Hi Alan

We have a dog too and I take him out in the dark at 6.15 as we leave for the hospital at 7.30 on  chemo days and blood test days. I have got him a red lit up collar so I can see where he is in the park. It takes an hour to the hospital if there are no hold ups but parking is difficult. I have a neighbour who comes in to let my dog out after lunch and often takes him for a walk too. We usually get home 3.30 to 4.00pm which would be too long to leave the dog. I hope you can arrange something for your dogs.

As far as driving goes, after chemo be sure to have a warm drink and wait half an hour before you leave the hospital. Also cover your mouth with a scarf before you step outside. We didn't know this and when my husband stepped outside after the first chemo his trachea went into spasm and he couldn't breathe. We panicked and rushed into A& E but apparently if you breathe slowly through the nose it goes away. This hasn't happened since then but we always have a warm drink first and a scarf and hood. I always drive home as my husband is tired after the chemo and dozes in the car. You may have to see how you feel.

I wish you lots of luck today and hope you get on OK.

Ronnie

Just returned from my first visit to the chemotherapy suite after my safety meeting, tomorrow I start chemotherapy at 1.30 eight cycles of twenty one days , pleased to say everyone was friendly and put me at ease.

Thank you billygoatt for your good wishes, I will post tomorrow after the first session with good news.

Kind regards to everyone who has taken a interest.

Alanm

Thank you for your guidance, I thankfully have cover for the dog's with two people on standby if I have problems walking them, so that worry is sorted, fingers crossed.

Ronnie the info you have mentioned was said to me at the safety meeting today but waiting half hour with a drink was not and to be honest I am pleased you mentioned the scarf, I will put one in the car now I would have forgotten..

Now getting some food and will report back tomorrow.

Thank you Ronnie.

Alan

Hi alen after cemo you should be OK for a few days before any side effects pop-up and effects usually finish before your next cemo. Normally what you get first session repeats similar through the lot. Good luck hopefully you won't need it......... Billy 

Thanks for that, all the side effects I was told about are a little scary.

Good to hear I should have a few days before the side effects kick in and that they should clear up before the next session, then repeating.

I think I will be relying on you good people over the coming days, so don't go anywhere LOL I am so lucky I found this chat site it has got me through several different stages of mood and confusion.

What did strike me when I entered the chemo suite was how busy it was, I did not expect that.

Well I am now going to settle down and read all the information I have been given and put the contact numbers in my mobile just in case they are needed, it is causing me some concern living alone if things go a little haywire - I may have to advertise for a temporary partner - female in their fifties or there abouts  easy going willing to spoil me rotten, oh and if there rich all the better, but that would be a different website I thinks.

Hey Alan, 

I saw your earlier post and just wanted to wish you good luck for tomorrow.

I can see you've already got some good advice and have some reading material to work through tonight but I just thought I'd share the information we have about chemotherapy on our website with you as well.

I hope this proves useful and your first session goes well.

We'll all be thinking of you Alan.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

hi alan keep popping on here to check on u...how are u xx

Hi fisherprice88, 

I am coping ok considering mum dying on top of chemo starting today, it has been a rough week, and I am still waiting for the death certificate so I can get the death registered and her finances sorted, hope to do so before any side effects kick in, her funeral is now all in place but delayed to 18 th February after trying to get the catholic church and the cremation time's to work in harmony.

I am pleased to hear from you and hope all is well with you, time to roll over and see if I can get another hours sleep.

I have so much  on my mind to sort out, be glad when I can just concentrate on myself.

Take care, Alan

Oh no I am so sorry to hear about your mum!!! Especially on top of everything else you have going on! You are so strong x 

I am ok thanks, struggling with my stepdads latest news that he too has got inoperable oesophegal cancer, just hope the chemo can keep him going for as long as possible, he starts it next week.

Xx