Hi, I've had my first round of adjuvant EC chemotherapy a week ago and will be having fortnightly rounds. Quite the rollercoaster so far... We are trying to act on Covid rules, masking up for the few times we go into shops and trying to limit social activities to outdoor only. But, especially with Christmas coming up, I'm finding the prospect of missing out on things quite hard. How have others dealt with this? I know it makes sense to avoid going to things like sports club awards nights and Christmas dinners but I'm suffering from a hefty load of self-pity just now so any words of wisdom would be very welcome. Thanks!
Hu GingerBiscuit17 it’s an interesting question and you will get answers that are ever so different.
I have been on my incurable Lymphoma journey for over 25 years….. I have had significant treatment with my main 2 years treatment (6 cycles of chemo,120hrs 24/7 with me in hospital 6 days/5 nights + 45 sessions of Radiotherapy + 2 Donor Stem Cell Transplants that had me in hospital for a month each time) from late 2013 to late 2015 and a further 2 years recovery.
Based on my family’s long experience we were not hermits….. we went out……. our mental health is important and need io to considered.
We just did not do crowded places like supermarkets, restaurants etc during the main treatments that reduced my immune system.
We would meet up with family and friends in a quiet corner of a garden centre….. fresh air is a good healer…….
We had family including 4 granddaughters and friends visit the house. The main thing is check that folks visiting are not carrying a bug…. coughing, sneezing etc….especially children.
We would open the windows and let some fresh air in, good hygiene control…… We did this all the way and I did not have one infection……
We had Christmas Celebrations, my 60th Birthday but actually I don’t remember much about a few events as I still had chemo brain…… but the kids had a great time.
The important mindset we had was that this period of time was a bump in the road and was temporary…… there is a future round the corner post treatment - at the moment it’s all about the greater good…… I am 9 years out from my last treatment, 69 and living a great life.
