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Cancer Support

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

Sparkly

(24,891 posts)
63. Hi, Laurelin!!
Sun Apr 12, 2026, 07:02 PM
Sunday

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

0 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 #63