Is there anyone out there who can help prepare me with what to expect?

Question

My mother who is 81 recently had a partial mastectomy and 2 lymph nodes removed. She will be starting Chemo in a week tho I don't know yet how many treatments she will recieve. Then she has to have 7 weeks of radiation treatments (daily), She has other health conditions like high blood pressure and borderline diabetes and had her thyroid removed years ago. What I want to know is how sick is she going to be getting and how quickly and she lives alone is that something that she should be doing while going through this. Any info anyone has to offer will be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

i had chemo and radiation for anal cancer this last year, and i would suggest that if it is possible for you or a sibling to stay with her or even to take turns staying with her, that you should.  there were several times that had my son not fixed me some food and brought it to me in bed, i simply would not have eaten, i didn't have the strength or desire, and keep in mind i'm much younger (52) and without any other health issues.  she may not feel very social, (i slept alot) but i would think that knowing that someone was there if she needed them would be a huge comfort to her.  

Answer 2

If your mom is pretty independent and able to get around ok, she may do ok by herself but will need help with laundry, cooking, and housecleaning as chemo can make her feel very tired in addition to other usual side effects of chemo.  It would be a good idea to talk to your mom to determine her wishes about help or coming to live with family while going through treatment.

I had breast cancer 4 years ago and was by myself most days but I relished having my family around in the evenings and help with grocery shopping, laundry, etc.

Answer 3

I dont have any advice but I am sorry that you mother is having to go through this.