Husband, Chemoradiotherapy and Me (PT 2)

Please try and think positively I know it's not easy my son has recently finished his treatment and is awaiting a scan to see what's next. Lots of people are cured and their are lots of things they can do. Sending hugs to you both xx

Hi WaltD and a happy new to you too although it’s going to be a tough one isn’t it? I love how you replied to his comment in the coffee shop as that is exactly what my friend (who had been through breast cancer treatment) told me - throw everything they offer you at it. You will get through it as a team. Chemo can be tough and some days are tougher than others so it’s worth keeping a diary as a bit of a routine can develop and then you can plan something nice for the good days?

Although I had a pic line it was just tor the iv chemo at the hospital rather than the pump but I think Susan13 had a pump so may be able to advise you there?

Please keep posting and we’ll help you both through this

Take care

Karen x

My chemo sounds exactly like yours. They called it folfox. I was treated at an infusion center rather than a hospital, they gave premedications then 2 chemo (Oxaliplatin was 1) by IV in the center followed by 46 hours on a pump... believe that was 5FU. I needed to return to the infusion center to get the pump off but it could easily be done in home by the nurse. I think the procedures vary slightly between the US and UK. But the drugs are the same. 

Everyone is different but in case my experience will help: 

I found the first day pretty easy. The steroids they give you as premedication make sleeping hard that first night but they also hold the side effects at bay. The cold sensitivity was the worst and it starts immediately. Bring gloves because even things like cold doorknobs would set it off. Nausea generally started the next day... get ahead of that with the anti-nausea meds. I would gradually feel worse... mostly fatigue from the 2nd day through about 5-7 days then I would feel better... almost normal until the next treatment. My symptoms got worse from one treatment to the next. Many people report mouth ulcers... I used a non alcohol mouthwash and never had problems.  I also used a lot of moisturizer on my hands and feet which are often a problem but not for me. 

Hopefully he won't have many problems and the time will fly until he's done and cured. I'm glad he expresses hus fears to you. It's good he is getting it out. Your response was brilliant. Keep talking here and we will support you while you support him. 

Good morning and Happy New Year

Just thought I'd put a bit about the pump so you know what to expect.

I've had this treatment for over two years you can read my profile. The district nurse disconnects it for me at home.

Main points to consider are sleeping and showering/bathing! I sleep alone so easy to stay in middle of bed with pump at side but blocked in by pillows. I have to have a shower or bath every day (some people may be happy with a strip wash but not me) I found a bath easier as I can put the pump on a stool next to the bath. Your husband will be given a shoulder bag to keep the pump in and a waterproof sleeve for the PICC line. Alternatively I did try using a hook to hang the bag on the outside of the shower screen but found this to be too difficult to manage.

Finally think about clothing the line will go from the PICC into the bag so a short sleeve then loose clothing over to cover the bag. Be careful though with the tube and make sure its tucked away so doesn't catch on anything!

Wishing you both all the best for tomorrow it is strange at first having a PICC but with time hopefully you will get into a routine and it will become easier.

Caroline 

Good Evening Coroline, 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the picc line x I will pass this on to my husband, who at the moment is feeling very nervous about the whole thing. 

we’ve been waiting so long ( or what seems like forever) for the date of the treatment to start and here it is! 12hrs time we will be there at the hospital x 

Thanks once again x 

Cheryl x 

Thinking of you both today. 

Thank you so much x 

The picc Line went in without a hitch x 

Tomorrow is Chemo day first time x 

not sure we will get much sleep tonight. 

Hope things are going ok with you x 

Good luck tomorrow. 

Coincidentally, I have my first surveillance CT tomorrow so we will both be having "fun". 

Hope everything goes ok  

Hope all went well for you?