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Original poster

During chemo

23 replies

BabyRace · 01/12/2021 18:49

DFIL is starting chemo for bowel cancer next week. We've already got him a book for Xmas but is there anything else that is useful during chemo or anything that makes the whole thing a little less awful?

OP posts:
Starmer · 01/12/2021 19:14

Do you know what type he is having? I had capecitabine, which is tablets, and a common side effect is sore, cracked hands and feet, so cream / cotton gloves / thick socks would be good. But less useful for other chemo!

Mumblechum0 · 01/12/2021 19:17

I also had capecetibine, which made my feet feel like they were on fire. I personally wouldn’t buy anything directly to do with cancer/chemo, I would have preferred a distraction so just something normal.

minipie · 01/12/2021 19:21

My mum felt very cold when she was going through chemo so maybe something warm (cashmere socks?)

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pastapestoparmesan · 01/12/2021 19:26

Something to watch/read/listen to would be good. Nothing to eat/drink unless you’re certain it will be welcomed - the first time I only wanted beige carbs and salt, and the second time I completely lost my sweet tooth.

Quickchangeartiste · 01/12/2021 19:33

Distractions are good, I also needed a wrap / throw as I was very cold and if he is sitting or lying around for it , it’s nice to get something cosy.
Sudoku or crossword books went down well. And as I was an inpatient extra data or tv cards were welcome.

M0rT · 01/12/2021 19:33

The best chemo presents I got were a water bottle as your supposed to drink a lot and it's handy to carry around, a notebook to write my tablets in and tick off when taken and a plug in heated blanket for my lap.
They could all just be presents as well as chemo presents. Maybe an embossed notebook and pen set?
Food is pointless as everyone responds differently and they recommended E45 cream at my hospital in case you have a skin reaction they want to know if it's to the chemo.

WinterFoxCub · 01/12/2021 19:35

@M0rT

The best chemo presents I got were a water bottle as your supposed to drink a lot and it's handy to carry around, a notebook to write my tablets in and tick off when taken and a plug in heated blanket for my lap. They could all just be presents as well as chemo presents. Maybe an embossed notebook and pen set? Food is pointless as everyone responds differently and they recommended E45 cream at my hospital in case you have a skin reaction they want to know if it's to the chemo.
I was gloing to say a water bottle. I bought my dad a really nice thermos so he could have some of his favourite tea while he was waiting. That was very well received.
LoveFall · 01/12/2021 19:38

A subscription to Audible. Listening to a book is more relaxing and distracting than actually reading it.

A tote bag with things he might enjoy. A soft warm throw, tablet, long charging cable, eyeshades, earplugs, magazines, water bottle, sweets like lemon drops etc, puzzle books like word finger and crosswords, sketch book. Easy to bring to each session.

I have monthly infusions. Mine are not too long but others at the infusion center are there for hours. I see the mostly sleeping, listening to music. I also see them with light snacks like granola bars.

LoveFall · 01/12/2021 19:39

Word finder for heaven's sake.

Highlanders372 · 01/12/2021 20:42

I'm going through immunotherapy at the moment so not chemo but I think the process of being in hospital for the day/on a drip a few hours is similar.

The best thing I've bought has been 4 little hand warmers. You know the plastic ones with the liquid in that you snap and they heat up? Each one lasts about an hour. They're so comforting to hold in the hand that you have the cannula in, really soothing. It also makes putting the cannula in easier if your hands are warm.

Highlanders372 · 01/12/2021 20:51

LoveFall audible is a fantastic idea! I might pinch that for myself. I've been downloading films from Netflix but it would be nice to close my eyes and listen to a book instead.

OberthursGrizzledSkipper · 01/12/2021 20:55

I love books but during chemo I couldn't concentrate for long enough to read one.

A nice throw would probably go down well. You do get very cold.

bloodywhitecat · 01/12/2021 21:01

I bought DH wireless headphones so he could listen to his own music during his treatments.

Original poster
BabyRace · 01/12/2021 21:04

These are some great ideas, thank you. Audible is a great idea, his hearing aids have Bluetooth so can connect to his phone easily.

OP posts:
Hortuslover · 01/12/2021 21:30

If he is on oxaliplatin he would benefit from a scarf and gloves for when he leaves the chemo unit. That particular chemo can cause patients to experience a bronchospasm that is brought on by the cold air. So when he leaves the chemo unit he would benefit from keeping warm.

Also a heat bag might help too, some treatments can make the arm that the chemo has been given in feel sensitive which is helped by a heat/warm bag.

kistanbul · 01/12/2021 21:53

Flask for tea
Yes to audible

But if you think he’d be up for it, the best gift ever would be an Xbox, switch or similar

ohtsmeagain · 01/12/2021 21:53

A heated over blanket. For the lounge. Gets me warm even when the house is cold. Perfect for chemo patients who feel the cold more than other family members. Some of them look fabulous too. And have a auto-off function after one hour or eight hours for example. Best chemo gift!

Also check out notanotherbunchoflowers website. Set up by cancer patients.

Also living well with cancer website.

Original poster
BabyRace · 02/12/2021 20:21

@kistanbul

Flask for tea Yes to audible

But if you think he’d be up for it, the best gift ever would be an Xbox, switch or similar

Perfect excuse to give him DH's xbox, great idea!! I think they'll be playing around with chemo drugs to see what is effective for a while, but thank you for the specific drug suggestions. I'm devastated so many of you have had to endure this, but so grateful for your wisdom.
OP posts:
saraclara · 02/12/2021 20:41

Are you allowed to be with him while he has his chemo? My husband had oxaliplatin and capecitabine, and we could sit with him while he had the former infused. We took a quiz book with us to pass the time, and some nice snacks. It was the same time of year, so yes, a scarf to put over his mouth when you leave is essential.

All the best with it. The good thing about the bowel cancer chemo cocktails is that, in general they're not as awful as many. The nerve problems in hands and feet are unpleasant, but in comparison to many others, the side effects are much more manageable.

TwoBigNoisyBoys · 02/12/2021 20:47

OP I’m having chemotherapy at the moment and I would say hands down the Audible subscription. I listen when at the hospital, during the nights when I can’t sleep and when I’m doing chores. If he’s got a device he will be able to manage ok, I would say this is the best idea of all. There’s loads of free content on there too, so well worth the money.

Oh and some nice fluffy warm socks 😊

pastapestoparmesan · 03/12/2021 20:32

Just to counteract all the blanket/sock/ handwarmer suggestions - I was bloody boiling all the time!

Original poster
BabyRace · 03/12/2021 20:59

@saraclara thank you. Its stage 4 so not isolated to bowel. I have no idea what he'll be given or if people can be with him. It's all a bit shit frankly!

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