Evening all,
I hope everyone is well.
I just wondered how members that have been through chemotherapy changed in appearance? If any changes at all.
My Dad has Stage 4 SCLC (small cell lung cancer) also on liver and spine. His Oncologist has said it’s treatable but not curable. He had his first chemotherapy treatment (Carboplatin and Etoposide) also with immunotherapy (Atezolizumab) 10 days ago. Previous to this he had been in hospital for 5 days as his sodium levels were abnormal. And a further 8 days after his treatment. His next treatment date is 17th August, he is having 4 sessions every 3 weeks and continuing on immunotherapy for 2 years.
He is now home, he seems to have some colour back in his face, although looks washed out, but obviously has lost weight, slimmer in the face and a little on his shoulders. He was very distressed in hospital, he had to go in immediately, he had his first cycle of treatment but his liver took a knock and they thought treatment would have to be stopped. Thankfully his liver is now stable enough to continue with treatment, so it has been a very very stressful couple of weeks for him and it’s really taken a toll on him. He doesn’t have a good body clock at the moment either so he’s not sleeping through the night and his brain is ticking over constantly, it’s really given his mental health a knock. He is up and about at home but obviously a little weak and still having naps.
He has an appetite, which is good, he is eating at home but he just looks thinner now.
I just wondered what body image effects/mental effects treatment and the journey had on others? Did your skin colour change?
Thank you
Lucie x
