Hi, new here, I start chemo and radiation monday

Froggy32 said:

Ok

will the squirt bottles, like you use for condiments work? I have a new package of them, that I bought to use for my candy, but still haven't used.

Can't see why they wouldn't work, as long as you can squeeze them!

Froggy32 said:

I had my pic line put in this morning

They forgot to tell me that I had an appointment for it at 9:00 am and called at 9:15 to remind me. It takes me almost an hour to get to the hospital. So luckily I had already showered and was ready to go. So we get there at 10:30 and get in there and do it. Evidently someone messed up, because there was another woman there they did the same thing to. 

So we get out of there, head over to the cancer center for my appt that was at noon for chemo. They send me back to the drs office instead. I was in the waiting room for an hour then sat in the little room waiting to see my dr until almost 2 when he finally comes in and sees me for a whole 5 minutes. Then head over to the chemo center finally, get all of that stuff taken care of. I now have a cute little fanny pack (as my daughter said, a fanny pack for your fanny problems) with 5FU drugs in it until next Monday. Then get in the radiation depart meant at  3:00. My appt there was supposed to be at 12:30. We finally made it back home at 5:30.  I am worn out. Thanks for all of your support.

 

Thank you for update, at work today I was sneaking peeks hoping to see how it went. I'll bet you were worn out - what a day you had! Love your daughter's humor, though! Hope things go more smoothly from here on.

welcome to the site, and sorry you have to be here. You did have a very long day yesterday. The rest of the week will be easier because you just have radiation and for me they had that so it was in and out 20 minutes total most days. I hated the fanny pack. And like you it was worst when I slept. At least it's only for five days. Hope the rest of your week goes smoothly.

Froggy32 said:

Thank you wisteria

I appreciate the lists and all of the advice.  I have been using depends for a few years off and on. I have IBS and OAB, so sometimes I never knew when it was going to hit me. I have been on disability for 3 years because of it and a few other things. So I know all about that.  I have a bedside potty, I may have to put in here if it really gets bad. My husband and I live in a big old house, just the 2 of us. But my oldest daughter is only about 50 miles away. The other ones are 100 miles away and stay busy all of the time.  I have had offers from my cousins and friends to come over and help me if I need them, so I think I will be fine.

I will make a point to check on that list. I already have a stash of pads and depends. And since I had to have my teeth pulled the other day, I have bought ensure and trying out different drinks like that.. Thanks again

 

Definitely take them up on their offers of help.  If they want to drive you...let them drive you.  Prepare a meal?  Absolutely!  Even just visit to watch a movie to take your mind off things for a bit.

I was living on Boost and Ensure, and that's not cheap.  I was lucky that the nutritionist gave me a dozen or so freebies every week plus $3.00 off coupons for the stuff!  Don't be shy about asking.  Cancer treatment isn't cheap, so every little bit helps.

During the last couple weeks of treatment, my days and nights were getting mixed up.  I was taking one or two baths in the middle of the night just for comfort.  When your dr. offers you pain meds, take them!  And make sure to tell them if they aren't working.  Also, take them around the clock.  It's harder to get a handle on your pain if you let them out of your system.  Same with the meds for nausea.

My kids live nearly 800 miles away...except for one who is only 40 minutes, but I kind of kept them at arms length because I didn't want to worry them and didn't want them seeing me at my worst.  I know...vanity, I guess.  My daughter flew down for a week because she needed "Mom time."  I warned her that I wouldn't be any fun, but that's not why she came anyway.  Turns out, she had a nice relaxing week for herself, so it was win/win.  She's a teacher, and going for her Master's, so she had homework to do and kept plenty busy.

My husband hired a cleaner to come every other week to do household cleaning.  That relieved a lot of my stress, although it was weird to get used to someone else cleaning my house while I just sat there.  My husband was doing everything else...and I mean everything.  Shopping, cooking, plus all the outside chores AND driving me to every appointment.  I spent more time in my bathroom than anywhere else.

Your bedside potty sounds like a great idea.  There were times when I sure could have used one.  I had to have one a a couple weeks ago when I was in hospital, because I was so weak and had no time to dally to get to the toilet.  It was great for me...not so much for the nurses though.

Treatment takes a lot out of you, so feel no guilt if you want to nap.  This is a time when it's really all about YOU.  Take care of yourself and let others take care of you too.  People want to help because they care about you and feel the need to contribute to your wellbeing.  Only you know how you feel and what you need.  Let them know what they can do to help you.  

Keep us updated on your treatment progress...we all care.

Hugs,

~Wis

Hi Froggy,

I think the usual treatment protocol is 2 rounds of chemo, the first and fifth weeks of six weeks of radiation, although my second round of chemo was that last week instead of second last week, but my scans have been clear, so it worked anyway! My treatment ended December 14, 2015. Both rounds started with mitomycin followed by 96 hours of 5FU. Since I had no one at home to help and because I would have been expected to be at work, I was happy my doctor hospitalizes his patients for the chemo. And even though it meant getting the picc line in twice, I was glad he does not leave it in during the weeks of no chemo. From what I can tell that is not most common though. Hang in, this will be over before you know it.

Sally

Froggy32 said:

Day three of radiation

went well. In and out before my actual appointment time.  The nurse gave me a goody bag filled with a bad pad, w spray bottle, Vaseline, wipes, oatmeal bath. Gloves, pads, and gauze bandages. I wish every day would be as quick as this one. They have a program to help out with expenses and I got the application for it, but we make a little over the allowed amount. Oh well, we tried. I hope everyone that needs it apply for it and get it with no problem. 

So glad to hear that day 3 went well.  Sorry you didn't qualify for the assistance with your expenses.  God will work things out for you!