How should I prepare for my husband's chemo tomorrow?

Question

My husband has stage 4 Hodgkin's disease. His chemotherapy starts tomorrow morning at 8am. I am freaking out! Any advice or information you can send my way would be great. Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm really sorry that you and your husband have to go through this.

I know its easier said then done, but there is no reason to freak out.The nurses will answer any and all of all your questions tomorrow at his Chemotherapy. As well, ask to be introduced to returning patients... they can give you and your hubby first hand info and coping skills. As well, over time friendships will be built and a support system.

Bring a deck of playing cards, or a soothing cd for your husband to listen to. That way, your thoughts can go somewhere else.

I wish you both health and happiness. Do know that chemo has come a long way over the years. Keep the chin up.

Answer 2

Here's what both me and loved one have read to focus our energy and mind and to gain calm and patience (sorry if it offends you, as you mention you're an atheist, but it's really what I have used day in, day out though hours of chemo and after).

http://www.angelfire.com/nv2/carthusian/... It''s a saying .."Let go and let God."

And just be calm ( as in try to keep calm and smile and show optimism) and there for him.

Wish you the best.

Answer 3

Take a variety of distractions in a tote bag. A book, deck of cards, portable cd player or ipod. Take some water bottles, some crackers, a granola bar. Imagine you're going on a long train ride, take along what you might want to have for distraction. If he likes sports, pick up a Sports Illustrated or another magazine tonight, or whatever another one that might interest him.

Infusions can run from one to 5 or more hours, and you can get pretty bored just sitting there.

After chemo: he'll probably be amped for a day (the steroids they infuse with the chemo), then get really tired/sleepy. So just let him do what he feels up to for a few days. He may not have much appetite, so if he asks for a particular food, it may be the only thing he wants to eat. Try to accommodate his requests, or get a friend/family member to pick up and bring over any special requests for food.

Good luck to you both !

Answer 4

I am sorry to hear you are both going through this.

Be supportive and very patient with him. He will have the physical and emotional side of the treatment to deal with. You must take care of yourself as well. Try to stay positive - yet do not be unrealistic with him.

Bring some newspapers, a deck of cards or even a cell phone for him to call up friends or family.

I would prepare for his return home - check with his doctor for foods/drinks that may sit well with him. Have them in the house - so you can stay with him. A nice comfy bed, good books, a DVD and of course just being with him.

I wish you both well.

Answer 5

Just some practical advice.  My dad's been fighting cancer for 6 years so I've been there.

They keep chemo rooms really cold.  Some clinics have blankets, but otherwise, make sure to take sweaters and possibly a lap blanket to keep warm.

You'll both want something to keep you busy since chemo can sometimes take hours...books, mp3/cd players, magazines, etc.  We bought my dad a portable DVD player so he could watch movies.

You'll want to pack lunch for yourself and some snacks for him (saltines, other gentle foods).  Avoid anything with a strong odor (onions, fish, etc.) because cancer patients get really sensitive to smells.

Its a hard thing you're going through, but just take it a day at a time.  I'm so sorry!

Answer 6

I use to take my mom for chemo therapy, and its very stressful, but you have to remain calm for their sake. There's not much you can do because you're not going to be in there with him and the doctors. Just be supportive, afterwards he'll be very weak and nauseated so prepare to help him walk and get back to normal health. My mom use to like holding or having a pillow on the way home.

Answer 7

be calm and let the doctors do their work, I hope everything turns out ok for ya'll. Good luck!