure she is coping well with it.radiotherapy does make your mouth very sore and i found i could not even drink water and you can get bags that you fill with water and put through the peg too which i used for quite a while.good luck to mum in her treatments and what a caring daughter she has in you. love shirl xxx