I can't take this torture anymore.

[NTu21]

My husband was rushed into hospital last week for severe breathlessness and coughing up blood. He was due for a CT scan a month after finishing his chemo which didn't work. It turns out that in a month his tumours in lung and lymph node have grown and leaking into an airway artery. They scheduled him for palliative radiotherapy which won't start until next week and meanwhile he has to put up with the excruciating pain across his chest, neck and shoulders. We mentioned the pain in his lower back (kidney area) and they just ignored it. I phoned the Macmillan nurse who asked the oncologist and came back to us with "we are not sure about his back pain". He is now on 30mg cocodamol but the pain is still agonising. Our only option is to go to A & E again but he hates going there. I do not know if anyone has similar pains. Please let me know.

NT21

[Brogan-12]

Hi my boyfreind. Had all the pains you describe. Hr was d givien oramorph codeine paracetomol nothing helped the pain hr sufferd was torture fot both of us his chemo. Did nothing fot him he was waiting for radio but sadly didnt make it that far i think its trial and errorhas i found out while i was nursing him at home. We felt very alone just getting. On with it by ourselves it wadnt until the neer the end that we got help by this timr he had to be pumped with medication to ease any pain and distress its so very hard and heartbreaking. Hope all goes well. For you both keep on fighting god bless xx

[NTu21 in reply to Brogan-12]

Hi Brogan

I'm so sorry about the loss of your boyfriend and my heart goes out to you.

It's hard seeing our loved ones suffer. I hate seeing him in so much pain and nothing is working. I used to pray for a cure, now I pray that he is not in pain.

It's a nasty cruel illness and it's a very lonely place to be. We are not making much memories because he is canstantly weak and depressed. I try to be positive but inside it hurts so much and I want to scream but I can't.

Take care of yourself.

[Brogan-12 in reply to NTu21]

I feel your pain so much i went threw all thosr emotions and eot have they got to smile. About nothing but greif and the unknown my boyfreind was fit and active. Untill diagnosis. Then his world ended. He stopped living not by choice. But by this horrid illness i worried. Ehen he passed i would think ov the horrible months went threw but i no now he is free ftom pain and i think ov the brilliant. Time we had together. For 30 years he his always in my thoughts and i no onr day wr will meet. Again take care of yourself. And let me no how you go i hope your husband can get a bit of. Ease. And i wish him luck god blessyou both xx

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear NT21

So sorry to hear of your Husbands pain and for yourself to watch someone you love suffer. Your Husbands pain control is priority and needs assessment, I hope by the time you read this reply , he has perhaps been admitted for pain assessment, has your Husband been referred to the pain management team? if not discuss this with the Macmillan nurse , Oncologist or GP.

There are lots of pain treatment options to ensure your Husband is comfortable.

If you wish to discuss this you can call us on our free nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Thinking of you both, let us know how it all goes

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team