1. I've had chemotherapy and it really wasn't too bad eg I didn't feel sick at all.  Everyone seems to experience it differently though but they can give medication for many of the side effects.  Your brother mustnt be afraid to ask for help if he needs it.  Chemo can be quite a long drawn out process so it would be good if he could take things to occupy him and / or bring someone to sit with him, if that's allowed.  It might also be worth you / him speaking to the nurse helpline - number below.  I often find things are worse in anticipation than when they actually happen so you / he might find the same....  Good luck!

Hello and thank you for posting,

I am sorry to learn that your brother will be having chemotherapy this must be a difficult time for you all.

It can be a scary and anxious time waiting to start treatment. Everyone responds differently to chemotherapy and can go through many different emotions.

We have information about mental health and cancer treatment and how to support someone with cancer which I hope is useful for you.

It may not feel like it but just being there for your brother is supportive. All you can do is take things a step at a time and see how your brother is. It is helpful to know who to contact at the hospital if your brother does have side effects that he cannot manage. Equally, it is also possible he may not have too many side effects and can cope with the chemotherapy well.

It is difficult as until your brother starts his treatment no one can say how he might be or what side effects he will have so there is a lot of uncertainty for you all.

I hope this and the above links help in some way. You are welcome to give our nurses a call on the helpline between 9am and 5 pm Monday to Friday 0808 800 4040 if you would like to talk things through.

Take care,

Jemma

Thank you so much for your reply it means a lot to hear from someone who has been through it. 

Thank you Gemma so much