Dad starts radiation therapy tomorrow what should he know?

Thanks for that feedback do all the treatments make you tired radiation and chemo? He kind of started at an energy deficit-they found the cancer because he went in with pneumonia that after 3 rounds of antibiotics wouldn’t clear up and they did a bronchoscopy (this was all a blessing in disguise) but he hasn’t even had the chance to ‘come back’ from that he’s been wiped out ever since:( we realize this whole process is going to be exhausting to say the least but I’m trying to figure out ways to combat his lack of energy!

He’s being positive and is at his best when the family is around so we are trying our best to be with him as much as possible! Mom is a trooper and I’m trying to keep her in my ‘sights’ she’s at her best when she’s helping but this is a little out of her scope so she’s floundering at times but she’s amazing thank you for asking:)

Hi @ecgarst , Is he sleeping ok? Or is his discomfort impacting his sleep? Sleep can be very important to the healing process. Do you have access to palliative care that may be able to help with his specific case?

I'm not sure how they are coping with the diagnosis but my family doctor was able to prescribe Xanex type medication which takes the "edge" off the lows. Night time can be very depressing time after diagnosis for some of us. It isn't wrong to use something like xanex or clonazepam to help forget about the stress of the diagnosis and get a good nights sleep. Same for your mom. Stress isn't helpful for healing either. I wish your Dad the best of luck with his treatments. < 3

This is the same exact thing my dad (78) is experiencing. Went into hospital with COVID pneumonia, turns out it was Covid but not pneumonia, as the pneumonia was the cancer. My dad currently has completed 2 infusions of chemoimmunotherapy and his biggest issue is fatigue and sleeping issues. It worries me because in my head I was thinking if the treatments are working, every day he is going to be stronger -- which is not necessarily the case I guess. My dad is also ready to get back on the course and start golfing again. I am thinking & wishing healing to your dad & your family!

To all experiencing side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, acupuncture really helps with the effects, fatigue, brain fog, etc. It seems so foreign to most and is hard to find in a lot of areas. It is recognized as integrative oncology practice and my Blue Cross pays for it. Really is quick and easy.

Oh my god this exist elsewhere!!!???!! I keep having to remind everyone he started this journey at a deficit from everyone else with his diagnoses. He didn't come at this with full strength just trying to get him to eat sometimes is a battle. It helps when my brother and our significant others can be there, but mom and dad live 4 hours away so it's turning into a weekend thing so the burden has become moms. We talk daily and he just started PT and I've been reading some about palliative care (apparently it's appropriate at all stages of sickness) so perhaps that's an avenue we should both check out! Would love to stay in touch through this I believe in the power of numbers and positive energy! Sending tons to you and your dad!

Such a sweet message! I was wondering about something medicinal for the edge was even curious about THC?!? Thanks for the advice this message board has been such a wonderful place to find information, support and peace!

I had read about that! Now I plan to read more, eastern medicine has so much to offer!

As far as I know he is sleeping. I'm hearing that may change as treatment progresses. I'm unsure about the palliative care piece but plan to speak with mom about it this weekend when I'm back with them. It sounds like a missing link for both of them. He starts PT soon which will be a game changer for him, he started this journey coming out of double pneumonia and an Afib diagnosis so he is so fatigued; most days just getting him to eat is a challenge for mom- so these are our big obstacles at the moment.