Chemo questions, looking for advice or thoughts

MCKMNL
MCKMNL Member Posts: 40
edited March 2014 in Caregivers #1
My dad is to start chemo on the 9th of Feb, but they want us to meet with a counselor on the 8th. i am wondering to to expect at this session, or if there is any certain types of questions I should ask?

Missy

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  • Cindy Bear
    Cindy Bear Member Posts: 569
    #2
    Chemo class
    A lot of cancer patients attend "chemo class" or chemo orientation as it's sometimes called. They will basically give you a bunch of handouts . The class only lasts about an hour. I think you might actually watch a film too.. I didn't go with my mom to hers, and so wish I would have.. from what my sister said, they really glossed over side effects.. anyhow, if I were you, I'd find out in advance what the chemo drugs are they plan to give your Dad and then research them on sites like chemocare.com That way you won't go in blindly and can ask more intelligent questions. Also, what vitamins, herbs or supplements can he take while on chemo...will there be a 24/7 hotline for questions/concerns during treatment.. Other questions that come to mind, how do they know what the best chemo drugs for your Dad are, since his cancer is unknown primary origin...and finally, what will chemo offer him as far as survival stats go.. In my mom's case, we didn't ask (I so wish we would have) and I found out on my own research that even with chemo, her odds of 5 yr survival were a dismal 15-17%...Good luck, Hugs, Cindy
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • MCKMNL
    MCKMNL Member Posts: 40
    #4
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    TY so much
    for your replies, Ya know I know the meds he is on, well i did, his oncologist wrote it down for us, my parents have it. i will call my mom and tell her to give me the 2 names of the drugs they are using.


    Rose, i just saw my dad tonight, and i am going to call Monday to set up an appointent to talk to him ( oncologist ) BEFORE the class starts, I hate going to see Him, as I just do not like his attitude. I can't explain what it is about him. like he is not a bad guy, but every time we leave his offie, we just feel more dread, and DEATH when we leave him. Now his radiologist, I pushed for is FANTASTIC. he has humor, personality, never sugar coats, but when you leave his office, you just feel like the sun is shining. Part of me wants to take my dad to Mayo clinic, but this is really his decision ( as they are his Dr's ) the thing with my dad is if I say LEAVE, find someone else, HE WILL. i want things to be his choice, his decision, cause part of me is so afraid of making the wrong choices ( where his care is concerned ). I wonder if i will make him sicker then he is, if i out in my 2 cents where his dr's / treatment come into play. ( the second guessing game ) *sigh* I am lucky enough to have parents who will let me speak to there docs. I question them, and everything, i research when my heart is not so heavy, and can handle what I will read, I just want him to have a good quality of care is all.

    Ty you both so vey much again. I just love this place, feels like HOME :)
    Missy
  • MCKMNL
    MCKMNL Member Posts: 40
    #5
    MCKMNL said:

    TY so much
    for your replies, Ya know I know the meds he is on, well i did, his oncologist wrote it down for us, my parents have it. i will call my mom and tell her to give me the 2 names of the drugs they are using.


    Rose, i just saw my dad tonight, and i am going to call Monday to set up an appointent to talk to him ( oncologist ) BEFORE the class starts, I hate going to see Him, as I just do not like his attitude. I can't explain what it is about him. like he is not a bad guy, but every time we leave his offie, we just feel more dread, and DEATH when we leave him. Now his radiologist, I pushed for is FANTASTIC. he has humor, personality, never sugar coats, but when you leave his office, you just feel like the sun is shining. Part of me wants to take my dad to Mayo clinic, but this is really his decision ( as they are his Dr's ) the thing with my dad is if I say LEAVE, find someone else, HE WILL. i want things to be his choice, his decision, cause part of me is so afraid of making the wrong choices ( where his care is concerned ). I wonder if i will make him sicker then he is, if i out in my 2 cents where his dr's / treatment come into play. ( the second guessing game ) *sigh* I am lucky enough to have parents who will let me speak to there docs. I question them, and everything, i research when my heart is not so heavy, and can handle what I will read, I just want him to have a good quality of care is all.

    Ty you both so vey much again. I just love this place, feels like HOME :)
    Missy

    sorry forgot to answer you question
    My dad had to have some teeth work done, so they HAD to put chemo off, His oncologist was NOT happy about that, but his oral surgeon who removed his teeth told them my dad needed 15-21 days before starting chemo. So, this is why chemo was put off.

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