So my son's graduation is tomorrow :) I am almost a week past my first chemo and suffering from diarrhoea and fatigue. I am following instructions to try to manage it all but I am worried that I won't be enough to get there for him. His was a tough road and that he persisted and is now a teacher is so special. I don't want to miss it!!! Does anyone have any hints that will help me? My girls in Brisbane have both suggested medicinal cannabis - bless them :D I don't want to miss this day!

Hi Sparkles, can you get something over the counter for the diarrohea like Gastrostop & if it is all day perhaps something like Gastrolyte to replace the salts if you are allowed to take this. Having diarrhoea will only add to your fatigue. My chemo nurse was available 24 hours by text for worrying symptoms.

Mad as it may seem, consider a sedative. There's not much to be done about the fatigue and the trots are diabolically unpredictable but getting worried about how you may react will only make things worse. This is a one off for your son and it would be awful to miss it. Seriously, take a valium if they don't send you silly and try to relax. You are much less likely to have an episode if you aren't wound up and waiting for it. In fact, if you can get hold of a wheelchair take that too. Plead low blood pressure and let someone trundle you around--you might just find that takes the pressure off anyone who may be inclined to fuss about how you are coping and you won't run the risk of getting the wobbles and pitching head first into a floral display at a critical moment. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Marg

What a wonderful thing to celebrate. I took gastrostop in hospital and home very efficient. Fatigue was also a problem for me. Having lots of rest before the ceremony would help. Also plan after the ceremony .If you probably will be tired then plan for someone if needed to take you to their car for a rest. If you are at the ceremony sit near an exit so you can leave if unwell. Have a great day

Thank you all! I have the gastrostop so that's covered. Marg I think you have hit the nail on the head - it is the anticipation of something going wrong that is doing me in. I can get hold of a wheelchair if I need to also, and I will sit with easy exit.It is only a short ceremony, and he isn't expecting me to go out and celebrate so I can do this! I am not going to miss this special day - I am very proud of him. Thanks ladies!

@Sparkles my gastro and wobbles very really bad .... and we had a 3+ hour trip to oncologist and then return... So we bought me the ladies pull up incontinence underwear from Coles.... it gave me the peace of mind to know I could get to the loo if I needed to and I also had the comfort of knowing if I didn't I was covered. they are basically invisible under your clothes... definitely get a wheelchair that way you can have the energy when photos are wanted etc. without standing around ready to pass out etc. Sending you hugs and energy for tomorrow

Advice to make it through an event

18 Replies

Hulos
Member
9 years ago
What a great pic, you made it because you knew it was an occasion that could not be missed, and both of you will remember this day forever.
I still have similar pics of my 2 boys on my fire place and look at them often....they put a big smile on my face ..so you should be very proud :):):)

Take care
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Lesley!!! I am so elated to hear you made it!!! and what a fantastic photo and memory with your Son!!! OMG I know how much it meant to you...theres something special about your Son, even made me tear up!!! Melinda xo
socoda
Member
9 years ago
What a special moment - well done!! I'll bet it's worth being wrecked. Xx
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
What a lovely photo Lesley! So glad you were able to get through the day and you will both have such a treasured memory. Jane xx
Karenhappyquilt
Member
9 years ago
You were organized, you planned for it, you were brave. It worked. What a great result. He will always remember that you cared so much you made a big effort to go to his graduation. Bets wishes Karen
primek
Member
9 years ago
Well done
Zoffiel
Member
9 years ago
You are a champion!
kayvie
Member
9 years ago
Awesome @Sparkles! Glad you made it...a very proud moment for both of you!!!☺
SoldierCrab
Member
9 years ago
That is awesome ... @Sparkles
Sparkles
Member
9 years ago
Well I made it! Dosed up and with wheelchair I got my photo with my boy and made it through the ceremony. Wrecked now but definitely worth it
Lesley