Getting Ready for Chemo/Radiation

I never did suffer from nausea, so it may not be a problem for your husband either. Some people do, some people don't, and there are meds they give you that work well, espeically if you've only got mild nausea. 

It really is good to have a regular schedule, and to be working toward ridding yourself of the beast within. 

I did the 5FU along with FOLFOX so I couldn't tell you what side effects were for which chemo. I do know that I was REALLY cold during my 5FU Radiation regime. I was also really cold duing FOLFOX and 5FU. 

Make sure you have a good supply of creams for hubby's botty. If he is being radiated down to the anus, then he's going to  need something soothing down there (not to be used before you go to radiation appointment). I used a slew of different creams and gels until I figued what worked for me. 

Good luck, and keep us posted. 

CammieS said:

I think it's time for me...

I think it's time for me to find a local Walmart and get the gel. I'll also check my usual Target. 

Diarrhea doesn't sound fun -- I'll also make sure to stock soft, gentle tissue. :-)

Because I live in the rurals, so no big name pharmacies, I got most of my products from Amazon.com. Just an idea.

Also, I know it might sound funky, scary and your man may not like it, but I couldn't have survived without my Depends. They saved me a whole lotta clean up so many times. 

Your husbands diarrhea may not be so bad, but it wouldn't hurt to have one bag on hand. 

CammieS said:

Creams

Thanks!

He hasn't been given any prescriptions, yet, but we have a Aquaphor, Cetaphil and Eucerin. Do you remember your favorites?

Aye, I remember them because I still have to use them. Sadly, the radiation side effects can linger for years. 

So, when it was really, really bad I used Polysporin. The burn was constant and that was really the only thing that would tame it, for a while. Once the painful burn abated and the itch (oh, the itch. It truly drove me to distraction) and irritation came I used (and still use) Burt's Bees Lemon & Vitamin Oil (Bath & Body Oil also called something Mama Bee Nourishing Vit E Oil).  I also use/used and really love Bio-Oil. which soothes and heals the skin and is also wonderful on any surgical scars (and my arms and legs). I love it! It does have a slightly floral smell, which is undetectable when you use it on your bum, so will be fine for a man.    I also used Aubrey Pure Aloe Vera, which is Organic. Its pure, so its not a gel but a liquid. Very runny. Because its pure (the gel has an additive that keeps it fresh) you keep it in the fridge, and so it goes on cold and feel soooooooo good on the burn. I think I liked it for that instant coolness, but I liked the others for the calming and the healing. 

I did use Aquaphor and Eucerin and one called CereVe. Like I said, I had a decent collection of creams. 

Hope this helps.

I'm almost a yr out from my chemo using 5FU; didn't need radiation.  My tastes changed almost immediately as did touching anything cold.  Be ready to try different foods, condiments and drinks.  I also kept my leather gloves by the fridg, otherwise I couldn't touch anything in it without getting an immediate burning/tingling sensation from my fingers to forearm.  Since I did my chemo during hot weather, I found that occasionally I wanted something cold to drink.  However, my doc said not to swallow anything cold as it could damage my throat during chemo.  So, if I really wanted something cold, I'd take a sip of whatever and let it warm up in my mouth before I swallowed.  That seemed to quench the desire for me.  Take the nausea meds for at least the first 3 days after chemo, whether there is nausea or not.  I waited and paid for it.  There may be issues with sleep.  Even when I tried my hardest to stay awake during the day, I still couldn't get to sleep at night.  The doc can perscribe something to help.  I usually took something to help me sleep 1x per week.  I also experienced a severe case of the heebie geebies (feeling like I wanted to crawl out of my skin) about day 4-6.  I wish you and your hubby success with treatment.