kids and chemo

Diseases & Conditions Breast Cancer
1
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

There are no wrong turnings, only paths we did not know we were meant to take - Guy Gavriel Kay

2

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

3

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!

Teresa King

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

(NIV)