Supporting my Dad through chemo...

[anonymousbird]

My Dad is just starting his cycles of chemo. As my kids are back at school, I figure (I hope) to be able to accompany him to and from /at the hospital for some of his sessions.

Firstly, is this normal to have someone with you? When you are there, is it deadly quiet or can you chat/play cards/read together or anything like that? Will he be able to or want to eat?

He and I are totally new to this so any advice on how I can best help him and pass the time etc is much appreciated. Thanks.

Hi OP

IME as a relative I sat next to my Aunt when I took her and we chatted. She was well enough to play travel board games but only one handed as she didn't like to use her IV arm but that could be just her preference. The nurses were very nice and made us cups of tea as there was a lot of sitting around with the cold cap for hair loss prevention too.

Best wishes to you and your Dad.

Another friend suggested cards, small games etc - though of course, the one handed point is one I hadn't thought of.

I don't know if he is going to have a cold cap - he is quite thin on top anyway, so I don't know if it's considered worth the additional discomfort or not - a good question for me to ask.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Write a diary if you can to keep all the events fresh in everyone's mind, see if he is well enough to do it himself. It can be invaluable if the treatment affects his short term memory.

Fleeces and layers, extra socks and gloves as well as a chillow (opposite ends of same spectrum I know) may also be useful.

Read up on neutropenia just in case so you know what to expect if his immune system tanks.

Remember to take time for yourself too.

Sorry you are going through this. Sometimes my dh would chat sometimes he’d recline the seat and have a doze while I sat with him. The nurses will tell you everything that’s going on and keep you fully informed about blood tests and medication to take home ect