Mental Health During Chemo

My brother who lives alone has to have his first chemo session soon.  He is scared and we his sisters and brother have no idea what to do. Our family has no history of cancer so we have never had to deal with it. He is difficult as he has lived alone most of his life and now finds himself in this situation. I'm scared for his mental health during chemo. What is the best way to deal with this. He intends to stay in his own home and we will take turns to care for him as best we can have you any advice please. 

Parents
  • 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

Reply
  • 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

Children