I’ve had a crap week, helpful suggestions before I have to do it all again (lighthearted cancer related)

[Rattysparklebum]

My lovely adult son started chemo this week, 3 consecutive days. I said I would drive him to and from hospital, I don’t live near him so this is the first time I have experienced the hell of the M27 motorway, stationary, in 30 degree heat with my air con apparently not working and just wanting to get my poor nauseous son home.

Doing it again on Wednesday, I am considering some sort of in car showering system or sitting on ice packs!
I have cried enough already and need to laugh so any other helpful suggestions welcome

Stock up on ice lollies before each way? A comedy audiobook to listen to? sorry, not massively amusing reply😂 how lovely a mum you are tho

clearly you need a sound track of 'raindrops keep falling on my head, singing in the rain, and 'I'm dreaming of a white Xmas'

maybe a bucket of ice for your ds feet...

Di11yI like that suggestion and thinking by Christmas he might be better, and Nyon thank you, I get a little emotional when anyone says anything nice to me, walking round Morrison’s with tears running down your face makes people give you a wide berth!

I'm going through similar at the moment Ratty and sometimes think the stress and worry will be the end of me. But of course it's not about us, we have to support as much as we possibly can and you're doing a grand job

I'm focusing on Christmas too x

Keep some cold drinks in chill bottles in the car so they are ready for the trip back.
Maybe investigate an alternative route as being able to stop and get out of the car might be helpful after treatment. Plus I'd much rather a longer journey if I can keep moving.
Assume he is going to feel horrible after treatment. Expect the journey to be mainly silent. Don't try to make him feel better with bright conversation or offers of food/drinks. If he can take it he will ask.
If heat us the problem you can buy pet cool sheets which are larger versions of the Chillow pillow. Can keep humans cooler in a car for a couple of hours.
You are doing well and I'm sure your son appreciates the calm presence of Mum quietly doing her best to support him.

Fill water bottles and freeze them or juice cartons...they'll melt slowly and you'll have ice cold drinks.

One of those spray bottles filled with water to spritz on yourselves.

Your air con might need to be re gassed...I think that's what it's called ...I think the weather next week will be slightly cooler than yesterday hopefully.

Wishing him well op...and better days ahead for both of you

I don't have anything extra to add, but wanted to give you a virtual hug for being such a great mum. What you are going through is so tough.

Sorry not light hearted enough... Can you get the spray water cans in UK? Where I am I can get cans of Evian in spray which produce a nice cool mist. Maybe you can fill a gardening spray bottle and water yourselves en route.

Thanks everyone, he got his diagnosis on 19th June and started chemo on 27th so it’s been a bit of a shock to the system.

THe pet cool sheets sound like a good idea miaCara I will get some of those I think and freeze some drinks in preparation.

Hugs to you too Oblio the treatment is ok, the staff are lovely at the hospital but the driving is what is reducing me tears 😂

Cool bag, freezer packs and lots of cold things.

Also try to get to a garage to see if your aircon can be repaired.

The M27 has been particularly hideous this week. There's been roadworks and diversions and it was all backed up on Friday too for some reason.
Hopefully it will be better for you next time. I find Google Maps app is good for suggesting alternative routes if you use it as a Sat Nav. All good wishes to you and your son.

Pop into your garage and explain that you need your air con working, and I'm sure they would look at it first thing Monday in the circumstances - it really could be as easy as regasing which isn't expensive

Thanks FloellaDaVille I don’t particularly like motorway driving due to the constant lane changing and drivers moving into spaces that are really not there but I wasn’t prepared for gridlock, hoping for better next week but at least I will be better prepared!

Download Michael McIntyre's autobiography. Very funny and interesting.
Unless you hate him in which case, ignore my advice but accept my best wishes!

Could you B&B near the hospital?

The pet cool sheets are fabulous. I have one for my chair at school as my classroom is an oven with windows on three sides! I get hit and go sit in it for a bit 🤣

@Mishappening it’s nearly an hours drive from my son’s home to the hospital, he has a wife and toddler at home, it’s just more practical for me to take him there and back really as his wife doesn’t drive so can’t really avoid the driving sadly.

Can I share some good news Ratty, my OH was diagnosed with cancer 10 months ago and after surgery and many months of chemo he got the all clear on Friday. I hope your son gets better too.

@mygrandchildrenrock that is fantastic news, I bet you are so relieved, I know he will get better, he has to, he has a beautiful little daughter to be a daddy to, your story does help me push those negative thoughts away.

I hope you'll be back on here sharing good news Ratty in the not too distant future.

@mygrandchildrenrock your words have stayed with me these last few months and I am so happy to say treatment has been completed and been successful.

I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone but there are positives, I have spent more 1-1 time with my adult son these last few months than I have in the last few years and it has been a special time.

Best wishes to anyone reading this who may be on a cancer journey.

Rattysparklebum what wonderful news, and thank you so much for updating your thread. Christmas will be extra special this year for both our families.