The C Word – Emotional Roller Coaster

This week has been challenging for George.  Just as he was starting to perk up a little bit, something happened to take him straight down to the bottom again. 

He was in excruciating pain when in the bathroom.  Agonizing pain.  After a few days we called the oncology doctor on call and explained what he thought was going on and she recommended Sitz baths and Preparation H.  So - - I went out and stocked up on that type of stuff.

Still, today, he was in agony.  Sent a note off to the doctor to tell him what was going on and saying we needed to deal with this even if it meant postponing next week’s infusion.

The response – try the OTHER kind of preparation H (who knew that the difference between the green label and the blue label was significant?  Of course, we had green – they said we should use blue).  He also recommended we try to see Dr. Bastidas.  He also said that regardless of what happens, we are not going to skip a treatment.

Fortunately for us, Dr. Bastidas could see us today.  He explained some of the treatments and what could be happening (he is very good at drawing sketches to explain things).  After examination, it turns out George has an anal fissure.  Hmm, that was not something we expected.  This is a common enough occurrence that the prescription ointment is something they have pre-printed to send us off to the pharmacy.  The other addition is to take Atavan which will relax the muscles necessary.

So… another new regime.  George is feeling a little bit better already so we are hopeful this does the trick. 

We always come away from Dr. Bastidas’ office feeling so much better.  What a godsend he has been.

In the meantime, with George being in such discomfort, his emotions ran high and low for a couple of days.  It is hard as a caregiver and wife to watch him go through this.  All I could do was lend a sympathetic ear and try to reassure him.  I spent more time downstairs than normal to let him know I am here for him. 

I got a few things done when I could as I need to prepare for my quick weekend getaway.  Now that he should be feeling better, I feel better.  He will have company over part of the weekend so he won’t be alone the whole time.  This is likely the only getaway I will get for the rest of the year so am looking forward to taking this trip to Chicago to attend a niece’s wedding and spend time with my sister and one of my brothers.