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Cancer Support

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

Sparkly

(24,889 posts)
63. Hi, Laurelin!!
Sun Apr 12, 2026, 07:02 PM
10 hrs ago

I don't have much to say that others haven't. A lot depends on the type of chemo you're getting I'm sure, and "it's different for everybody," etc., but... Just from my experience:

Sounds like you expect to lose your hair. I had irritation on my scalp that cotton nightcaps helped, but when I got itchy bumps on my neck and temples (folliculitis) my general doctor prescribed a shampoo called Fluconazole 2%. Cleared it right up!

I couldn't stand wearing wigs, but can tell you about scarves and beanie caps if you choose! If your skin is sensitive, beware of things called cotton that aren't cotton (or bamboo that's polyester).

For medical THC, someone told me to think of indica as "in da couch" -- sedating! Sativa is more invigorating, but it makes me nervous. Indica gummies and tinctures helped me through nausea and let me eat and sleep better.

I love all the suggestions for music and movies. Do you have earbuds and podcasts? I also like to watch silent films at night and imagine music in my mind, but I'm weird!

Can you indulge in some really nice pajamas (and sleep socks, if you're like me), or put them on a wish list for those who might want to get something for you?

Hydration! Some friends first gave me some "IV Hydration" powdered drink mixes but they are loaded with sugar. I found one called "Ultima" that has the electrolytes but not the sugar or dyes. (Cherry Pomegranate is my favorite. It only takes a little spoon for a big water bottle.)

For me, yes -- the time has been worth it.

Recommendations

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"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
Thank you Delphinus Saturday #62
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
These are great! Sparkly 10 hrs ago #64
Here is a great place to start TommyT139 4 hrs ago #65
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 Friday #60
Thank you! 💙 Laurelin Saturday #61
Hi, Laurelin!! Sparkly 10 hrs ago #63
Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Cancer Support»"Palliative chemo"»Reply #63