My mom has gone for her first chemo treatment today... I have no idea what to expect as I am taking care of her tonight. Will she be feeling her worst right after chemo? Or is it over a few days? What do I have to be careful of while caring for her? Any help is appreciated.
2007-04-26 07:31:13 · 9 answers · asked by JellyBean 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
The first day is emotionally the scariest. Even when the medical staff explains what to expect before hand, each person's body deals with it differently. My first treatment when fairly smoothly, other than when I got home I had a rootbeer float and it didn't stay down, but I was having trouble with rootbeer before I started chemo. Your mom would have been given some antihistimine and steroid medications along with the chemo drugs and some pills to help with nausea. She may feel pretty good, so just let how she feel direct your response to caring for her. As her chemo treatment progresses there may be foods she won't want to eat because they don't taste right. I found that eggs, potatoes and anything tomato based were easier to tolerate, even if it was only a bite or two.
Some other foods that might help as treatment progresses are hard candies, gatorade, smoothies....
There may be days when mom only wants to sleep and others where she feels well enough to do some laundry, grocery shopping or cooking. Let her set the pace and just be supportive. Somthing that may help you get through this time is to keep a journal. Cancer doesn't just affect the patient but the entire family. My younger son almost flunked his sophomore year of H.S. while I was going through treatment. He said he knew I'd be ok but I knew he was concerned and didn't know how to express himself or burden his dad with his concerns.
Good luck to you and your mom.
A 3 year survivor.
2007-04-26 09:00:40 · answer #1 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chemo works differently on people . Some become ill from it, and others have mild symptoms for a few days . Once your body becomes use to the chemicals you may not experience severe symptoms. It depends on the person. Hopefully what you can expect from Chemo is a remission that lasts a very long time, and others who have been cured by Chemo. Good Luck,
2007-04-26 07:42:28 · answer #2 · answered by Alfie333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can still remember that first dose of chemo...trust me it ain't fun. I don't know about her cuz everyone reacts different but I remember being sick and just puking all over the place and feel like I got the worse flu in the world. After that it tends to get better as I throw up some more. One thing that really help is just to have someone with her, it always help me when I got friends or family along side just to talk and what not, even if I'm puking my guts out, they are there to rub my back and tell me it's going to be ok and that they are here.
That always help
Good luck
2007-04-26 10:55:41 · answer #3 · answered by John A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister-in-law just completed chemo. Her bad days ran in cycles. After a treatment she was tired and drained and had a burning feeling inside. About 3 days later was when the nausea, sweats, and exhausted set in. After a couple of days of that, she started to improve. About the 7th day, she was able to move about, do a few simple things, etc. Just in time for the nest treatment, which was 2 weeks apart. Good luck and many good wishes.
2007-04-26 07:41:17 · answer #4 · answered by DOT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first 72 hrs are the worst. The effects worsen over the first 24 hrs. The anti-nauces drugs help big time taken as directed. Don't let her start throwing up. It is hard to stop once it starts. She also needs to eat. Small amounts often. Even during the night. I was told not to let my stomach become emty but no to over fill it. Small amounts often. Plenty of water, this helps flush the drugs from tthe system. She should also get in the habit of going to the bathroom often even during the night. This helps get rid of the junk in the system to & helps avoid bladder & kidney irration cause by the drugs. Let her sleep as much as she can for she will feel exhausted the next day or so. At times sleep may be hard to do so see that she has a TV. near by Helps bordom. She will start feeling better in about 4 days. Rough go it is & different people experience different side-effects so be patient. She needs time to baby herself right now. Prayers for her.
2007-04-29 10:21:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
everyone is different so i can only tell you how it was for me. i was fine the day of chemo, fine the next day, sick as a dog for the next 2 days, then gradually felt better in time for the next treatment. keep everything as clean as possible. her immune system will be weakened and it will be easy for her to get sick. good luck and bless you for being there for her.
2007-04-26 13:58:19 · answer #6 · answered by barb 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I even have in no way had breast maximum cancers, so i'm uncertain related to the side consequences. One guy or woman recommended you to convey snacks. Please do not. while i replaced into on extreme dose chemo (gained at my oncologist's workplace), human beings would usher in nutrition. i replaced into so ill and nauseous that the very scent of nutrition would make me vomit. that is not courteous to convey nutrition to an infusion ward the place some sufferers would be plenty extra nauseous than you're.
2016-11-27 23:36:12 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
worst right after chemo
2007-04-26 13:58:06 · answer #8 · answered by Skitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think as well it depends on what type of chemo your mum is having. They vary in toxicity.
Sending best wishes your mum's way.
2007-04-26 11:58:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