kids and chemo

chantry31

Regular Member

Joined : Aug 2005

Posts : 188

Posted 8/17/2005 3:58 PM (GMT 0)

Looking for your collective wisdom...

I know that chemo affects each person differently, but I am trying to figure out how much help I will need, and WHEN I will need it, to take care of my little girl. I will be starting chemo in the fall (my appt with the onco is sept 8), and am VERY concerned that I will be too tired/sick to properly take care of her (2months right now). So all you mothers out there, how did you cope? Which days after your treatments were the worst? When should I schedule meme (gramma in french) to come over to help out? Will I still have enough energy to carry my (increasingly heavier) little girl around? Will she still recognize me without my hair?

Thanks

Chantry

JUJU8872

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2005

Posts : 349

Posted 8/17/2005 5:20 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, there. I do not know about caring for a little one while on chemo, but I can tell you that your baby will recognize you regardless of how you look -- just by your smell, your touch and your voice.

As for fatigue, etc., I had 4 A/C treatments and they were supposed to be the worst (12 taxal afterwards). I was concerned about nausea for the first three days of A/C only, but a proactive response should help with that. Also, you are most susceptible to infection the 10-14 days. After the first treatment, you should have some idea of how it is going to go. Some other moms with wee ones might be able to help more, but I do remember my sister's 2 year old granddaughter visiting her every day, all day, with no real problems with her energy level and she was in her 50's.

Good luck and special wishes for a problem free chemo.

JUJU

tking

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2004

Posts : 141

Posted 8/17/2005 5:54 PM (GMT 0)

I had a 5 year old the first time. I didn't really go around without a turban on, my preference. The second time, my youngest was 14 and I went around the house with my bald head. The kids are very resilient - they don't sweat some of the things that we do. Ya know what I mean? I could have been open and much more comfortable the first time but I didn't. As for the help, my mom came and stayed about 4 days. I had Taxotere last year, the fourth day was the worst. I wasn't sick (nausea meds work very well) but the fourth day, I ached all over - kinda like the flu. I also ran a low grade fever for a few days. After the first one, you really will have a better idea of how it will affect you. But remember, your little girl loves YOU no matter what!!!

Praying for you!

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply