First chemo treatment! Need advice

[riderinthestorm]

My husband goes for his first chemo treatment next week (follicular lymphoma, stage 4.) I don't want this to be a sad day, or a maudlin day. Anyone have any advice on how to make this event "better".

We're driving more than an hour into Chicago (at the U of C) for treatments so I was wondering about books on tape that we only listen to on the way, or music suggestions. Anyone have any rituals or anything they've done that they would be willing to share (making love beforehand as a ritual? or is that too wierd?)

There's a coffee shop that I've heard is a very upbeat, cool place to hang out at the U of Chicago campus so I was thinking of maybe heading over there for coffee either before or after the treatments but don't know what to expect as far as energy or nausea. We're not religious so a trip to church isn't in the cards but I would really be interested in hearing if anyone else developed any "good luck" charms - silly or serious - when you, or someone you love, walked this road.

[Richard Steele]

1. This is not a joke:

Marijuana. It's a real "wonder drug" for getting
through chemotherapy.

Chemo is not fun. Good vibes to you and your husband
during this trying time. :grouphug:

[Connonym]

2. I'm sorry, no advice

but :hug: I'm sorry you're family is going through this. I hope it goes well for both of you.

[lizziegrace]

3. Get the Prairie Home Companion Joke Shows

they're out on CD and the set I have has at least 4 hours of jokes and skits. Barnes & Noble and Borders should have them. You also might try your library if you have a chance.

:hug: to you both.

[Eurobabe]

4. Sending you both good vibes

no experience with this, other than seeing my neighbor who has breast cancer (it has spread to her lung) I know she is always very weak and nauseous afterwards. Maybe a soothing tea, and something light to eat (crackers?) I would also imagine that getting sick depletes your electrolytes, ask the hospital if Pedialyte is a good option to keep your hubby hydrated and balanced.

Best of luck, hang in there. :hug: :grouphug: Let us know how it goes...

[flamingyouth]

5. Hi riderinthestorm...

I'll be thinking of you and your husband next week. Wishing you all the best. :hug:

The first treatment isn't so bad. So I think it's a great idea to plan an outing that will be close to the campus and will be upbeat and fun. :)

I second lizziegrace's idea about funny books on tape - that old saying that laughter is the best medicine is really true. It helps a lot!

This place Choose Hope has some gift ideas for people going through chemo. Their Queasy Drops are great. :) http://www.choosehope.com/commerce/catalog.jsp?catId=32

All my best.

[Tyler Durden]

6. David Sedaris CD of "Holidays on Ice."

You and he will laugh and laugh.

Oh, and the marijuana suggestion is top drawer. If I were doing chemo, I'd buy it and grow it at the same time.

[BrotherBuzz]

7. Just let go, and go with the flow

I just finished chemo last week and, well, the worst part is waiting, or anticipating something; the unknowns that never arose, especially after a lengthy lecture on possible side effects. The nurses are your best friend and they are VERY happy to impart their wisdom and information, they are very good at it. Plan anything you want, but your husband will set the pace. The fist treatment is rife with uncertainty and is very stressful; there is a good chance he will be exhausted and simply want to retire into his world and sleep. Good luck and feel free to accept my magic Ju-ju I'm sending your way.

[riderinthestorm]

8. .

:hug: Thanks for the magic juju.

(and I think I WILL look into finding a, uhm, supplier of a certain magic weed as well!)

[riderinthestorm]

9. Okay so laughter and weed. Good vibes and magic juju.

Check. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Lars39]

10. Headphones with his favorite "happy" music.

Paul Simon kept me mellow. Best wishes. :hug:

[seemunkee]

11. Best of luck to your husband with his treatment

:hug: