As for me no matter how sick and weak I was I made sure I showered daily, brushed my teeth morning noon and night, got dressed into at least clean sweatsuit but other than getting out for my daily treatment I pretty much stayed home. I never drove a motor vehicle while I was on any pain management!
At one point I secluded myself for a couple weeks because I had doubts that I would pull through. I felt ashamed to let our son and his wife see me this way too. But my wife put her foot down and insisted that I get out of that room and sit with her because I couldn’t die on her. That kind of snapped me out of my slump but I still didn’t get out much.
I was a Deputy Sheriff K-9 handler/trainer so I did get outside to spend time with my K-9 partner daily, he missed me for sure. Due to me sleeping in a spare room during treatments (because I was in the bathroom so much to pee) my wife insisted that I bring my dog Drago(Belgian Malinois) inside with me at night….this was against our department policy but since I was forced into disability I figured what the heck!
Drago was so excited to come into our house but the first night I woke up to a white room; I turned on the light to see why it was white and found a room full of feathers from the remains of a king size feather pillow 🪿🪽🪽🪽🪽lol.
My parents were staying with us from out of state and they were a huge help which also allowed my wife to continue working.
Each night at 7:00 sharp Drago would begin a low drawn out howl. That was my cue to put our pets to bed with my wife, I would head to bed while my dad went out to get Drago. Drago would pee, head to the door, run in full speed, jump into bed, lick my face off, tuck his head under my arm and stay there all night if I didn’t move…I’m crying right now 😢🐕. My department eventually came and took Drago from me which is another sad story.
Anyway, sorry for the long story but that was my experience.

MOJO

Honestly, my memory of that time is veiled in a cloud of haze. I was heavily medicated with Morphine and oxycodone to ease the pain. I was off work for three months for radiation and chemo, then another two months after surgery. I didn't get much of anything done during that time except watching a lot of movies I can't remember having seen. A journalist wrote of his experience, opting out of pain meds and feeding tube so that he could write an article about it. He said it was uncomfortable, but tolerable. I couldn't vouch for that.

Bupster those are the same questions I was asking before my ordeal so along with the others I'm happy to share...

I guess you could say it was one day at a time. I was able to continue to go to work through at least half of the treatments and then worked from home when necessary throughout the entire treatment and recovery.

I would go to radiation in the morning and then go right to work. On chemo days (once a week) it was a bit more challenging because I would be somewhat nauseous but was still able to do it. As the treatment progressed I would go straight home and sit in my recliner and rest and "eat" through the feeding tube four times a day. I was able to shower and take walks throught the entire process but I have heard of some who were not, so everyone is different.

I also, on the advice of my doctors made sure to 'exercise' daily and I use the term very loosely. Essentially anything to get out of the chair and move a little, stretch etc. but I forced myslef to do something every day even though many days I just wanted to rest. I believe it helped in my recovery.

I did not visit friends or go to the grocery but friends and family came by to visit me. My wife or others would get what I needed (which wasn't much). I rarely left home from about week five of treatment through maybe six weeks post treatment.

Having said all this I'm mindful that everyone's experience is different but this was mine. This forum helped me tremendously from diagnosis right thru to present day and hopefully its doing the same for you.

All the best, you got this!

I hope you feel well enough to do all those things, @bupster. Especially spend some time outside with your dog! I made it a priority to walk with our new dog every day, because nothing makes you feel better than nature. I had half of my face paralyzed from the surgery a month before this treatment started. The tumor involved the facial nerve so a section was removed and then reattached. My appearance kept me at home more than anything else. I was very tired toward the second half of treatment and had to start napping during the day. If you have the energy than you can continue all your activities. I suspect you will be tired, though, at your age. I went through this at 58 and had a lot more energy then. I would look into having a driver if your treatment center is not close by. Having food or prepared meals delivered at the beginning would help you until eating becomes too difficult. Take advantage of anyone who has offered to give you a hand in the past. Now you will appreciate the help. I don't know what I would have done without my recently retired husband/driver/caregiver.
Stock up on some good books for reading. Continue all your daily routines as long as you have the energy. On the days that you don't, listen to your body and rest. Just work hard to take in adequate nutrition and hydration. You feel a lot worse when you are dehydrated. Ask your medical team about community groups who offer support during cancer treatment. Contact them now and don't wait until you are feeling unwell. Good luck on this unwanted journey you are heading into.