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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
Apr 7

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 Apr 7 OP
I'd listen to the first doc Skittles Apr 7 #1
Thanks 😊 Laurelin Apr 7 #2
happy to see you received some excellent replies Skittles Apr 7 #45
I know! Laurelin Apr 7 #47
Try grounding judesedit Apr 7 #3
I had to Google grounding Laurelin Apr 7 #6
I have no experience or advice but I wish you Scrivener7 Apr 7 #4
Thank you so much! Laurelin Apr 7 #5
Tell us how it went when you are done. Scrivener7 Apr 7 #7
No doubt i will be back to whine some more, because DU is awesome Laurelin Apr 7 #8
It's not whining. This is a major life event. Whatever support Scrivener7 Apr 7 #12
💙 Laurelin Apr 7 #21
Everyone reacts differently gerryatwork Apr 7 #9
Truthful Delphinus Apr 7 #11
Sending vibes for best possible outcome. Your DU family is here niyad Apr 7 #15
Thank you! 😺 Laurelin Apr 7 #24
Best wishes for your recovery!! Laurelin Apr 7 #23
Thank you Delphinus Saturday #62
That's true Laurelin Apr 7 #22
You are doing the right thing to ask for help and support. Irish_Dem Apr 7 #10
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 7 #25
Consider glutamine for mucositus. It really helped my husband--no sores. xuplate Apr 7 #13
Good to know Laurelin Apr 7 #28
Sending vibes for best possible outcome. Your DU family is here niyad Apr 7 #14
Thank you. Laurelin Apr 7 #29
Rocky and Bullwinkle Dear_Prudence Apr 7 #16
I hadn't thought about funny tv shows Laurelin Apr 7 #30
Laughter is the best medicine Lifeafter70 Apr 9 #51
Free to watch here: TommyT139 Apr 9 #55
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 9 #56
These are great! Sparkly Sunday #64
Here is a great place to start TommyT139 Monday #65
It seems worth trying. I wish you well with it. Joinfortmill Apr 7 #17
Thank you Laurelin Apr 7 #31
Me too, my friend. Joinfortmill Apr 7 #34
Three little tips that worked for me: Auggie Apr 7 #18
Thank you for the advice! Laurelin Apr 7 #32
Tips NewEnglandAutumn Apr 7 #19
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 7 #33
Medical Marijuana! Maraya1969 Apr 7 #20
I need the right strain? Laurelin Apr 7 #35
In my dispensary there are 3, Sativa, Hybrid and Indica. I just ask for the one that is lowest Maraya1969 Apr 7 #36
Thanks, that's good to know. Laurelin Apr 7 #37
it may take a few rounds of chemo to get the drugs right rampartd Apr 7 #26
Thank you for your advice Laurelin Apr 7 #39
mine came out, in clumps, in the shower rampartd Apr 7 #42
Thanks Laurelin Apr 7 #43
Hi Laurelin, Diamond_Dog Apr 7 #27
Thank you for thoughts and vibes! Laurelin Apr 7 #40
Been there, done that. mercuryblues Apr 7 #38
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 7 #41
Wow. Bookmarking. If not for me, then for someone I care for. Scrivener7 Apr 7 #44
I hope not for you! Laurelin Apr 7 #46
Laurelin, how did it go? Scrivener7 Apr 8 #48
It's still ongoing Laurelin Apr 9 #49
That's brutal. My heart is with you. Scrivener7 Apr 9 #58
Listen to your first doc Lifeafter70 Apr 9 #50
Thank you Laurelin Apr 9 #53
No tips but a hat tip to the first doctor. There is always the hope that there is a LoisB Apr 9 #52
Thank you Laurelin Apr 9 #54
Sending you hugs Loisita123 Apr 9 #57
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 9 #59
Just dropping in to send you Lifeafter70 Apr 10 #60
Thank you! 💙 Laurelin Saturday #61
Hi, Laurelin!! Sparkly Sunday #63
Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Cancer Support»"Palliative chemo"»Reply #19