Chemo Advice

Kato34
Kato34 Member Posts: 15
in Liver Cancer #1
Hey everyone. Dad starts Chemo on Tuesday. I have heard that it can be very tough. The doctor said that some people have no problems at all. Does anyone have any advice on how to prepare and live on Chemo? What to eat, vitamins, pain med, etc.. ?

Thanks

Comments

  • Cindy Bear
    Cindy Bear Member Posts: 569
    #2
    Hello
    I am so sorry you have to be here for your father. I am sure you'll get lots of good advice. I was a caretaker to my mother (uterine cancer) I will share a few tidbits I've picked up . First of all, most places offer a chemo class or orientation before you actually start treatments. Was this offered? It really is worthwhile, you watch a short film, they give you some helpful handouts etc. Chemo SE can vary and different chemo regimes affect people differently. Chemo is usually cumulative so the more you have , the worse the fatigue tends to be. Hydration is so important. Lay in a big supply of bottled water, and gatorade etc and some people swear by straws.. they just make it easier to drink more so get some drinking straws. Also, some people complain of a metallic taste in mouth and swear that plastic utensils prevent that. Carbs are easiest to digest so lay in a big supply of snacks.. simple, ready made snacks.. Peanut butter, bread, crackers, cheese, yogurt. Someone said they take a Carnation instant breakfast (french vanilla) and mix it with one plain vanilla or greek yogurt and it tastes like cheesecake. Popsicles are a good tasty way to get liquid. Avoid any supplements, vitamins etc without checking with medical team first. Some of them can counteract the effectiveness of chemo. I know Advil or tylenol is safe to take . Make sure your Dad's medical team gives you are 24/7 hotline to call with questions and concerns and keep it posted on fridge or by phone. Also, having him make a list of all the current meds he takes, and dosage, and keep it in his wallet. Everytime my mom went for bloodwork, they went thru the litany ... Hope this helps. Good luck.
  • Kato34
    Kato34 Member Posts: 15
    #3
    Cindy Bear said:

    Hello
    I am so sorry you have to be here for your father. I am sure you'll get lots of good advice. I was a caretaker to my mother (uterine cancer) I will share a few tidbits I've picked up . First of all, most places offer a chemo class or orientation before you actually start treatments. Was this offered? It really is worthwhile, you watch a short film, they give you some helpful handouts etc. Chemo SE can vary and different chemo regimes affect people differently. Chemo is usually cumulative so the more you have , the worse the fatigue tends to be. Hydration is so important. Lay in a big supply of bottled water, and gatorade etc and some people swear by straws.. they just make it easier to drink more so get some drinking straws. Also, some people complain of a metallic taste in mouth and swear that plastic utensils prevent that. Carbs are easiest to digest so lay in a big supply of snacks.. simple, ready made snacks.. Peanut butter, bread, crackers, cheese, yogurt. Someone said they take a Carnation instant breakfast (french vanilla) and mix it with one plain vanilla or greek yogurt and it tastes like cheesecake. Popsicles are a good tasty way to get liquid. Avoid any supplements, vitamins etc without checking with medical team first. Some of them can counteract the effectiveness of chemo. I know Advil or tylenol is safe to take . Make sure your Dad's medical team gives you are 24/7 hotline to call with questions and concerns and keep it posted on fridge or by phone. Also, having him make a list of all the current meds he takes, and dosage, and keep it in his wallet. Everytime my mom went for bloodwork, they went thru the litany ... Hope this helps. Good luck.

    Thank you very much. Very
    Thank you very much. Very helpful.
  • Cindy Bear
    Cindy Bear Member Posts: 569
    #4
    Hi again
    I thought of a couple more things... if your Dad likes eggs.. my sister hardboiled a bunch of eggs and kept them in the fridge in a big bowl.. so my mom could grab a quick snack..all she had to do was peel them. GInger is supposed to help with nausea.. they sell ginger hard candies, (Amazon or get from health food store) or even a good quality gingersnap might help. Ginger tea... do not buy ginger gum if you Dad has dentures. Did that for my mom.. big mistake.. also, there are some herbs/spices that are perefectly safe and high in antioxidants... cinnamon, oregano are two that come to mind. Also, if you don't already know the names of chemo drugs your Dad will be getting, I would find out and do a search on the discussion boards to see who has had the same regime ..Good luck!!!

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