What to expect first day of chemo?

Karrie42
Karrie42 Member Posts: 23
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hello all,

Dad is scheduled for Chemo Wednesday morning. At this point I can't get off work until thursday, and I'm worried about him going through this first treatment alone. I have heard some people say that the first day isn't too bad, but it gets worse the 2nd-3rd day. I plan on driving to portland early thursday morning and staying until sunday (they put Dad up in an apartment next to the hospital.)

If I need to I'll cancel class for Wednesday night and go up there Wednesday morning (its just that I cancelled two weeks ago for the consultation and this is only a 10 week course!) I'm really torn.

Thoughts?

- Karrie

Comments

  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #2
    Classes
    Got to your class. Your dad will get through his first treatment and you being there on days 2 and 3 will be a big help. You have a long road ahead of you. He would want you to go to class no doubt!
  • JReed
    JReed Member Posts: 428
    #3
    Go with your gut instinct
    Hi Karrie:

    I think you're going to have to go with your gut instinct on this one. Is anyone going to be with Dad on his first treatment? Providing the first treatment goes well with no hiccups due to reactions usually the 2nd and 3rd days things begin to change. Each person experiences different reactions to chemo - some sail through this and others really struggle. It is impossible to say how dad is going to react to something he has never experienced.

    I went with Don to all of his chemo treatments - the first one was especially emotional because we felt the delay of treatment may have allowed the cancer to spread and it was just such a huge relief to finally begin treatment.

    We have at least one other member of this group who is also taking classes while her husband is in treatment and they have to travel quite a ways from home. I don't know how she does it. I am right here and it is impossible to focus on much else for me anyway.

    I really believe your gut instinct is almost always correct and not knowing your dad's support system as far as others that can be with him - it is difficult to try to advise you. I have learned to be flexible in planning anything during this time.

    Good luck to you and trust that any decision/s you make are because God has led you to the decision.

    Hugs,
    Judy

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