i am not a great fan but just happend to catch a bit of Eastenders last night. The bit i saw showed Carol going for her first blast of Chemo then coming home and cooking supper and then rushing off to the pub ( not for a drink but due to some family issue). I am glad that Eastenders is covering this storyline but I certainly wouldn’t have been able to lift my head off the pillow after my first chemo. Yes some people can carry on as near normal but others can’t and I think seeing Carol carrying on as normal somehow belittles those who can’t. Just my opinion
I think Eastenders is doing for cancer what they have done for single mothers, social workers, police officers, market traders…in other words, not a lot.
The thing that I thought was inaccurate was the cannula being in the crook of her arm (i.e on a joint). I remember when they were hunting for veins on me and I asked why they couldn’t use the vein in the crook of my arm? The nurse said they never put cannulas in from the elbow or above in case of chemotherapy drugs leaking out and causing irreparable damage. Cannulas were always in the back of my hand, forearm or wrist.
The other thing I thought was slightly unrealistic was Carol sitting chatting and reading magazines once the cold cap had been put on. I wasn’t brave enough to try the cold cap, but from the women I saw on the ward, they were huddled over, wrapped up and focused on getting through the first 20 mins or so - they certainly weren’t chatting or reading. Carol didn’t even look cold!
Aside from that, I’m following the storyline with interest and think it’s good Eastenders are trying to raise awareness.