supporting my friend through chemo

[chillyogawine]

Hi
my friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. She's asked me to go with her to her chemotherapy sessions, which I'm happy to do. Im just wondering if anyone has any advice as either patient or friend that can help me help her through this emotional time. Any practical tips of what to expect or what to bring with me, anything really!
The appointment is 3 hours long and she might have to wear a cool cap to protect her scalp and hair. I'm bringing my iPad and mags and of course we'll chat. It's her first session, so both of us have no idea what to expect. Any advice would be so much appreciated.
We both love a good giggle and are happy people and my friend is a very positive person and not wallowing in sadness at all. She's been amazing! Thanks

[mintyneb]

You don't really need to take anything, just yourself.

You might want to take something to occupy yourself if she's given any drugs that make her feel sleepy and node off though.

Most of the time you will be there covers things like putting a cannula in, being given anti sickness meds and waiting for them to take effect. If she's having the standard breast cancer drugs then the first few treatments don't take long to administer.

Cancer is a lonely place so just having you there to keep her company will help enormously.

I'm just going through chemo for the 2nd time in 2 years so unfortunately know what it's like to be in your friend's shoes.

[chillyogawine]

mintyneb, thank you for your advice. I'm sorry to hear that you're going through it too. Hope you are doing ok. We're just taking it day by day. It makes you appreciate all the little things in life that you never noticed before. x

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

I'd take some snacks. I always get peckish. Nice little treat type things rather than anything too healthy

Maybe a pack of cards?

[pimmsy]

Could you get her a new pair of pajamas ( the more kitsch the better) or fluffy house socks for when she gets back home, or a trip to the library to get some talking books ? What I found really useful was having a massive stock of new face flannels to wash my face with as well.

Good luck to your friend.