Stomach Pain? - 1268959

Hi Rose,

Do you mind if I call you Rose. I love name and the flower. My mom was Lilly and her sister Rose. :)

I'm not sure what his oncologist meant. If your husband has mets in the abdominal area it could be that. She could be talking about the possibility of constipation from opiate pain medication. It's important to have a laxative and stool softener regimen in place at the time opiates are prescribed.

Of course the only way to know what she meant is to ask her tomorrow. FYI, I always take a written list of questions so I don't forget then take notes. I have recorded the conversations too knowing my note taking falters as well as my memory.

I forget if I mentioned hospice care before but know when the time comes it's important to have in place when anti cancer tx stops, not only for your husband but also for you and other family who are caring for him. I too spoke privately about these matters with the oncologist and the nurses. It's not at all unusual for someone to not want to have or hear those conversations my husband has been clear he glad I will because he can't.

Let us know how the conversation goes.
Best to you both,
Janine

Hi Rose,

I too am unsure what the oncologist meant, but it is important that cancer pain be managed well. There are many tools used to control the chronic and breakthrough pain cancer can cause, and for this reason it can be important to seek the counsel of palliative care or hospice specialists, who are very good at what they do. You may want to inquire whether your cancer center has a palliative care specialist and if not, perhaps a discussion about hospice might be appropriate.

JImC
Forum moderator