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Newby24's avatar
Newby24
Member
7 years ago

New and so confused

I am Grade 2, sentinel lymph node free, deciding if the 4 or 5% difference of having Chemo or going straight into radiation and onto tablets and with the added severe family history of kidney and hear...
coping
diagnosis
treatment
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arpie's avatar
arpie
Member
7 years ago
@Newby24   When my husband was going thru chemo, I got him a small iPod with all his favourite music on it to listen to as he dozed - it can take a few hours or more to do.   Also some crossword puzzles & a couple of magazines.  Easy to read stuff - not a novel as there is so much going on around you, it may be difficult to concentrate.  Maybe take a drink bottle with your favourite liquid in it - keep sucking on that so you don't get dehydrated.  

A few ideas for what to take with you ..... you've probably got most of them already ... Keep the stuff in it's own bag - then you are ready to go!  
  1. Comfortable Clothing - short sleeve, V neck  
  2. Comfy Socks/shoes. ... 
  3. Hat, Scarf, or Beanie (further down the track)  ... 
  4. Pillow or Blanket (in case the Aircon is cold - tho they should have a blanket if needed) ... 
  5. Fluids – Especially Water. ... drink plenty after chemo, to help wash it out of your system
  6. Snacks. ... whatever you fancy - butterscotch is good to suck on, or even chewing gum for dry mouth
  7. Skin Care. ... 
  8. Nausea tablets (? further down the track)
  9. Ipad/ipod and earphones/earbuds - and/or a diary to record your thoughts ...
  10. Chapstick for lips .... air-conditioning can dry out your lips
  11. Someone to drive you there & home again!
For 'afters' - I think the anti-nausea meds are the most vital.  Keith would be fine for a few days afterwards, then was just so tired he would put himself to bed for a few days - during which, just eat what ever you can manage.  Then he would bounce back again .... 

You may have to stay out of the sun - Keith's skin went red & flaked with his chemo regime & he wasn't allowed out in the sun at all.  

We had one toilet 'designated' just for him.

All the best, we'll be thinking of you xxx
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