Advice for my DH having chemotherapy

Oh MadGrandma what a tough time you are both going through. Big hugs to you both right now.

To answer Coconut's query from a while back. DH was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma about a year ago. It was not an aggressive type and he was told that he would be on "watch & wait" for a while, as treatment would not cure it but only reduce any symptoms. He didn't really have any symptoms and he was told that as treatment was unpleasant & carried certain risks, he should wait until the disease started to cause problems for him. Also, although treatment can be repeated, it will probably be less effective each time so it's better not to start too early. I wonder if that is what was meant by "waiting until his standard of life deteriorates"? Watch & wait is a standard practice for NHL in the elderly but I don't know about other cancers.

Shysal I can't help with that one I'm afraid! My DH certainly didn't need building up and the steroids have really boosted his appetite. A lot of people on the ward yesterday were complaining that they couldn't stop eating because of the steroids. Your ideas sound delicious and I guess you should go for whatever would tempt your neighbour to eat, but other people may have more idea of what to offer. xx

A neighbour is about to embark on chemo, and he has accepted my offer to sometimes provide transport and company. He has been told to eat lots of high fat food to build himself up. He is not much of a cook so I plan to do a bit of baking to tempt him. Would I be correct in thinking that buttery things like bacon and cheese straws and sausage rolls would be OK rather than sugary things? Any other ideas would be welcome.

Morning Snoozy
I had forgotten all about the hiccups until I read it here yesterday. DH had werthers and fruit drops to suck which helped. He was also off tea with milk and had lots of earl grey with lemon.
Hope you get something sorted.
Send hugs and good wishes

DH had a very disturbed night with hiccups, as mentioned by Sar53 but mainly because of severe acid reflux. He is going to ring the unit when it opens and see if they can suggest anything but did anyone else have trouble with this?

Best wishes to you all facing this and to madgran I hope all goes well X

I'm glad it went ok, snoozy.
Best wishes to Mr snoozy.

Many thanks to everyone for your advice. I have read it all carefully and it has really helped. We went for his first session today. It was a long and tiring day but it went relatively smoothly for us. I was quite taken aback by all the different tablets we were given to take home! We have to go every week for 4 weeks then every 3 weeks. We will have a better idea of what to do next time xx

SNOOZY....Re hospital drinks from their machine.....I found that the Hot Chocolate is the nicest. ....although quite sweet. Our hospital W I cafe sold the Most Delicious Bacon Wraps....heated in microwaave and wrapped in Flaky Pastry.
Very Tasty !!

Sending good wishes to your hubby over the next few weeks chemo.

Hi, I always take a small cushion and a shawl or large scarf in with me. A large scarf is so useful for keeping warm and comfortable or providing blackout and the cushion because, believe it or not, the unit are always short on pillows, they disappear as soon as an order is made. A sad reflection on life! Best of luck tomorrow. xx

Also take something easy to read - I like collections of short stories, and poetry, though I did take magazines too. My ex-h stayed with me through each session but I often didn't want small talk.

I had seven months of chemo, though not for lymphoma. I found sherbert lemons invaluable for masking the slightly odd taste that developed. I had a 'Bardport' inserted so the needle didn't have to go into my arm each time, definitely recommend it if available.

All the best to your OH. It's do-able.

My husband has just had a phone call to say he is to start his chemo next week on Thursday. He had bowel cancer in Dec 2016, it was removed and he was left with a stoma. Unfortunately it has returned in both his liver and stomach. Nothing can be done, but with chemo they can help him manage it. I am going to both the initial "assessment" appointment and the first session, but have been reading some of the above with interest. Another place to check if you are worried (either as a cancer patient yourself or a carer) is the Macmillan website. They have message boards where there are usually people available 24 hours a day if needed.
And on top of this I have been told I have breast cancer - at present just taking medication, but to be reviewed in 3 months to see any changes and if surgery might be required.

I've had radiotherapy and some drugs but no chemo. I have spent time with a friend in an outpatient ward while he had chemo and other medications. What to do depends very much on what the patient needs. I have also been the taxi service.

