Detection / Diagnosis:

Almost eight months ago, my dad began experiencing difficulty swallowing food properly. We then consulted a doctor, and after an endoscopy, it was discovered that he had a tumor. Subsequent biopsy results revealed a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. He was unable to consume solid food and relied entirely on a liquid diet.

Journey:

Cancer came as a bit of a shock, especially since my father wasn't accustomed to hospitals. Adjusting to medical procedures was a big challenge for him. He was advised to receive nourishment through a feeding tube. Throughout his treatment, I remained by his side, spending considerable time with him. I fulfilled the role of caregiver for nearly four months, meeting with multiple doctors to understand my father's condition and potential outcomes.

As my dad is a 65-year-old patient, he was recommended to go through radi0therapy and chemotherapy and not a surgical procedure. We were unaware of literally everything like chemotherapy or radiation and its side effects, etc. We had to consult a couple of doctors. We also did various researches. There was a continuous question of whether to go for a CT scan or a PET scan as scanning was a required test. We were exploring our options to find out the best one. There were many options with multiple outcomes. We went for a PET scan, and the scan revealed that the tumor was pushing his windpipe, which added complexity. After this discovery, it was suggested to us to reduce the tumor first. To reduce the tumor, we had to go through chemotherapy.

After two cycles of chemotherapy sessions, the doctors witnessed a miracle: a significant reduction in the size of the tumor. This news not only kept us positive but also motivated us to continue with the treatment. Following this success, we proceeded with several weeks of radiation therapy. However, radiation therapy brought along a slew of side effects. Managing continuous coughing was particularly challenging for my father, causing him considerable discomfort. Nonetheless, the promising reduction in the tumor size kept him determined to press on.

Our whole family used to spend a lot of time with my father. We kept him engaged and distracted so that he doesnt feel alone. Spending time with him made me feel good too. He had a lot of side effects from the chemo sessions. However, my father was very positive throughout the journey. His positive thoughts kept him going.

After radiation, he had pneumonia. This new detection had many risks for my father. I realized it could kill my father, and we cannot do anything about it. Cancer has still not gone completely. In the meantime, he also had a fistula. Because of the covid situation, we did not go to the hospital to get the immune therapy started, which can boost my fathers immunity. He faced a lot of difficulty with fistula while coughing.  

As a caregiver, my entire family and I dedicated as much time as possible to be with him. I firmly believe that spending quality time with the patient can significantly impact both the patient and the family. My father developed a daily habit of playing online chess, which served as a valuable distraction and source of engagement for him. Despite facing challenges such as the presence of a fistula, which limited his mobility, he remained determined. I continuously sought ways to enhance his comfort and accessibility, exploring various strategies to improve his quality of life.

Family Reaction:

Everyone in the family initially struggled to come to terms with the news. Initially, we hesitated to tell him, but when we finally did, he responded with remarkable positivity. His courageous acceptance of the situation set the tone for the entire family. Although the news was difficult to digest at first, we found strength in each other and in the stories of cancer survivors. My father's determination to fight back was evident from the start, and his unwavering belief that he would be okay inspired us all. We moved forward with a renewed sense of hope and determination to explore all possible avenues for his treatment and recovery.

Duration of the Treatment:

The overall journey lasted for a total of 23 weeks out of which six weeks of chemotherapy took place. The doctors wanted to do nine weeks of chemotherapy sessions, but they suggested going for radiation after seeing the results. Radiation took about 12 weeks. 

Side Effects:

We observed a variety of side effects on a daily basis. Hair loss and continuous shedding were prominent, along with general weakness. Rashes appeared on his body, and muscular pain became frequent due to lack of movement. Coughing increased due to issues with the windpipe, prompting the use of steamers and nebulizers to alleviate mucus buildup. His sleep patterns were disrupted by discomfort on the hospital bed, so we adjusted the incline for better rest. The radiation treatment also brought about additional symptoms, for which the doctors recommended various creams to mitigate their effects. 

Lifestyle Changes:

With the cancer diagnosis came positive changes in my father's lifestyle. He embraced his situation and stayed engaged in various activities. Embracing technology, he used it to communicate with others and even started playing online chess for distraction and entertainment. We utilized online shopping to purchase steamers and nebulizers, setting up a mini-hospital at home for his convenience, minimizing the need for frequent hospital visits.

Affects due to Pandemic:

The pandemic brought about drastic changes in everyone's lives. Travel became restricted and risky, with limited mobility compared to pre-COVID times. However, with proper medications and guidance from doctors, these limitations could be managed effectively.

Complimentary Therapy:

We did not go for or considered any alternative treatments like Ayurveda or Herbal therapy. we always have to do the conventional medication only.

Parting Message:

Cancer news can indeed turn your world upside down, but with positivity, support, and the right advice, anyone can move forward and face this battle. The journey is exhausting for both the patient and the caregiver, leading to numerous questions and second thoughts about treatment and medication. However, with support, love, proper medicine, and sound advice, the journey becomes a little easier. Spending time with patients helps them feel comfortable and normalizes their experience. Engaging them in activities like online games can distract them from overthinking about the future. As a caregiver, I advise others to keep patients engaged, provide them with attention and time, and spread positivity, as these activities can significantly benefit patients.

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