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Cancer Support

In reply to the discussion: "Palliative chemo" [View all]

NewEnglandAutumn

(272 posts)
19. Tips
Tue Apr 7, 2026, 07:34 AM
Tuesday

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

Recommendations

3 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

"Palliative chemo" [View all] Laurelin Tuesday OP
I'd listen to the first doc Skittles Tuesday #1
Thanks 😊 Laurelin Tuesday #2
happy to see you received some excellent replies Skittles Tuesday #45
I know! Laurelin Tuesday #47
Try grounding judesedit Tuesday #3
I had to Google grounding Laurelin Tuesday #6
I have no experience or advice but I wish you Scrivener7 Tuesday #4
Thank you so much! Laurelin Tuesday #5
Tell us how it went when you are done. Scrivener7 Tuesday #7
No doubt i will be back to whine some more, because DU is awesome Laurelin Tuesday #8
It's not whining. This is a major life event. Whatever support Scrivener7 Tuesday #12
💙 Laurelin Tuesday #21
Everyone reacts differently gerryatwork Tuesday #9
Truthful Delphinus Tuesday #11
Sending vibes for best possible outcome. Your DU family is here niyad Tuesday #15
Thank you! 😺 Laurelin Tuesday #24
Best wishes for your recovery!! Laurelin Tuesday #23
That's true Laurelin Tuesday #22
You are doing the right thing to ask for help and support. Irish_Dem Tuesday #10
Thank you! Laurelin Tuesday #25
Consider glutamine for mucositus. It really helped my husband--no sores. xuplate Tuesday #13
Good to know Laurelin Tuesday #28
Sending vibes for best possible outcome. Your DU family is here niyad Tuesday #14
Thank you. Laurelin Tuesday #29
Rocky and Bullwinkle Dear_Prudence Tuesday #16
I hadn't thought about funny tv shows Laurelin Tuesday #30
Laughter is the best medicine Lifeafter70 Thursday #51
Free to watch here: TommyT139 Thursday #55
Thank you! Laurelin Thursday #56
It seems worth trying. I wish you well with it. Joinfortmill Tuesday #17
Thank you Laurelin Tuesday #31
Me too, my friend. Joinfortmill Tuesday #34
Three little tips that worked for me: Auggie Tuesday #18
Thank you for the advice! Laurelin Tuesday #32
Tips NewEnglandAutumn Tuesday #19
Thank you! Laurelin Tuesday #33
Medical Marijuana! Maraya1969 Tuesday #20
I need the right strain? Laurelin Tuesday #35
In my dispensary there are 3, Sativa, Hybrid and Indica. I just ask for the one that is lowest Maraya1969 Tuesday #36
Thanks, that's good to know. Laurelin Tuesday #37
it may take a few rounds of chemo to get the drugs right rampartd Tuesday #26
Thank you for your advice Laurelin Tuesday #39
mine came out, in clumps, in the shower rampartd Tuesday #42
Thanks Laurelin Tuesday #43
Hi Laurelin, Diamond_Dog Tuesday #27
Thank you for thoughts and vibes! Laurelin Tuesday #40
Been there, done that. mercuryblues Tuesday #38
Thank you! Laurelin Tuesday #41
Wow. Bookmarking. If not for me, then for someone I care for. Scrivener7 Tuesday #44
I hope not for you! Laurelin Tuesday #46
Laurelin, how did it go? Scrivener7 Wednesday #48
It's still ongoing Laurelin Thursday #49
That's brutal. My heart is with you. Scrivener7 Thursday #58
Listen to your first doc Lifeafter70 Thursday #50
Thank you Laurelin Thursday #53
No tips but a hat tip to the first doctor. There is always the hope that there is a LoisB Thursday #52
Thank you Laurelin Thursday #54
Sending you hugs Loisita123 Thursday #57
Thank you! Laurelin Thursday #59
Just dropping in to send you Lifeafter70 6 hrs ago #60
Thank you! 💙 Laurelin 1 hr ago #61
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