Advice to someone about to start treatment

RadioactiveRaz said:

We’re all wimps but we did it so can you

Too true

 Sheepfarmer 

Nothing prepares you for being well one day and a few weeks later being told we have cancer followed by really aggressive treatment. But most of us are winners. I did it at 68 and I’m five years clear now and cured. 

(From US)

Definitely go with the PEG tube. It's a little bothersome but worth it in the end.

Eating gets very hard due to pain and taste changes.

You will probably need some opiates at some point but I know some who managed with NSAIDs and paracetamol? (as you guys call it)

I only used opiates at night to sleep.

If you're having cisplatin chemo, you will want to stay away from NSAIDS probably. Kidney issues.

..... and I was able to drive myself throughout treatment.

You will get the best advice and support from this group.  I have no doubt that a that a tough farmer will have the strength for it all. It sounds like you may need to formalise a plan... but you will find a way and you are in good hands.  Thinking of you 

Lorraine x

Can't really add to the brilliant advice you've already but wanted to mention a couple of things. I've learned that we our experiences can vary. Think we are all wimps really but we just show up every day and do what we've got to do and power through. It's not bravery - we just do it (we should be sponsored by Nike!). I managed to get through on paracetamol and ibuprofen. Couldn't have codeine based drugs as react badly. I did have morphine on standby but didn't use it in the end. I had the PEG fitted. Did all the exercises every day to help maintain my swallow and managed to eat throughout (though did go down to soups and shakes) so didn't use it but would always recommend it as it might just save your life. I set myself lots of silly little goals and targets which I managed to smash (which in turn made me feel great about myself!).  Be sensible though. Don't allow yourself to be in pain or discomfort. Don't push yourself too hard. Just get through it. This treatment is hard enough without us trying to be tough! Tell your team about every little change/symptom. They can usually help. So don't suffer anything... Good luck. 

PS I finished treatment on 1 September and honestly, feeling well rather than just getting through it. Not quite back to normal as there are side effects to contend with but feel like myself again. 

Liesle R said:

 Be sensible though. Don't allow yourself to be in pain or discomfort. Don't push yourself too hard. Just get through it. This treatment is hard enough without us trying to be tough!

That’s the best advice in a nutshell 

Hi Sheepfarmer, won't comment on your questions as they've been well answered. Just wanted to say my hubby is a sheep farmer too. 

I had Induction Chemo (5days x3), followed by 30 Rad & 4 of 6 Chemo days. I was well weakened after the third Induction one, but I stayed on my feet pretty well. However, I normally help out on the farm, espec during lambing season, but was advised to stay away from all of it as my immune system was compromised. I was quite weak, no stamina, so I wouldn't have been much help, and they finally agreed that if I took extra precautions I could do some of the bottle feeds (I missed it so much) I tortured them with when could I.

I definitely couldn't have tossed any during shearing time (too weak) But you might want to check out the immune aspect with your oncology side. I had to wear gloves and an apron just to do some feeding. All the best Tina 

Hi Tina just want to say thank you it’s brilliant how this forum helps each other. 
hugs Hazel xx