Being prepared is essential; have reading material, puzzle books etc for patient and yourself. Be aware of patient moods and needs. Hospital staff may need prompting. Be ready to give the patient space - no talking, even no presence (go to the cafe for a spell) but simply being there can be the best comfort a patient needs.

From my experience I was advised to suck on fresh pineapple while chemo going in 24hrs before drink plenty of fluids w high will help plump up veins ,and drink plenty after to flush chemo through . I went by myself was usually a couple of hours and found it passed quick with nurses and other patients chatting . My husband would have come with me but I wasn't bothered he always picked me up . Hope all goes well . Always write down any side effects so you can mention them to onc or nurses and encourage him to take all meds .

I had all day chemo sessions, that included lots of liquid too, I wheeled myself to the loo every half an hour, so if your husband has a similar regime make sure clothing is simple!! I did not feel ill at all during the chemo, only on the in between days, so eating was not a problem. The hospital sandwiches were lovely and as I was drinking loads I didn't sample the coffee, just water. As I was on my own for the duration of the treatment I made sure I took plenty to read although I found everyone so chatty and friendly I barely had time to open my book. There was also a lady who came in and gave free foot massages too.

Tip from a friend who had chemo 18 years ago for Non Hodgkin's, was that chemo is very constipating so get in loads of Allbran!

Hello there, OH had chemo for NHL over ten years ago & touch wood is still hasnt come back yet.
I remember the pre chemo talk with nurse that scared us both, you may get this or that sideaffects, very long list! But despite going wobbly at sight of a white coat I got us to his first chemo. The first will be much longer as need to make sure no reactions so dont panic seeing the oxygen ready etc.
Yes good advice to keep hands warm to get better vein access, I look away then. Machines will keep beeping nothing to worry about. OH thought he would die if any air went through tube, not so later found out but daft things go through your head when you are scared. Yes both wear comfy clothes, OH wore jeans first time & was stuck to them by time finished so changed into shorts for next sessions. After all the apprehension worst side affect he had was constipation, the experience though not pleasant isnt too bad & nurses are wonderfull. All the best...

I read a book once about someone going through chemo and she said what made life more comfortable for her was having some boiled sweets to suck. I think the chemo gave her a funny taste in her mouth. And something good to read from what I hear it's a whole load of sitting around.

A useful tip I was given by one of the chemo nurses was to take my anti sickness tablets before leaving the day unit. That way I avoided the nausea setting in as I had a 40 min drive home

If there is a Maggie's centre at the hospital, do go there.

I have been having treatment for cancer for the last 8 months, have had the chemo, then surgery and at the radio therapy stage now. Our hospital offers a " seminar type session" every week for new patients about to have chemo, partners also allowed to attend so you can ask any questions yourself and be briefed on the do,s and don,ts. You are told which foods are absolutely off limits throughout your chemo treatment. No shellfish of any kind, no pro- biotic yogurts, no soft cheeses such as Brie, only allowed to eat eggs which have the Lion stamp on them, not to buy free range from farms etc. You can bring in food to eat during your chemo session, providing it is not overpowering in smell. A lot of chemo patients (myself included) develop a sensitivity to different smells once the treatment kicks in, and what you can enjoy or tolerate pre chemo can make you feel very nauseous or be sick. My taste buds are still not back to normal and I went off different foods and drinks after each round of chemo. Lost my hair completely after two weeks, but is growing back now. Everyone,s treatment is not exactly the same as others, different cancers, different strengths of chemo, some people sail through it while others suffer more side effects. It will be a difficult time for you both, but lots of love and moral support go a long way in this treatment. Hoping everything goes as smoothly as it can and thinking of you both.

If he wears gloves right up to the last minute to warm up his hands prior to the cannula being inserted it will be easier for nurse to find a vein. My experience was that the nurses were very upbeat...even used to sing, and you get chatting to other patients. I found I got hungry with the meds so take snacks and drinks, also something to pass the time such as newspapers, crossword books. Make sure he wears layers as sometimes over hot, and sometimes cold. All the best I'm sure he'll be fine

Sending good wishes to Snoozy and to your Husband, I hope things go well.