can mom go out?

littlejulie
littlejulie Member Posts: 311
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
hi everyone,
It's been one month since my mother's sugery for rectal cancer. I want to get my mother out of the house! She feels confined to the house because of her bowel movments. She starts chemo on Monday and I think now would be a better time than ever to take her out for dinner. She's very paranoid about her gas and bowel movements. I feel if she gets a little push out the door she'll enjoy going out for dinner. Should I not pressure her?

julie

Comments

  • vanser
    vanser Member Posts: 100 Member
    #2
    hi julie -

    I forced my mom to go out for dinnner about two and a half weeks after her last surgery (we went to cafe nervosa in yorkville :)
    anyways - one thing to make sure of is that she is close to the "ladies room" b/c she will probably get up to go quite often, and also that she does not eat too much (b/c then the next day she may get bad cramps/constipated)

    I think that would be a great idea !

    Call me if you want to chat more...
  • jana11
    jana11 Member Posts: 705
    #3
    Julie, I agree. Get mom out. Gentle push though. My first dinner out after surgery took me a long while, but I had a whopper of a surgery. BUT I was soooo happy to get out.

    Go on a weeknight so the crowds will be less and call ahead to get a table near the bathroom for mom. Make sure she dresses comfortable, but looks good. Help her with her usual - if she wears makeup, have her put it on. If she feels she looks her best, she will be more comfortable stepping out.

    Enjoy the dinner out. Oh, you could always start with lunch out - just an idea.

    jana
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
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  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #5
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Hiya Julie--here's a thought.Why not find a really nice outdoor park or somewhere quiet where there won't be too many people, maybe beside a river/lake/ gardens etc., but with clean facilities close handy.Contact one or two of her very close friends--make it a surprise!Pack a picnic lunch with all of her favourite foods.Fresh air, some sunshine and very special people to enjoy the day together.
    Just a thought Julie--our best to you and your mum---kanga n Jen
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #6
    Julie -

    One of the biggest enemies and most constant foes to cancer patients is depression. Getting out of the house is one of the best ways to fight it. A gentle nudge out the door - even if only to do some gardening, take a walk in the sunshine, have dinner/lunch, see a movie, or take in a Chippendale's Dancer retrospective is a great thing to do. Lots of great ideas here from folks. The most important thing though... GET HER OUT OF THAT HOUSE!

    Have fun!!

    - SpongeBob

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