Hi my Mum is due to start 4 cycles of carboplatin, pemetrexed and pemmbrolizumab. Has anyone got any tips on what would could help/take with her for when she has treatment? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hi Lujo,
I’m Dylan and I work in the Community Team here at Macmillan. Although I am sorry that circumstances bring you here to the Community, I hope you find it to be a safe place of kindness and support.
I wanted to offer some support whilst you wait for other group members to reply. How are you and your mom doing today?
We have forums specifically for anyone supporting a loved one with cancer, which might be helpful for you to post in. You can find the carers only group here.
You may benefit from speaking with one of our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. You can do so by calling our Support Line. Our support team is available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.
Alternatively, you can contact them on the Community via our Ask a Nurse section. They will aim to respond within 1 to 3 working days. Please remember that Macmillan do not have access to any medical records. You should always seek information from your medical team first.
I am glad that you reached out for advice, and I hope you find the above information helpful. If you have any other questions or need further support, please get in touch. You can send a private message to the Moderator account or email us at community@macmillan.org.uk.
Best wishes,
Dylan
Macmillan's Online Community Team
Hi Lujo, I'm on this exact same treatment. She might take some snacks and drinks she likes (although the hospital will feed her!), and I like to take a blanket too to keep cosy. If she is having the cold cap, then take some paracetamol, it'll help with the discomfort of it - take it 20 minutes before they put it on. Take plenty to do - the first treatment takes all day, so lots of reading etc. I'm on my last treatment of four next week, I've found that as I've gone on the tiredness has got worse, but I'm usually OK within a week or so. It has been doable, but I'll be glad when it is over! And tell her she won't lose her hair, it just sheds a bit. Wish her the best of luck from me. 
Hi Newbie thank you so much for taking the time to reply. This is super helpful and I will pass on your tips to my Mum. It’s really good to hear feedback from people who are having the same treatment even though I know everyone is different. I am really glad to hear you are on your last treatment and that you are managing to cope ok with any side effects. Have you had a scan yet to see if the treatment is working or is too soon yet? Thanks again 
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Hi Lujo, everyone is different, but I've done OK on it. I've had a few A and E visits - watch for any signs of infection as it can be very dangerous for her - but they'll give you a phone line to call 24 / 7 if you are concerned and they'll advise. Other than that and being tired as it has gone on (the effects are cumulative) I've done OK. I have a CT scan after my last chemo and immunotherapy session - so the week after next, and then back to the consultant to see how I'm doing. Everything crossed! Just glad I've not lost my hair, and the steroids they give you have made me hungry, rather than sick, which means I really enjoy my food. I did not expect that at all! Feel free to message / keep in touch if you have any questions or I can be any help to you. Helen
I've just found a hair dresser that specialises in chemo treatments etc. I too, was terrified of losing my hair! Tell her to look up Daniel Field clinic, he does free consultations for cancer patients to offer advice. I'm desperate to get my hair colour back in, the minute they told me I couldn't have hair dye, it drove me mad! (I'm 51, and rather unfamiliar with my natural hair colour!) The steroids really surprised me, in a good way. I lost weight on the run up to diagnosis (stressed out), so I've been able to put a bit back on, and have found I really enjoy healthy food - lots of it! So, it can be better than she expects. I think they scare the living daylights out of you with the side effects, but for me it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Yes there is some scanxiety going on here, but nowhere near as stressful as being diagnosed. At least once she gets onto treatment they are trying to do something about it. Wishing her all the best, it's not an easy ride, but she'll get there. I'll keep you posted, and you do the same. Put her in touch if she wants to talk.
I think we're all pre-programmed to see chemo as something that is really bad and it is inevitable that you lose hair. I was surprised this wasn't the case. They have made massive strides in heading off the side effects. I am fairly healthy and I've done my best to keep going. I'm still working, and haven't had a duvet day yet. (OK, a couple of lie ins, but I think that's to be expected - plays the Chemo card! 
) I don't in a million years think that having a positive attitude will overcome cancer, but I do think powering through what it all brings, helps. Tell her she needs to keep her chin up, and keep going. She's been through a lot getting to the point of diagnosis, let alone treatment, so she's made of strong stuff. She can do the next bit. Which is what it is. Just the next bit on a mad rollercoaster that no-one asked for. And it is all doable. She is in the right hands, she has a treatment plan, and not everyone gets that - so she's lucky. That's how I think of it, anyway. Let me know how she goes in the first round. I know she'll be terrified - I was - but that will pass, once she gets the first couple of treatments out of the way. She'll soon be an old hand, chivvying other people on. Wishing her, and you all the best. She's got this. Helen xx
