Rilevamento/Diagnosi:

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.

Viaggio:

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.

Poiché mio padre è un paziente di 65 anni, gli è stato consigliato di sottoporsi a radioterapia e chemioterapia e non a un intervento chirurgico. Non eravamo a conoscenza letteralmente di tutto, come la chemioterapia o le radiazioni, i suoi effetti collaterali, ecc. Abbiamo dovuto consultare un paio di medici. Abbiamo anche fatto varie ricerche. C'era una domanda continua se optare per a TAC o una scansione PET poiché la scansione era un test richiesto. Stavamo esplorando le nostre opzioni per scoprire quella migliore. C’erano molte opzioni con molteplici risultati. Abbiamo fatto una PET e la scansione ha rivelato che il tumore spingeva la trachea, il che ha aggiunto complessità. Dopo questa scoperta ci è stato suggerito di ridurre prima il tumore. Per ridurre il tumore, dovevamo passare chemioterapia.

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.

Tutta la nostra famiglia trascorreva molto tempo con mio padre. Lo abbiamo tenuto impegnato e distratto in modo che non si sentisse solo. Trascorrere del tempo con lui mi ha fatto sentire bene. Ha avuto molti effetti collaterali dalle sessioni di chemio. Tuttavia, mio ​​padre è stato molto positivo durante tutto il viaggio. I suoi pensieri positivi lo hanno fatto andare avanti.

Dopo le radiazioni, ha avuto la polmonite. Questa nuova scoperta presentava molti rischi per mio padre. Ho capito che potrebbe uccidere mio padre e non possiamo farci niente. Cancro non è ancora andato del tutto. Nel frattempo ha avuto anche una fistola. A causa della situazione covid, non siamo andati in ospedale per iniziare la terapia immunitaria, che può rafforzare l'immunità di mio padre. Ha dovuto affrontare molte difficoltà con la fistola mentre tossiva.  

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.

Reazione della famiglia:

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.

Durata del Trattamento:

Il viaggio complessivo è durato complessivamente 23 settimane, di cui sei settimane di chemioterapia. I medici avrebbero voluto fare nove settimane di sessioni di chemioterapia, ma hanno suggerito di sottoporsi alle radiazioni dopo aver visto i risultati. La radioterapia è durata circa 12 settimane. 

Effetti collaterali:

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. 

Cambiamenti nello stile di vita:

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.

Effetti dovuti alla pandemia:

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.

Terapia gratuita:

Non abbiamo optato né considerato alcun trattamento alternativo come Ayurveda o terapia a base di erbe. dobbiamo sempre fare solo i farmaci convenzionali.

Messaggio di commiato:

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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