Hi, new here, I start chemo and radiation monday

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. 

We didn't qualify for any assistance either.  It sucks because we barely scrape by and they tell us that we make too much...but just a hair over the allowed amount.  I had told my husband at the time that if we were divorced, I would qualify with no problem and everything would be covered 100%.  I was only partally jesting.  There was no time for that though.  No one wants to wait months for treatment just to save money.  Instead, we make payment arrangements and pay what we can monthly.  As long as we make a consistent effort and keep the lines of communication open, they are happy and we can still afford food.

In addition to the nurses,....and how nice to give you a goody bag; perhaps they will give you some more supplies as treatment progresses, there are probably social workers attached to this facility.

Social workers usually know about community resources(ie volunteers, Meals on Wheels ,etc)...also the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.  The biggest problem seems to be the 100mi round trip commute 5 days a week!. Am Cancer Society has a volunteer driver program, but I think it would be in a more local area. 

Many hospitals and cancer centers have arangements with local hotels/motels for discounted rates for people in treatment,  The last 2 or 3 weeks of radiation are very unpleasant; perhaps you could stay in a nearby hotel/motel for a few days.  Social workers should know about this, or you could call and talk with a manager of a local motel.

Please contact your social worker, nutritionist/dietician, etc; I'm sure that there are a nymber of resources that would be useful.  

I'm glad to hear that your first week went okay and and that you did pretty well, I'm sorry your fatigued and that the commute is so far your in my thoughts and prayers!!

Hi, 

While there have been a few people here whose treatment schedule does not follow protocol, as mentioned earlier, the usual is: Chemo during week 1 and 5 along with 6 weeks of radiation. I would mention to your doctor that that is what you've read and question why yours is different. He may have a very reasonable explanation and I am curious as to what he says. 

I had a port so can not tell you much on the picc line, but when my husband had a picc line he did experience feeling more of what he described as a weakness in that arm. If the heavy feeling increases I would call your doctors office and report that along with your leg weakness rather than waiting until Monday. These are likely just normal effects of the chemo, and we all react slightly different to the same treatment, but best to notify your doctor and error on the side of caution.

I will have you in my thoughts as you move through this for restful, uneventful days that lead to healing and recovery!

katheryn

Froggy32 said:

I asked them about the burning and tingling.

She checked my bandages and site and said it was probably tight from the bandages last night, but wasn anything wrong with it now. I totally forgot to ask about the chemo schedule. I have to go back tomorrow, so maybe I can remember this time.

Hi,

I'm glad she checked the site and felt all was good. I used to write down questions, big or small, because I knew I'd forget once there. Just remember to take the list, lol....maybe put in a pocket, purse, or bag that you know you'll have with you. Good luck tomorrow.

katheryn