This was supposed to be a list of practical things that I’ve learned during my chemo journey and it kind of went off the rails. What a surprise…
1. Do your research. If you thought there was no more homework in life I’m sorry to disappoint you. For better or worse, the information on pancreatic cancer is dynamic: there hasn’t been that much research in the past, and there’s a lot more now. I know it’s cliche to say that there are new therapies being developed every day, but apparently, that is true and a friend who is also fighting the same disease can attest to that. However, these new therapies have been in development for 10 years or more so things take time and that’s something that you don’t feel you have a lot of.
2. Everybody responds to chemotherapy and other treatments differently, but while you’re going through it, as much as you care about other people, your focus will be on yourself and your own response. That’s partially human nature and sometimes a necessity because you are going through one of, if not the most, challenging and scariest times in your life.
3. Chemo vs suffering:
I seriously debated with my oncologist about the point of chemotherapy. During my mom’s cancer chemotherapy 40 years ago, she had difficulty where she was vomiting as soon as we got in the taxi away from the hospital, yet she never complained.
When my doctor proposed chemotherapy I questioned six months of “suffering” and if it really may not extend my life that much? He compassionately raised that neither he nor I knew a) how much suffering I would experience and b) how my cancer might respond.
In the long run, I’m so glad I did the chemotherapy.
So so glad I felt it was better to have more information than not.
I have found that while chemo has had its challenges, the medical staff has prepared me well and often had a medication to mitigate most of the neuropathy and/or nausea, of which has not been a terrible experience.
The chemo experience has been less of bravery than one of just trusting God and the process, much akin to trusting a pilot as we’re going through turbulent weather and my main job is to put on my seat belt and trust Him. I have faith that this plane will land safely and wherever it’s supposed to end up.
Okay I’ll give you something more practical:
4. A hair cutting cape
Bathing with a port can be a minor inconvenience. You have to keep it dry and safe from infection. The common suggestion is to skip bathing or use disposable body wipes on the (two) days when you have the infusion pump on at home. I found the wipes a bit cold (can be warmed up) and not as soothing as a shower.
I was at the hair salon and I asked my stylist for one of their hair cutting capes to cover the area and protect the port area from the water. It turned out to be helpful and enabled me to still keep somewhat of a daily routine while receiving treatment. Especially if you’re experiencing neuropathy, a warm shower can be both comforting and humanizing..
The cape is kind of like a big bib and I may take it to The Boiling Crab once I can start eating raw seafood again. Lol, actually…hmm…
5. Fanny pack. I bet your mind went immediately to the photo of The Rock wearing his fanny pack…
I’m not as hip as him, but after every chemo cycle, I’m sent home with an infusion pump for two days. They normally provide you with a carrier that looks a lot like a camera case. Initially, I tried to use it, but it never quite stayed comfortably on me so I replaced it with a good ol’ fanny pack (note: it really helps if the zipper closes to the closest side to the pump). The fanny pack hugs closer and moves with your body when you walk or change directions. It also helps the tube from getting too loose and caught in things.
6. Chemo-wear. Several friends have gifted me with clothing or accessories that have been very helpful during my chemo sessions and afterwards. Some examples are a port access shirt that has snaps to make it easier to receive chemo into my port, a jersey-lined button-down shirt that helps keep me warm without having to wear a jacket during treatment, and super thick socks and gloves to help with my neuropathy. A friend also recommended a travel pill organizer case so that I have my medications handy wherever I go. These are little things, but they have all helped to make me feel more comfortable and make things more manageable.
I know everyone that experiences chemo does so differently, and everyone wants to help others with their helpful hints and information. These have just been mine, take them for what they’re worth. It gets a bit overwhelming with all the info and well-intentioned information, so I guess the main helpful hint is to take it easy, slow and enjoy your moments. This stuff all works out in the long run.
P