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Chemotherapy treatment - Changes in appearance

Lucie83
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Evening all,

I hope everyone is well.

I just wondered how members that have been through chemotherapy changed in appearance? If any changes at all.

My Dad has Stage 4 SCLC and had his first chemotherapy treatment last Tuesday (Carboplatin and Etoposide) also with immunotherapy (Atezolizumab). Previous to this he had been in hospital for 5 days as his sodium levels were abnormal. 

He is now home, he seems to have some colour back in his face, compared to the weekend as he looked white but obviously has lost weight. He was very distressed in hospital, he had to go in immediately, he had his first cycle of treatment but then his liver took a knock and they thought treatment would have to be stopped. Thankfully his liver is now stable enough to continue with treatment, so it has been a very very stressful couple of weeks for him. He's not dealing with this mentally very well but it has been stressful but he is relieved to be home. He had fatigue for 2 days, slept, but has been up and about since Monday but obviously has times when he feels weak. His body clock is all over the place, he can't sleep all night at the moment.

He has an appetite, which is good, had a lot of little and often food yesterday and he could taste it, but he just looks thinner now. 

I just wondered what image/mental effects treatment had on others? And did anyone's voice become raspy?

Thank you 

Lucie x 

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    Hello Lucie, again from Lucie ;) 

    I hope you won't mind but I have slightly changed the title of your thread to make it more specific. This will hopefully help others who have been in a similar situation spot your thread more easily and respond to it. I am glad your dad is now in the comfort of his home after going through treatment and that he has some colour back in his face. It's good his liver is now stable enough for him to continue with treatment I can imagine it has been a really stressful time for him and that he's enjoying spending time at home with his loved ones. Your poor dad it does sound like his sleep is very much disturbed and that he can't sleep very well at the moment. This is something you could maybe mention to your dad's GP who may be able to help him deal with these unusual sleeping patterns. You could also bring up the fact that his voice has become raspy and ask the GP whether this is normal and whether there is anything that might help. 

    I hope that you will hear from others on the forum for whom treatment has had an effect on a physical but also on a mental level and that they will come and share their stories with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie

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