Member of the Month

je_t.aime_canard
January, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Any advice for a friend / family member undergoing chemo?

profile picture
mozzy
Posts: 1034 - Karma: 60
Sorry for the downer question, but this stuff absolutely terrifies me.

Thankfully, I'm not getting it, but a family member is starting the regimen shortly. For those of you who've witnessed a friend or family member dealing with all those nasty side effects and 4 months of misery, what's the best advice on keeping their spirits up and not too depressed? Any other suggestions for being as supportive and positive as possible?


Jan 6 2010 4:55PM
0 0
profile picture
Billups
Posts: 3960 - Karma: 329
Just be there for them. They're going to have really good days, and they're going to have really bad days. Having someone to talk to, or even just spend time with is pretty key. Maybe bring them their favorite food or drink ro something like that.
Jan 6 2010 4:58PM
0 0
profile picture
ifli
Posts: 449 - Karma: 21
this is heavy stuff. people respond differently to everything you may need to be there and you may need to keep your distance. just stay humble and try to help out when you can.
Jan 6 2010 5:01PM
0 0
profile picture
jimmer
Posts: 3586 - Karma: 80
first of all, sorry to hear. cancer is a very shitty deal, but technology these days is incredible. my mom went through several months of chemo, and thankfully she's better now. the doctors said that had it been 15 years ago she probably would have died just because of how much cancer research has advanced. the whole chemo process gets pretty tough at times, but with support it's very manageable.

let the person know that you're there for them, plain and simple. a phone call, or in person, tell them that if they need anything that they can ask you. hang out with them. company is awesome. a group of my mom's friends would always go hang out with her while she was having her treatment. she was blessed to have awesome people with her, because the sad truth is that there's lots of people going through chemo that have nobody there for them. use sincere kindness and courtesy, do favors for them whenever possible, but don't be overbearing about it. it's tough, and sometimes they just need rest time alone. crack jokes sometimes, be cheerful. there's no real trick or anything you can do to make it easy. just let the person know that they're not alone. a positive outlook is the most important thing in a fight against cancer. let me know if you have any questions.


Jan 6 2010 5:06PM
0 0
profile picture
panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
I think the_spaniard's got it right.

Just make sure they've got someone there, its super tough going through stuff like that alone, and having people in contact with them at all times can really help. Try to keep things lighthearted, don't act like they're going to die or something. That makes everyone worry unnecessarily, including you.

I'm super sad to hear that, hopefully they pull through OK.
Jan 6 2010 5:10PM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52146 - Karma: 168,473
smoking headie marijuana. That's gotten some of my friends through it. Still looked like an awful time for them, but at least they weren't quite as sick. Also can help people eat. Def great for the nausea associated with chemo
Jan 6 2010 5:23PM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52146 - Karma: 168,473
I hate when I here people denounce medical marijuana because they beat cancer without smoking, and everyone else should do the same. That such awful twisted logic, and those people need a good punch in the face.

Somebody else should suffer as much as I did because I didn't medicate myself to make it easier, and they shouldn't either.


Just be there for them, and do anything you can to help. show them that they have your's and others support. Send them the best of vibes and hope for the best.
Jan 6 2010 5:25PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)