Hi Pingu,

So sorry to read about your Dad. I have the same type of cancer at stage 4 and can imagine what you, him and your family are going through at the moment.

Do you know what type of chemo he is going to have? The side effects vary depending on the type of chemo and different patients experience different side effects.

Both this website and MacMillan's list the common side effects of different chemotherapies. If you read these, please bear in mind that not everyone has all the possible side effects which are listed.

In my own case, I was on EOX and had many of the listed side effects. My own son helped in practical ways by driving me and his Mum to and from chemo sessions (I was in no fit state to drive home due to exhaustion) and just by being there. Afterwards he and my wife helped by making sure I kept hydrated (essential to help flush the chemo away), took my anti-nausea meds, kept fed and rested. They also kept well-meaning visitors away until I was feeling well enough to see anyone. 

I hope things go well for him. 

Good luck

Dave

Hi Pingu,

I was diagnosed at 5pm this evening. CAT scan tomorrow. My sister in law is also going through chemo for breast cancer and has her good and bad days but she is winning. She has the most positive personality I know and is as hard as nails. She is an inspiration.

She was diagnosed in Feb this year and is still being treated. There has been family support not just for her but for my brother in law and nephew too. I don't know yet what stage my cancer but know I have to face it.

Families and friends who are positive and caring is what you, your Dad and family need

Best wishes

Richard

Hi,

No worries - I'm in partial remission at the moment ... a positive outcome of my chemo.

Don't worry about not being there - the first one for me was a bit of an anti-climax with lots of waiting around, there'll be plenty of other times. I found it helped to have something to read or listen to so my Kindle and iPod were well used.

I think the most common side effects that most people have initially are nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation and exhaustion. Hair loss normally comes a little later. EOX also makes you cold sensitive - the care team will talk to your Dad about the short term impact of this.   

I hope it goes well for him.
Dave

Hi Richard,

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnoses! Your sister sounds brilliant, and I really hope for the best for both of you as it must be so tough with both of you going through this!

Thank you so much for your advice, I can’t admire enough how positive you are!

Pingu :)

Hi Dave,

Thats great to hear that the chemo is having a positive effect, I really hope it does the same for my dad!

Yeah I just wanted to be there as support but he will probably just like to listen to his podcasts and music anyway haha!

Thanks again for your insight, really appreciate it!

All the best!

Pingu :)