DH had chemo for 2 years and in his case he would often have different drugs different days. Mostly it is IV but sometimes tablets and injections. He pretty much felt blah most of the time. Some drugs would make him vomit straight away, some would make him constipated, sometimes he would feel ok.IT depends on what cancer the chemo is for too as to how it effects people. DH used to get insomnia from some drugs and really sensitive skin. He didn't really avoid any foods except when he jsut couldn't stomach them. He limited his alcohol also because he jsut couldn't handle it. He wasn't allowed to do any gardening. If anyone was sick with ANYTHING also they had to stay away.
Again I stress it really effects ppl differently. Maybe have a chat to the family and see how she is coping?
Beema - it probably depends entirely on what drugs she's having - also, although there are different types of side effects, each person experiences then differently. So it really is best to ring beforehand and ask.
When I had chemo I was on a very mild regimen, and I felt quite seedy and exhausted for a few days afterwards, but not sick enough to be vomiting, etc. I had an IV transfusion on the first day then pills for the next four days. Part of the treatment was steroids which made me ravenously hungry. So, everyone's different.
Can you ring your Godfather and explain that you'd like to bring something that she would really appreciate, and ask him what he thinks? I think Haighs chocolate is a nice idea, buy a small box so they're not too in her face if she's not feeling up to it - but go for soft centres with fruity flavours because the chemo can make your mouth/throat very sore & wreak havoc with your sense of taste so fresher cleaner flavours (like fruit, mints, etc) are better. Some nice mints might be welcome for the same reason - get rid of the yucky taste in your mouth, a book or book voucher, DVD, CD of uplifting music etc. Moisturiser is a nice idea too, or a really lovely smelly candle. But I think your Godmum will just be happy to see you and spend time, so taking something that is personally meaningful like a photo of you all in a beautiful frame or a bit of "artwork" (handprints or whatever) by your DD would be just as welcome as any chocolate or wine. Although your Godfather might appreciate a bottle or two .
I'm also going to state the obvious and say if you are staying there try to be as helpful and hands on as you can. Our PILs stayed with us a few weeks after I finished chemo (I will still exhausted plus constantly sick with a chest infection) and yet we put on a meal for them most nights of the week . MIL only cooked a few times but I wish she had felt inclined to help out more because then DH was exhausted by the end of their stay (even though it was so good to have them here). So make sure you and your DH are both being helpful while you're there.
ETA - It's also helpful to remind yourself that often it's the treatment that's making the person look sick &/or tired and not necessarily the illness itself.
Thankyou all so very much for taking the time out to answer my questions, I sincerely appreciate every word
Thankyou all for explaining more about the treatment as I really didn't understand, I assumed there would be some variation as I had heard some drugs cause weight gain, others hair loss and so on, but not to the extent that you have all explained including the different proceedures etc.
I will speak with her daughter, as she will be able to let me know what both mum and dad would really appreciate, that way I can keep any extras a surprise from them I am really gglad I asked the question about foods and drinks as I thought it was going to be a silly question, but it is really clear that it wasn't and there is a lot to understand and take into consideration. The suggestions have been really useful and I would have ended up with an inappropriate gift if hadn't asked I will print out some photos of us as well, we has some lovely shots taken as Christmas time which would be perfect.
In relation to illness it is the same as catching up with our prem friends, any sniffle and it is a no go zone, we jsut can't take the risks and we have missed out on a lot of catchups for this very reason. So I will definitely boost the Vitamin C over the next couple of weeks and I pray that we are all well when we go over.
Is it worth using Aquim?
I am definitely hands on, I'm usually doing three or four thing as once, so I will be definitely helping out as much as I can, and I really enjoy doing it as it is a great time to chat, hopefully I can mkae her sit down and relax as well. We are all pretty chilled out, so it should be all good. We aren't fussy or picky or anything so that is going to make it a lot easier as well.
MD thankyou for that little bit of information at the end, it will become invaluable as it will make it easier to understand. Thankyou very much for sharing what you experienced, you are amazing!
Ezy thankyou so much for sharing your experience with your DH, it must have been such a difficult few years
LimeSlice, thankyou so much for sharing information from the pallative point of view, you have shared a wealth of information and I really appreciate it, I had no idea about gardening, flowers etc as well, I will definitely remember that, being a landscape architect.
Thankyou MrsMac, your suggestions are really lovely, and thankyou for sharing what your mum experienced
Thankyou Christy, you have given me some really useful information, I will definitely go on a hunt for some lovely organic chocolate and preservative free wine, surely there is some in SA
Thankyou all once again I really appreciate the time you all took to help me out, and sharing your own knowledge and experiences has been invaluable to me and subsequently my God Mother
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