Chemo help

hi Lj76

Maybe telling what happened to us will set your mind at a ease.

After diagnosis, my husband got a consultants appointment during which his treatment plan was discussed and his chemo explained.  He then got a booklet showing his chemicals and spaces in the booklet to put in dates.  He then got a start date and how many cycles etc.  This was an opportunity to ask questions.  During Every chemo visit there was the chance to ask more questions too.  His chemo lasted 6 months - one session for each of 2 consecutive weeks and a week off.  Not everyone gets this pattern and some people even take tablets and don’t have to be hooked up.  He also got a dedicated nurse and telephone number to call if he wanted help or support.  His chemo followed a blood test.  He had a blood test on a Monday and chemo on a Tuesday.  About Every 6 weeks he saw a consultant for a face to face.  He had a Ct scan after 3 months and 6 months to check tumour spread, growth or shrinkage.

so Lj76 over the next 2 or so weeks your partner’s appointment will happen.   You could phone Macmillan and they will help you understand the journey forward.  I have found knowing the various stages helpful in supporting my husband.  I wasn’t allowed to be on the chemo lounge due to Covid but did attend the consultants appointments.  The chemo is not frightening and is quite friendly.  You get to recognise the regulars and work out who are the nicest nurses.  You get a cup of tea and a sandwich from the trolley distributed by a super friendly volunteer.

once my husbands chemo started we felt we were on the road to feeling better if not recovery.

My best wishes you and your partner.

janeyC

Thanks for your reply... much appreciated. My partner is very relaxed (maybe to just me he knows I'm an overthinker). I'm one of those that needs to know everything there and then. So impatient!! .... 

The nurses we've met up to now have been amazing, and reassuring. 

Thankyou for your help best wishes to you and your husband x x

Hi, we're checking in from the USA so things may be different. My son was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia 10 months ago . He was in Colorado and moved back to Illinois with us, his parents, for treatment. 

The oncologist in Colorado referred to an oncologist at a research and teaching hospital in Chicago (3 hours drive from where we live). 

His Chicago Dr. gave us his treatment plan, all 4 years printed with days, cycles and medication.

Hope that helps.