Just starting down this unwanted road ... Husband has cancer

[Arugula Latte]

We don't know much yet. He needs another biopsy, etc. It is in the rectum (originally thought to be hemorrhoids). We don't know if it's spread anywhere. Feeling sick and scared; I know many of you on here know the feeling. We're trying to put on a good face for the sake of the kids.

[murielm99]

1. I am sorry.

How old is he? Do you have insurance?

[Arugula Latte]

2. Thank you very much.

He is 51 and, yes, thank goodness he has insurance. He hasn't felt ill but had what was assumed to be hemorrhoids. We found out months later it's rectal cancer. That form of cancer is quite treatable, but if it has spread it's a scarier scenario. I'm still getting used to handling the non-stop fear; I need to find a sleep aid that makes me stay asleep all night. I won't be able to handle whatever is ahead of us if I can't sleep.

[Auntie Bush]

4. Try Ambien plus an anti-anxiety medication if necessary. Worked for me!

Ambien alone didn't work when my husband died. My Dr. added Nortriptylin to be taken at night with the Ambien and it gave me a much needed good night's sleep. Don't hesitate to ask your Dr. for some help.

You posted this a couple months ago. How's he doing? Bless him as he has a long "slog" ahead of him. Hopefully the worst of it is behind you.

[GiveMeFreedom]

3. Hang in there

I can relate to how scary a cancer diagnosis can be. I was diagnosed Dec. 2010 with of all things, an unknown primary. Sounds like you guys have a real good chance of kicking the shit out of this cancer. Remember to love passionately, cry when needed, cherish the moments, and find something new to do together.

My wife and I started sharing a book to read, taking turns reading to each other in bed at night. We each take turns reading the other to sleep. We try to add the accents to the character's voices and some of the best laughs I have had in recent memory are from this simple act.

Love.

[Arugula Latte]

5. Thank you.

My husband recently finished treatment (7 weeks of radiation, w/ 2 does of chemo). He now has a 85 to 90 percent chance of being cancer free for the long haul. We have to wait awhile to get the results -- they don't want to scan him too early, as the stuff is still fighting the cancer cells.

We are luckier than a lot of people who get a cancer diagnosis.

Thanks for your support. :hug:

[LeighAnn]

6. This is great news!

Hope he's feeling better (you too!). Wishing you many happy decades to come!

[Arugula Latte]

7. Thank you so much!

:hug: