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

Amen.

We would all be surprised if we could know how many people have and are facing these struggles alone ! And especially seniors !
I'm nearly 75.
At 72, colon and lung cancers and surgeries.
At 73, Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism.
At 74, prostate cancer and only this past Monday, HDR BRACHYTHERAPY w/ 25 needles.
I have done it all alone, always by myself, not even a hospital visitor. Drove myself, living alone, no help, nothing.
Now, I'm not going to say that this is ideal.
When you are sick at night, and sitting in the bathroom, it would be nice to have someone bring you a cold washcloth for your head.
I am going to say that, at least in my case, you get use to it. There is no question that it makes you stronger because you don't have the option to be weak or give up !

As seniors, we don't want to lose our self reliance, give up our drivers licenses, leave our homes, etc. Living with our adult children or going to assisted living nursing, is not in the cards.
So we keep pushing on !
You will be amazed to find what you can do when the alternatives are far less than desirable !

All it takes, is to say out loud, "I can do this!" !!!
And do it !
And be happy in the aftermath to say, "Well, shit, that wasn't so bad !"

Best to you, PAUL

Thank you ! I am assuming. First 3 weeks tired but able to do things. Second 3 weeks, exhausted. 2 weeks after treatment, still very tired.

I have a friend who will help. And if needed, an agency who will send someone to do some light housekeeping. I will have to adapt as I go along. I have a driving service if needed.

Hi there,
I think you should call on friends, family if you can. The radiation made me extremely tired, like not being able to put one foot in front of the other. On the days you are not feeling great.. reach out.

@kmlnj, Kathleen, I might also consider connecting with an oncology social worker.
- How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/

They may have some additional resources locally that could be helpful. I'm also thinking it would be good to have a connection to a social worker for things that you might not have anticipated along the way.

The American Cancer Society also offer free services like drivers and lodging during treatment
- Volunteer Drivers https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/road-to-recovery.html
- Hope Lodge https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging.html

I also added this discusson to the Thyroid Cancer group.

When do you start treatment?

Yes. Agree Nutritionally balanced is and will be important. I have
heard of Kate farms. I know Breyers makes an ice cream that has 3 or 4
ingredients.

I bought an ice cream machine and put the nutritional drink plus added elements such as peanut butter, protein powder etc. and the coolness of the concoction makes it much nicer, has made a great difference.
Was able to avoid feeding tube but made sure I used nutritional drinks that were complete, such as Kate Farms and Orgain since I needed plant based drinks.

I just met with the Medical Oncologist Doctor. I will have
Concurrent doxorubicin and radiotherapy for the papillary cancer that has been left, post thyroidectomy, on my trachea and neck lymph nodes. I will receive low dose chemo weekly. Radiation, daily for 6 weeks. When I have finished this treatment.. .in a few months the team thinks I will still need radioactive iodine to kill any trace cancer cells that may be in my body.
Wow. God willing I will get through all this.
Pray for help and row for shore. Pray and trust the Lord and the doctors.
Thanks all.
I am posting, hoping it will help others.

I had no choice on the feeding tube - I had to have the feeding tube inserted prior to start of my 35 sessions of radiation. Guess my doctor knew that with my T4 nasopharyngeal cancer and the level of radiation, I definitely would require the feeding tube for nutrition intake. (I was not able to swallow food, liquid, or even water in my 3-4 weeks).
My view - having the feeding tube ensures the intake of nutrients that your body would require at this time.
Keep well - and all the best !

Thank you so very much for this encouragement. Since I cared for my husband with ALS, I don't want to have a feeding tube, as he did.
I am very glad to know I will be able to swallow soft foods or liquids. There are many good balanced liquid formulas today.

I will drive myself until it is no longer safe. The service provides a person who drives your car. This is less expensive than a limo. My friends are all older than I am. I don't want to be a burden.

I must trust in the Lord. "Abide with me."