Chemo tips please ?

[honeylou42]

Hello I'm just to start palliative chemo in next week or two after being diagnosed with bile duct cancer, please can you give me any tips that will help me get through it, to the hospital or what to wear etc, any tips will be gratefully received thank you 🌺

Take a cushion. My back always gets uncomfortable, and a blanket. I get very cold. And it makes it cosier ao i can go to sleep

I always take a good book, something gripping but not too grim, and a blanket. If you're cold capping a hot water bottle is a good thing. Best of luck with it. Also, don't eat your favourite food just before.

Elastic waist trousers, sounds silly but much easier than faffing with buttons while attached to your drip.
Do you have a port? If so make sure it's accessible while you have your jumper/top on.
And a big water bottle

Take the anti-sickness meds routinely.
Don't wait to feel sick before taking them.

I’m sorry you’re going through this. Top tips- drink loads of water and if you are going to have a cannula rather than picc line keep your hands warm- makes it easier. Ask for numbing cream if you don’t like needles.
headphones, easy reading- magazines etc. one of your hands will be occupied with cannula. Favourite snacks, water bottle, hand cream,
some units offer snacks etc. easy clothes t/ shirt hoodie so blood pressure can be taken. Joggers etc to make going to the loo one handed easy.
blanket is good too relax in. Staff have seen everything, so don’t worry.
Hope it helps you.

If you're having a cannula, drink lots of water, keep your hands warm (perhaps those hand warmer things) and take painkillers when you arrive for your appointment. You can ask the staff for a heated pad too - it really does make a difference. Don't be afraid to speak up - politely of course. Learnt this through supporting a relative through chemo, realised she was really too uncomplaining and would have been better telling them how much pain she was in, how nervous it made her etc

DH had chemo for bile duct cancer, he had Gem/Cis it was one of the kinder chemos. Do you know what regimen you're on?

had Had 2nd round now.I may be unusual but have slept through about 2 1/2 hours ! Had puzzle books but CBA to do them! Read the paper ,We are allowed partners/friends in as well .I have a soft light blanket ,and they give me a sort of thin shawl but very warm.Socks and thermal vest(yes even in June)Lots of tea and cakes !