"Palliative chemo"

[NewEnglandAutumn]

19. Tips

My husband started chemo in a last ditch effort to buy him some time and it extended his life by years. I think a lot of people do not understand that although chemo can be rough, the experience varies from person to person and the drug(s) being used.
-you don't always lose your hair
-one actually lightened his skin and turned his hair white so I got him UV shirts to protect him from the sun as he would burn VERY easily. I would say protecting your skin is a very good idea no matter what chemo you use.
-there are a LOT of meds to help with nausea if one does not work try something else. Zofran is common and comes in 2 forms the orally disintegrating one can be better but often costs more money
-eat whatever sounds good at the moment if the only thing you want to eat is a PBJ sandwich go for it! We ordered out a lot because we could get him whatever he was in the moof for
-even if you don't feel great drink enough water/juice/lemonade etc
-check with you Dr but Immodium can be helpful to keep on hand
-when you go in bring home some sick bags they make life easier and no you will not be sick all the time but it is super common and those sick bags with the attached ring are fantastic and you can always keep some nearby you can even buy some online
-Sleep when tired but take time to do stuff you love/enjoy
-At first appointment you have to do paperwork that includes side effects etc. and I found it stressful he just ignored it anyway a side effect of most chemo is cancer it was a bit scary but ultimately we laughed.
-ignore 'odds' everyone in unique

I hope this helps and best wishes