Husband about to begin cancer treatment

Sending kindest thoughts nana5852

Sorry to hear this nan5852 - I have no advice except to say be brave and we are all thinking of your husband and yourself

I'm sorry you are both going through this. I have no experience of chemotherapy but my husband has prostate cancer and had hormone treatment, various scans and 37 consecutive days of radiotherapy. He had no side effects from the radiotherapy. The only difficulty he found was having to give himself an enema each day as he had to have an empty bowel and a full bladder before each radiotherapy but he soon got the hang of it.

He was very well looked after as I'm sure your DH will be. He is ten years in remission now. I am wishing you all the luck in the world.

Thank you for your replies and good wishes. I have been respectful of my husbands need for autonomy and not accompanied him on most of his appointments- this may change as he may not be able to drive himself when the treatment kicks in. I will contact Macmillan and Marie Curie people locally for advice and get myself a G.P. appointment.
Your post, Mamie, I found particularly supportive.

From my experience of caring for my daughter, while she was on a 3 week chemo regime, day 1 chemo she was ok. Day 2 rapidly downhill sleep when she could eat what she fancied if it was quick. If she had to wait she no longer could eat the food, days 3, 4, 5 gradually getting better. Walks when she could relax, sleep when not. Then week 2 and 3 feeling almost normal. She couldn't be bothered with normal things in the first week. But every cancer, every chemo is different. My only advice would be be led by your husband but take care on that second day as the effects came on suddenly and fiercely. My best wishes for you both and no euphemisms from me, they don't help. Treatment can be hard.

When my niece was initially diagnosed with cancer the McMillan nurses gave lots of practical advice, and are also able to fast-track applications for any allowances you may be eligible for, including a blue badge.

Please remember to be kind to yourself too. Sending you hugs x

Mamie - a lovely, personally informing post. Well done!
Good luck nana5852. Hope things go well for you both 🤞

So sorry to hear this. My husband has just finished a year of chemo then radiotherapy. It was a roller-coaster of emotions for both of us and physical challenges for him. He was frequently exhausted and we adapted our routines to fit. He was often in bed by 7pm and needed a long siesta. We ate the things that he fancied and included plenty of protein. We talked about everything and got all our affairs in order. It does look as if he has come through now, but we have learnt to live with uncertainty. We found no comfort in talk of fighting cancer and being brave. My husband did as he was told by the hospital, we ate the things we enjoyed and got out when we could. Distractions are important as are good friends to talk to. Visits are lovely, but can be exhausting. If you need help for anxiety or distress then don't be afraid to ask your doctor, there are different ways of coping.
I hope this helps, you will find people who understand and people who don't. I send you both our warmest good wishes.

So sorry to hear that you are going through troubled times. As Aggie said the Macmillon team at the hospital will advise and support you. Good luck with the treatment and hope that there will be a successful outcome

The team at the hospital might be better informed than people here , ask for information, there is probably a dedicated nurse to answer your queries
I am so sorry to read that you are going through this uninformed