Help me to help mum

davjan

First of all, you're doing exactly the right thing by supporting your mum and thinking ahead. I finished my second bout of radiotherapy two months ago, after having chemo for breast cancer ( the first was for endometrial cancer ) The main thing I found on both occasions was the tiredness - I fell asleep at the drop of a hat - so make sure your mum rests as much as possible, whenever possible. I also got a cream called Sorbaderm that you put on the areas before and between the sessions, that helped prevent "sun" burn ( can't remember if I got this on prescription or over the counter ) I also used lashings of E 45 cream to stop the skin drying out. Use the radiotherapy nurses and technicians - mine were a great help with support and advice. I didn't lose my appetite, but I really appreciated "little and often".
The thought of radiotherapy is quite daunting, but, in practice, is not at all frightening - just get your mum to practice lying perfectly still for a few minutes at a time, as, once she's lined up with the equipment, if she moves, it throws her off line. I used to count, as well, when I was lying there, other people, I understand, made lists - it just helps to concentrate the mind on lying still.
Please wish your mum "good luck" from me, and a big hug to you for all you're doing.
Take care

belfastgirl23

One of those face mists (eg Evian) - hospitals can be warm and that can be very refreshing - eg http://www.amazon.com/Evian-Facial-Mist-Spray-Special/dp/B002I04C36

A good facial moisturiser would be a nice gift too, again because hospitals can be quite drying and also because it's a nice feminine thing

On the handcream, Aveeno is a good one for moisturising but also kind to the skin.

Errata

My expoerience of 32 sessions of radiotherapy was that I couldn't begin to describe how tired it made me towards the end of the course and for some time afterwards. Talking to others with experience of radiotherapy, we agreed that it was a very unique kind of tiredness - just feeling exhausted beyond belief, not having enough energy to concentrate on reading or watching telly, and falling asleep in the middle of a conversation (that's an odd experience ).
My appetite went walkabout and I found it a bit difficult to choose food in the supermarket as everything I looked at made me go 'ugh' and walk on. Very bland stuff seemed to be more appetising, but that might be just me.
The radio beams actually burn the skin, so patients are given aqueous lotion to keep the skin as moisturised and supple as possible, although it doesn't always stop the skin from resembling old boot leather and peeling off. The radio technicians are wizards at keeping an eye on, and sorting out, radio burns.
HTH and wishing your mum well.

feclmum

Front fastening topps and pjs as it can be painful to lift your arms above your head after the op especially if some sample lymph nodes are taken.

The bag is a great idea but be careful with an across the body as the strap wont be able to go on the operated side (shoulder) which would mean it may catch the op site as it goes across the body??

Wishing you all lots of luck our family are going through the same only two months ahead of you.

scrappie_2

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - soem really great ideas that I will put into action soon.

We had a lovelyfew days away this weekend, and managed to fit in a days shopping. PJ's, slippers, jammies and purchased!

The bag had arrived when I got home, so will have a liik and see if it's going to be Ok with regard to feclmum's comments. If not I will exchange it for something more suitable.

Face mist is a fab idea - thanks! Going to have a little trip to town on Friday and see what goddies I can find.

Thanks again everyone!