Chemo Cycle

Hi HazGirl, how kind you are. Can you find out what Chemo Aunty will be having ? It could be a combination of two or just one on its own. I am currently having carbo platin on its own every 3 weeks and apart from about 4 days I haven't been too bad on this one ( 2nd time around for me I'm afraid) felt so well was dancing around the kitchen on Christmas Day. Food for the freezer for her 'off' days is always helpful. Could you perhaps enquire about a dog walker as well ? Just for those days when she isn't feeling up to walking.  

Take care,

LC

Xx

Hi HazGirl,

I nursed my daughter through chemo 6 years ago. Bear in mind it depends what chemo they are on and I wonder if age and fitness affects things. My daughter was in her 30's and is fairly fit. She had chemo every 3 weeks. My husband drove her to hospital and back each time, and sat with her while it was administered. I can't drive, so stayed at home to look after her 3 year old. She was on steroids for 2 days afterwards, and was pretty rough when she came off them. She found it easier to lie down and eat small meals and snacks to avoid being sick. At the end of the first week she was pottering around the house and could do small tasks. By the third week you wouldn't have guessed there was anything wrong and we left her to cope herself for that week (bear in mind, she had a 3 year old to look after).

I would think your best plan would be to stay with her on week 1 if you can. I found that was when I was most needed. They get more tired with each cycle, so may need more help later on. As someone else has said some freezer meals would be helpful for her.

I found it very hard watching my daughter being so poorly, so be warned. Wishing you both all the best. xxxxxx

Hi LC

I am sorry to hear that you are having to deal with this for a second time but glad that the treatment isn't making you feel too unwell.  The freezer meals are a great idea so I will get onto that.  She has got a dog walker that she is comfortable with who currently walks her dog once a week but is happy to work on an 'on call' basis following the start of her treatment so that is really good as her dog's well being is very important to her.  I will endeavour to find out what Chemo she is going to have to get a better idea.

Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to give the helpful information.  Please take care. xxx  

Hi NannyAnny

I am sorry that you had to watch your daughter being so poorly but I don't doubt that your support was invaluable to her.  

The details you have provided are great for helping me to understand the potential experience my Aunty will have and when she is most likely to need hands-on support.  I am anticipating a challenging time ahead and dreading seeing her suffer.  It has been such a difficult year this year with her losing her husband (who was my god father) and then we suddenly lost my mum three weeks before my Aunty's diagnosis in November so unfortunately we are starting this fight from a very low ebb.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience as it has given me a really helpful insight. xxx

Hi HazGirl,

I should have added that my daughter was treated for breast cancer, not womb cancer, but chemo is chemo!! She was very particular with hand washing - nearly to the point of being neurotic! If they catch a cold or illness they may have to delay chemo, so its best to keep all germs away. We had to wash hands the minute we came indoors, and she frequently wiped door handles with disinfectant wipes.(something else you could help with)

She caught a cold on round two and they took her into hospital as a precaution. She was in for two days.

You certainly have had your share this year. I'm afraid that's how it seems to go at times. xxxxxx

Thank you again NannyAnny I will add wipes to my shopping list.

Good luck.

Xx