Living alone with chemo

Hi Lindsay (I'm Lindsay too).   I've had 3 cycles (of 6) of chemo and whilst I don't live alone, I think if I did I could have managed pretty ok as I have found the side effects quite manageable.  One thing you might think of is having some pre prepared food in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking.  We make batches of home made soup and freeze in single portions and this has been a godsend for evenings when I haven't felt like eating a proper dinner.  Hope you're doing ok 

Oh thank you so much Lindsay. That’s great advice and really encouraging. I’ll put the soup idea on my to-do list. I wish you well xx

Hi Lindsay, I’m a year on from finishing all my main treatments, due my second optional mastectomy in July. I had six months of chemo - 12 weekly paclitaxel followed by 3 lots of EC. It might help you to know that I live as the only adult with my teenaged son, and I actually carried on working as a retail manager all through the paclitaxel! Started to be quite tired and things were a bit harder on EC but yes, you’ll manage. I recommend a nutribullet or any smoothie maker - I used to make smoothies with protein powder, fruit, coconut water for electrolytes and have those in the 24 hours after treatment. Anything that’s gentle and easy on your system but nutrient rich. And electrolytes are super important for your bloods - avoid sugary stuff but there’s several natural brands around. Loads of love to you x

Hi Lindsay,

I’ve just been through 6 rounds of chemo and live alone, apart from my dog. 

I managed just fine, even though it was lockdown and I had to shield. 

Living alone meant I could just listen to my body. I could rest when I needed, eat what I wanted, when I wanted and just go with it. 

Having a dog made me go out for a couple of short walks each day. Getting out was good for me. I did pay a dog walker to take her out on longer walks, a couple of days each week. 

I had shopping delivered. I only needed to ask for help on a couple of occasions.  Once when I ran out of cordial and was dehydrated and another when I had a craving for Weetabix; not something I usually eat. 

I too wondered how I would cope at the start and felt a bit frightened, but by the end I was grateful I just had me and the dog to think about. 

My husband died of prostate cancer spread to his bones. Awful journey too. 

Lindsay, you’ll be just fine. Once you get started, you’ll feel better. Just do what you want, when you want. One day at a time. Listen to your body. 

Keep posting and let us know how you get on. 

JigJogx

Thank you so much. I have taken note of your smoothie recipe. Would milk be ok for protein?

Thank you JigJog, this is so encouraging and just what I needed because on the whole i manage well on my own. Sorry about your husband- I really do feel for you there. 

Protein powder is the best for digestion milk can be hard on your liver? 

Ok thanks x