Coping with chemo alone?

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Hi all, I just wondered if anyone out there is going through (or has been through) chemo alone, i.e. without anyone to look after them at home? If so, what are the main challenges?

 

I’m waiting to hear the full details of my treatment, and this is one of the things I’m trying to get my head around as much as possible in advance. Thanks…

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Hi Jayne x hope u ok x. I started my first chemo on Monday - I have two teenage girls so am not completely alone but am alone during the day and nighttime so to speak. I was very sick the night of my first chemo and got quite scared / but the hospital had given me a 24 hour helpline and I rang them. I can’t tell you the relief to have someone at the end of the line pick up at 1 Am and talk me through my sickness - I haven’t felt alone since then to be honest as I now know that they are there to help me if I have any questions or worries. I’ve still got nausea and am going to ask for stronger anti sickness tablets at my next chemo but otherwise I haven’t been too bad - tired but I also need a blood transfusion next week for low iron ( pre chemo ) and this does lead to ‘the problem’ - Its getting to and from the hospital for all the appointments. I have tried to set up a few different people who might b able to help and my biggest fear is getting an infection and having to try to get to hospital in the middle of the night… But I will manage even if I have to phone ambulance. Nighttime remains worse for me then daytime and I seem to be whacked out at 9 but up at 3 am …do you have any local network that might be able to go to your chemo with you, if needed?

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Oh - but practicals :

  • join the monthly chemo thread - we also have a facebook group and it’s been invaluable support for me ; again helps to reduce loneliness
  • online shopping for everything! - Amazon my new best friend
  • I like ice with water now so have just made up lots and also got a blender to make iced fruit smoothies to get vit c
  • I have managed small meals but did cook a bit before and store in freezer as have to sort my girls - if it was just me I think it would b easier to manage what I want to eat as not currently hungry right now . Nothing wrong with keeping it simple and just eating when u want if by self x
  • you could also check out if there are any local support groups that might help - ask at the hospital or Google - I haven’t been yet but found out about a local Cancer support unit via word of mouth so there is lots of help out there if needed . At one of my lowest points post surgery I did ring Macmillan and as lovely as they were I didn’t find them helpful - I also tried to get through on the bcc phone lines but was holding for about 6 minutes and by then was crying too much - but have heard they are excellent . They were a couple of dark days and Ive got a better handle on things since chemo started. Long posts - sorry ! You might not need chemo but if you are on your own find out about local activities and groups you can access - it helps to get out a bit xx hugs xx