Dad starts chemo today - any advise ?????

[yorkiemom]

My dad starts his chemo today. We had the chat yesturday with the ward sister who explaied possible side effects.
My lovely dad has been a bit low these past couple of weeks on and off.
We are just a bit worried that he could feel even worse once the chemo starts.
Just wondered if anyone had any words of advise, or tips to keep him positive through this bloody awful time.
My dad has terminal cancer in his pancreas and liver, so the chemo won't cure it but will hopefully shrink it, and give him years and years !!!!!! - painfree !!!
Thanks

hi ym,

my dad had term lung cancer a few years back and LOVED chemo! he faelt so much better after it and had no adverse side effects. of course i think this is an unusual reaction.

it can make you lose your appetite though and you can get these milkshake drinks from the chemist which have nutrients in them for people struggling to eat.

how are you feeling?

My dad has terminal cancer too but chemo really worked for him, the cancer is still there but it hasn't grown for 3 years now

I suppose the answer is to stay upbeat yourself its scary watching someone you love go through chemo

I used to take dad bland foods and fruit in because the anti sickness drugs werent that great for him whilst he was actually having the chemo administered, there are lots of wys they do this though dad had to sit for 12 hours with a drip in his arm

My dad was scared too he was frightened of the chemo more so than the cancer I think he had grown to live with that where as chemo he didnt really understand (the long list of possible side effects didnt help)

All the best for your dad there is a lot of positives out there my dad is even back to work x x

One thing I have found is that it is nigh impossible to plan anything in advance, as the person does not know how they will be feeling on the day and whether they will even have the energy to get out of the house, so being flexible and a bit on stand-by is good, I think. I just say lightly - I hope - "Let's just see how you feel at the time, I'll call you" - so hopefully the person feels included and does not get the impression that they are difficult to plan around.

sorry to see so many people facing this.
Steve did ok on the chemo once he got a anti sickness med that worked for him.
Steve was very positive about the chemo as he felt he was doing something.
steve developed a different sense of taste, things tasted different to him, he developed a very sweet tooth and gained an odd taste in his mouth. get your Dad plenty of sweets to suck on.

also, my dad had many happy years after chemo and went back to work. good luck to you all

Thanks very much everyone. Its good to have some positives !!

BUT have just come home from my dad's and he cannot have his chemo today as he has caught a bug ! He has been sick and has a temp of 102, cannot believe it.
The hospital have re-booked him for Thursday, so fingers crossed.

Peanutbear, I have just read your reply out to my mom to cheer her up and she did laught, and is quiet cheerful to think she may get my dad from under her feet and back to work one day !!!!!

Thanks again everyone, and all best wishes back to you all xx

All the best for your dad they will have him booked in as soon as he feels better