Mum's first chemo session
Hi, my mum will be having her first ever chemo session early next week. The oncologist will treat her with Paclitaxel and treatment will be once a week for 4 weeks followed by 1 week break each cycle...
Forum Discussion
Dear BlancaP,
I too, am sorry to hear that your dear mother needs Chemo.
Try not to worry. It may not be that bad. It's not bad for everyone. My side effects have been very manageable.
I'm 62yrs and I know she is 82yrs, but keep an open mind.
I have had taste changes too, I might go and get some fruit tingles. That some one suggested, as I do like them.
I'm due for my 10th Paclitaxel on Monday, I still haven't worked out if I have a pattern for good and bad days.
The Dexamethasone (often given before the Chemo) can make sleep more difficult on Chemo nights.
There is a degree of tiredness, I try not to nap in the day, hoping to sleep better at night. There have only been a few days that a sleep in bed seemed essential, as opposed to a nap in the lounge chair.
She will know when to rest.
I found Chemo days more tiring when I had an early appointment. I hate early starts.
If she is the same as me, maybe she can give a preference for her times.
Another thing that I enjoy is a heat pack, that I use for occasional back pain, In my lounge chair.
I was given an electrical one for my birthday.
It is the same as the one they use during my Chemo.
Hopefully you and her have been given information re side effects, as we do need to know of them and watch out, and report them.
Peripheral neuropathy as Afraser said, is the nasty one to watch out for and report.
I hope that you can go with her. COVID has gotten in the way of support, for some of us undergoing Chemo. I'm still not allowed anyone. Ask anyway.
You haven't said what state she is in.
Good luck to both of you. Keep in touch.
I too, am sorry to hear that your dear mother needs Chemo.
Try not to worry. It may not be that bad. It's not bad for everyone. My side effects have been very manageable.
I'm 62yrs and I know she is 82yrs, but keep an open mind.
I have had taste changes too, I might go and get some fruit tingles. That some one suggested, as I do like them.
I'm due for my 10th Paclitaxel on Monday, I still haven't worked out if I have a pattern for good and bad days.
The Dexamethasone (often given before the Chemo) can make sleep more difficult on Chemo nights.
There is a degree of tiredness, I try not to nap in the day, hoping to sleep better at night. There have only been a few days that a sleep in bed seemed essential, as opposed to a nap in the lounge chair.
She will know when to rest.
I found Chemo days more tiring when I had an early appointment. I hate early starts.
If she is the same as me, maybe she can give a preference for her times.
Another thing that I enjoy is a heat pack, that I use for occasional back pain, In my lounge chair.
I was given an electrical one for my birthday.
It is the same as the one they use during my Chemo.
Hopefully you and her have been given information re side effects, as we do need to know of them and watch out, and report them.
Peripheral neuropathy as Afraser said, is the nasty one to watch out for and report.
I hope that you can go with her. COVID has gotten in the way of support, for some of us undergoing Chemo. I'm still not allowed anyone. Ask anyway.
You haven't said what state she is in.
Good luck to both of you. Keep in touch.