How to decide where to go through chemo?

Hi , welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your family members diagnosis. Going through chemo can, for some people be very challenging and depending on the specific chemo she is having she could get rather fatigued and some folks do get rather ill…… and there is the added problems of developing infections and being able to deal with this situation quickly - personally having had Pneumonia x2, Neutropenic Sepsis x2 the need to act quickly is very important.

You don’t say what type of cancer she has. but if you care to have a look through this list you will find all our many dedicated cancer support groups listed.

These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis and treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members on the same journey.

If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Have a look for the group for her cancer type then once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."

You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.

When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family you may also benefit from joining our general Family and friends support group where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.

Macmillan have many support services so do check out the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.  We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.

Please do get back to me if you need further help.

All the very best.

Hi Mike

Thank you for your  helpful reply.

I did not specify the type of cancer before as we were awaiting histology call to find out. It has finally been confirmed as duodenal cancer, which is actually a big relief.

My sister has now decided to move across the country to live with a family member throughout chemotherapy. It has been a huge decision to leave her home and give up some independence, but we all think the 24 hour presence and physical and emotional support will be really beneficial. Far less scary than going it alone.

Your point about the importance of immediate help/action if something goes wrong was particularly helpful to us. It has not occurred to us before.

I will now look at some of the other discussion groups as you suggest.

Thanks again, and very best wishes for your own journey.

lizz1e 

Hi again Lizz1e, good that a clear diagnosis is now in place and with this things can move forward - this news go some way to reduce the noise between the ears.

Do join and post in the Duodenal cancer forum group as this will help you understand the ‘treatment! side.

In the early days the initial focus is mostly on treatment side effects as this is the main information that jumps out but the worst case scenario actually don't often happen….. it’s the unexpected infections and as I said, this was one of the most scary times for us with a few Blue Light trips to hospital as I was very ill.

I am now 6 years into remission (See my story) and living as good a life that any 67 year old can live.

All the best best to your family members and to the rest of the family.