Chemo activities.

Ok so here goes,

My Nan was diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer (unknown prime cancer) and was given 4 months to live. I've temporarily put my life on hold. Postponed my studies at University, reduced my hours at work so I can spend d every minute with her. She is like a second Mum to me, I grew up in her house. Now I've come to terms with the idea that inevitably I'm going to lose her, I want to make sure she has the best time she possibly can whilst she's here.

So tomorrow, she starts chemo to prolong life (hopefully if it works as they plan) and I'm wondering what gifts should I get her to in a sense distract her. I've bought a few crosswords, because she's a sucker for them. A few books. Do you think there's anything else I can get her? She won't let me sit in with her, she's a very proud women but we're parking in the carpark every session so if she changes her mind I'm a 2 minute walk away.

Also, they have prewarned her of the side effects; loss of weight and loss of hair and selfishly I'm struggling with the idea of these changes. All my life my Nan has been this gorgeous blonde bombshell, ridiculous amounts of hair for her age and she's always be pleasantly plump. I haven't yet thought of a way to prepare myself for these changes. Any advice would be really appreciated. I just want to make sure my emotions don't get in the way of me spending every minute with her.

Thanks for reading. 

  •  

    Hi there,

    How unselfish it is of you to put everything on hold for now. I hope that you can still return to your studies after this nightmare is over?

    It sounds as if you are doing everything you possibly can to make your gran as comfortable as possible. Try to make some good memories together while she is still here.

    Have you got a good photo of your gran? This may seem silly, but I keep a photo of my mum and I often find myself talking to her picture. I only have the one good photo which I never really appreciated while she was alive, but it is something I treasure now that she has gone. If you want to take a photo, now is the time, before her hair starts to go and she loses weight.

    There was a discussion recently about what friends could do for a lady undergoing chemo and various suggestions were made, but there was one particular suggestion which seemed by far the most useful. (‘Present for friend going through Chemo’ by Doolally Tap  under the title Practical Matters and another from Moderator Helen entitled “What to take to Chemo” also under the title  Practical Matters)

     

    This lady’s friends would take it in turns to clean and tidy the house and to cook fresh meals. When she was feeling too tired and depressed to do these things for herself, this must have been very much appreciated.

    You are worrying about how you’ll cope with the changes caused by chemo. Don’t worry, when you’re seeing her regularly, the changes will be gradual, so you will find the strength to deal with them.

    I am sure that it will be of great comfort to your gran to have you by her side. Have you got anyone who can support you?

    Remember that we are always here to support you both, so keep in touch.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx