How do I go through 6 weeks radiation and chemotherapy, alone?

Posted by kmlnj @kmlnj, Nov 5 9:26am

I am a 72 year old widow in good health. I had a complete thyroidectomy. There is some inoperable cancer left on my trachea and tiny bit on neck lymph nodes.

I am trying to understand the "how to" of 6 weeks radiation.
Can I live alone?
Will I get so tired that I can't care for myself?
Will I get so tired I can't take the train to my treatment?
I don't know what to expect.
Thanks
Kathleen

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Kathleen,
You have some valid concerns. Perhaps you could run these past your oncologist and/or GP or the hospital patient services to see what is offered. Spending the last one or two weeks of treatment at or nearby might be a better option if that is available. Without that, you might only make it to the five week mark on your own. The last two weeks and then the two weeks after treatment is done is likely the most difficult.
The ability to eat or take nourishment should also be considered. That might be an issue after week four as well and should be addressed before it needs to be addressed. Many of us have opted for a feeding tube so we can feast on a bag lunch three times a day.
For now, ask the care team to see what is available. We are here for you when and if you need to be pulled down from the wall you may be climbing as time goes on. Courage.

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@hrhwilliam

Kathleen,
You have some valid concerns. Perhaps you could run these past your oncologist and/or GP or the hospital patient services to see what is offered. Spending the last one or two weeks of treatment at or nearby might be a better option if that is available. Without that, you might only make it to the five week mark on your own. The last two weeks and then the two weeks after treatment is done is likely the most difficult.
The ability to eat or take nourishment should also be considered. That might be an issue after week four as well and should be addressed before it needs to be addressed. Many of us have opted for a feeding tube so we can feast on a bag lunch three times a day.
For now, ask the care team to see what is available. We are here for you when and if you need to be pulled down from the wall you may be climbing as time goes on. Courage.

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Thank you. I will continue to talk to the team as January draws closer.
I am familiar with feeding tube. My husband had ALS and I was his primary
care giver. I kept the stoma clean and managed his feedings.
But, it's not something the team has mentioned.
I also have an appointment in early January with a therapist at MSK to
discuss issues and self care.

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I pretty much went through my treatments alone. I had induction chemotherapy and then 6 weeks of chemoradiation. I tried to stay as busy as possible to help with my strength and recovery. You will get tired and I tried to do things on my days where I had more energy. There are groups that can help with meals and errands. Your social worker at the center you are being treated at should have some information for you.

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Hi all. I have more information. MSK will do the treatment in NJ (not
NYC), my home state is NJ. I found a service that provides a driver for my
car. The driver will take me to and from treatments each day. Whole Foods
delivers groceries in my town. When I reach the point of exhaustion (week
4?), I will hire home health aides part-time, as needed. I will also hire
a cleaning service. Now I clean my own home.
I hope this is doable.

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@kmlnj

Hi all. I have more information. MSK will do the treatment in NJ (not
NYC), my home state is NJ. I found a service that provides a driver for my
car. The driver will take me to and from treatments each day. Whole Foods
delivers groceries in my town. When I reach the point of exhaustion (week
4?), I will hire home health aides part-time, as needed. I will also hire
a cleaning service. Now I clean my own home.
I hope this is doable.

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Kathleen,
I'm so thankful you found a driver. That was going to be my number one recommendation. Also, having meals delivered is a game changer. I did the same thing. You can do this. I went through six weeks of radiation and chemo as well. It is different for all of us, but we are a community who are going through similar things. I am praying for you...for strength, complete healing, and for endurance. I will be praying and please know you have a community here. Please feel free to ontact me if you need anything.
Patrick

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@patrickyoungs

Kathleen,
I'm so thankful you found a driver. That was going to be my number one recommendation. Also, having meals delivered is a game changer. I did the same thing. You can do this. I went through six weeks of radiation and chemo as well. It is different for all of us, but we are a community who are going through similar things. I am praying for you...for strength, complete healing, and for endurance. I will be praying and please know you have a community here. Please feel free to ontact me if you need anything.
Patrick

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Thank you Patrick. So very kind .
I hope my posts, As I work out how to go on this journey, are helpful to others.

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Katelyn,
I just read the progression of your messages. I admire your strength and courage. I went through similar treatments in 2023 and it seemed like God sent help as needed. I can see you are not alone in this. I read and prayed the Psalms and I knew He was near. Reach out to Him daily for every need.

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@davehutsell

Katelyn,
I just read the progression of your messages. I admire your strength and courage. I went through similar treatments in 2023 and it seemed like God sent help as needed. I can see you are not alone in this. I read and prayed the Psalms and I knew He was near. Reach out to Him daily for every need.

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Amen praying is the strength to healing

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Yes. I have 2 devotionals for women with cancer. Also another book by a cancer survivor with references to faith and biblical quotes.
I am a strong person. I cared for my husband at home, while he suffered and died of ALS. I hope this is an easier journey. I hope I will be able to keep up my strength of spirit and body.
I appreciate you all on this forum helping me and others.

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@kmlnj

Yes. I have 2 devotionals for women with cancer. Also another book by a cancer survivor with references to faith and biblical quotes.
I am a strong person. I cared for my husband at home, while he suffered and died of ALS. I hope this is an easier journey. I hope I will be able to keep up my strength of spirit and body.
I appreciate you all on this forum helping me and others.

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wow ... you sound very resourceful - kudos and cheers !
In 2006 - I went through 35 sessions of radiation, had to arrange with cancer volunteer drivers for transportations to and from hospital, and when no volunteer driver is available, I have to source elsewhere, ensure I have the recommended amount of Ensure Plus daily through my feeding tube, handle the cleaning and disinfecting of my burnt neck from radiation, ensure I take my medication, ensure and remember to keep my follow-up appts, etc --- all on my own!!
And now I frequently wonder how I managed to do all that on my own??
You sound very resourceful and able- am sure you will be able to handle all that!
Cheers - and meanwhile ---- lots of support from here !!

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