I've been calling myself "caregiver" but so far I have been doing easy time. I always knew what to do. R - has been through 3 rounds of chemo, including a study "parp inhibitor" - going on 3 years. Her cancer presents as fluid build up in belly and around left lung so we have drained fluids 3 times - giving a day relief and then it starts to fill. Doctor says time for chemo again - Doxil this time with (Avastin sp?) to turbo charge it with the goal to stop the fluid build up and give more time.
For a few days life was normal - but on day 4 pain presented as a side effect - and vomiting - and lack of sleep.
Now I worry I won't know what to do to bring her relief. She wants me by her side 24 X 7 because the fear has increased. Now we have Dilaudid for pain relief and the other basket of anti-nausea meds and I find if she doesn't know what would help her - I don't either.
Is there a resource for care givers to know what is the right med to give patients that are struggling?
Any advice will be richly appreciated.