Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF! So glad you have found the forum to help you get thru this! OCF is full of helpful knowledgeable members who will offer you info and support. I know its very scary but you CAN do this!!! We are always afraid of the unknown.
Not everyone suffers, some patients will sail right thru their treatments. Good nutrition and hydration are what makes the difference. Every single day take in at least 2500 calories and 48 oz of water. I know it sounds like alot but its not when your body is fighting both cancer and the effects of treatments, calories are burned up at an amazing rate.
Before you begin, make sure to have a full blood count done including thyroid. This is very important as most patients will end up taking thyroid meds down the road (myself included).
Anyone who offers to help, write down their name and number. Tell the person you will let them know what they can do when the time comes. Now is not the time to let pride stand in the way of getting people to help. You will need help, everyone does so get used to the idea of having helpers. Its a hard idea to adjust to for some, as they are very independent. It wasnt easy for me as I had no caregiver and was accustomed to doing everything by myself as I was a single mother raising my children alone. I was also a bit stubborn which isnt a good thing when fighting cancer.
Im sure there are a bunch of other things you will need to prepare for but other members will chime in with their advice and welcomes soon. Stick with us and we will see you thru this. Dont be afraid to ask questions, we will help. Read and go thru the forum plus the main OCF pages are full of important and informative articles.
Best wishes!!! ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive |