Drama(tic)

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By Day 5 of Cycle 1 FOLFOX regimen, my dad had enough and wanted to stop chemo, thinking that the pain and discomfort he was experiencing were all the chemo's side effects. With information from my sister (I was back in PJ), I called and talked with my dad. In short, I told him
  • that he had the current symptoms previously (i.e. not during chemo treatment)
  • that the hope was that the chemo would be effective to lessen these symptoms but needed time for it to work
  • to consult the hospice nurse (she was going to visit the next day) and the PCU specialist (appointment was 4 days later); tell them where the pain and discomfort were and how them how often they occured
The hospice nurse brought a doctor with her this time. They concurred that most of the symptoms were existing ones but the chemo probably caused more bloating (and hence more frequent vomiting of gas). The doctor suggested taking the omeprazole 1 tablet twice a day, instead of 2 tablets once a day. They also encouraged dad to be more positive. Other patients were in significantly worse conditions than he was.

We also borrowed a adjustable reclining bed and a wheelchair from the hospice. The bed worked wonderfully for my dad's sleep. Yay! Yet to need the wheelchair though but good to have it on standby.

Miraculously, dad felt so much better on Day 7, so much so that he could drive to town and do some grocery shopping with my sister's maid. He was taking paracetamol (for his back pain) less frequently and only 1 tablet instead of 2 each time.

PCU specialist was quite happy to continue with the current medication and its dosage but did suggest upping Oxynorm to 10mg to see whether that helped his back pain or not (instead of relying on paracetamol). If not, revert back to paracetamol. He also said that if paracetamol is sufficient, it's better not the substitute it with Tramadol (as advised by the ward's doctor).

By Day 10, he didn't need to take paracetamol and Oxynorm. This is almost miraculous! I hope it'll only get better for him.

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