Looking for info

[IttyBitty]

Hi! I am looking for info that would help me help a friend who is undergoing chemo right now. What helped when you were undergoing chemo? Meals, rides, etc. Any insight would help. Thanks.

[PegD]

Meals delivered did help during 'chemo week'. Also cards and emails helped bolster my spirits. Ginger chews and CBD helped w/ nausea. Prayers are always appreciated💓 Thank you for being there for your friend!

[IttyBitty in reply to PegD]

What is CBD?

[PegD in reply to IttyBitty]

CBD is the non hallucinogenic component of medical marijuana.

[IttyBitty in reply to PegD]

Oh. So while I am researching this I realize there is so much info. Is there a specific form like tablets, drops?

[PegD in reply to IttyBitty]

I prefer tablet and chews. Haven't branched out to other forms.

[Jenniferroseolson in reply to PegD]

Peg, I just tried this oil the past couple days. The taste is awful.. mixjng it in 3ounces of Gatorade was slightly better than mixing it into 8 ounces water. Any tips?

[PegD in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

I have only tried CBD chews and pills. I have heard the oils taste bad. Some have tried the oil in suppositories and say it works better. 😝

[IttyBitty in reply to PegD]

And did you find ginger chews at a health food store?

[PegD in reply to IttyBitty]

Yes. I like the ones from "Ginger People" brand.

[Memaw0100]

I was lucky enough to have my daughter drive me. I went once a week. She always took that day off. She could sit with me during the treatment. We engaged in mindless activity like internet surfing, talking and laughing. It was a distraction. Then we would stop at Long John Silvers, get me lunch to take home. Since they put something in my IV that helped my nausea, I was able to eat!

[IttyBitty in reply to Memaw0100]

Thank you !

[Steph60]

While going through chemo my neighbor would send over dinner right after chemo- which was wonderful since I had horrible fatigue. The other thing is rides - my husband took me to whatever appointments I had when I was not up to driving. Both of these things would be of great help.

[IttyBitty in reply to Steph60]

Thank you!

[Ruthie1950]

My husband took me to all my chemo and radiation treatments. We live 2.5 hours away from the cancer center so when I took chemo, we stayed in a hotel within one mile of the hospital. I wasn't too sick while taking the chemo but within 10-14 days, I was very sick to my stomach even with the anti nausea medication. During that time I concentrated on trying to stay hydrated and ate only soft foods such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, ice cream, etc. I got through it but there will be days when eating will not be a top priority in your life. Eat what you can but try to drink as much as possible.

God bless you.

[IttyBitty in reply to Ruthie1950]

Thank you!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

In addition to meals and rides I found it helpful when others did my laundry or to care for my plants. Also change my bed and vacuum. Anything cleaning activity that created fumes hurt my lungs.

[IttyBitty in reply to Denzie]

Thank you!

[JeanE41]

Your friend is truly blessed to have you in his/her life. The needs will change as treatment progresses. I'm sure you will adapt, but most importantly, you are there.

[IttyBitty in reply to JeanE41]

Thank you!

[Jenniferroseolson]

Meals for the family. Gift cards for "cheap" takeout like chipotle or local spots. And I found a couple favorite things that friends would bring (Funky Monkey smoothie from a healthy restaurant, a very mild tofu vegetable soup from the Chinese restaurant, banana bread), and they knew I appreciated those particular things. In the beginning after diagnosis when I couldnt drive , my friends set up a schedule of "girl Friday"--each day or two, one would text me and tell me what errands she was running and get a list from me. Perhaps I needed laundry detergent or hand soap from target, or fresh fruit fron the grocery store, or a prescription picked up and delivered, or a latte. Another friend bought an extra copy of the book our 7th graders needed for school so that I didn't have to. Letting me off the hook for carpools during tough times. Inviting my kids for playdates or fun places.

[IttyBitty in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

Thank you! All the feedback helps

[SBLT]

Itty Bitty, I had 6 rounds of chemotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer. The first day the person feels fine then Kaboom the next 4 days you are really knocked down.(like a big truck ran over you) I found during those days sleep and trying to eat a thick bread was the best. It helped the stomach greatly. Just knowing and accepting the down time was really helpful to me. I also choose to shave my head proactively because I wouldn't have been able to see my hair go piece by piece, So I had a shave the head party with wine and cheese!! Always having a close net friendships help also. One really needs support!! Hope all goes well SBLT

[IttyBitty in reply to SBLT]

Thanks. All the ideas help!