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Cancer Support

In reply to the discussion: "Palliative chemo" [View all]

Sparkly

(24,975 posts)
63. Hi, Laurelin!!
Sun Apr 12, 2026, 07:02 PM
Apr 12

I don't have much to say that others haven't. A lot depends on the type of chemo you're getting I'm sure, and "it's different for everybody," etc., but... Just from my experience:

Sounds like you expect to lose your hair. I had irritation on my scalp that cotton nightcaps helped, but when I got itchy bumps on my neck and temples (folliculitis) my general doctor prescribed a shampoo called Fluconazole 2%. Cleared it right up!

I couldn't stand wearing wigs, but can tell you about scarves and beanie caps if you choose! If your skin is sensitive, beware of things called cotton that aren't cotton (or bamboo that's polyester).

For medical THC, someone told me to think of indica as "in da couch" -- sedating! Sativa is more invigorating, but it makes me nervous. Indica gummies and tinctures helped me through nausea and let me eat and sleep better.

I love all the suggestions for music and movies. Do you have earbuds and podcasts? I also like to watch silent films at night and imagine music in my mind, but I'm weird!

Can you indulge in some really nice pajamas (and sleep socks, if you're like me), or put them on a wish list for those who might want to get something for you?

Hydration! Some friends first gave me some "IV Hydration" powdered drink mixes but they are loaded with sugar. I found one called "Ultima" that has the electrolytes but not the sugar or dyes. (Cherry Pomegranate is my favorite. It only takes a little spoon for a big water bottle.)

For me, yes -- the time has been worth it.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

"Palliative chemo" [View all] Laurelin Apr 2026 OP
I'd listen to the first doc Skittles Apr 2026 #1
Thanks 😊 Laurelin Apr 2026 #2
happy to see you received some excellent replies Skittles Apr 2026 #45
I know! Laurelin Apr 2026 #47
Try grounding judesedit Apr 2026 #3
I had to Google grounding Laurelin Apr 2026 #6
I have no experience or advice but I wish you Scrivener7 Apr 2026 #4
Thank you so much! Laurelin Apr 2026 #5
Tell us how it went when you are done. Scrivener7 Apr 2026 #7
No doubt i will be back to whine some more, because DU is awesome Laurelin Apr 2026 #8
It's not whining. This is a major life event. Whatever support Scrivener7 Apr 2026 #12
💙 Laurelin Apr 2026 #21
Everyone reacts differently gerryatwork Apr 2026 #9
Truthful Delphinus Apr 2026 #11
Sending vibes for best possible outcome. Your DU family is here niyad Apr 2026 #15
Thank you! 😺 Laurelin Apr 2026 #24
Best wishes for your recovery!! Laurelin Apr 2026 #23
Thank you Delphinus Apr 11 #62
That's true Laurelin Apr 2026 #22
You are doing the right thing to ask for help and support. Irish_Dem Apr 2026 #10
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 2026 #25
Consider glutamine for mucositus. It really helped my husband--no sores. xuplate Apr 2026 #13
Good to know Laurelin Apr 2026 #28
Sending vibes for best possible outcome. Your DU family is here niyad Apr 2026 #14
Thank you. Laurelin Apr 2026 #29
Rocky and Bullwinkle Dear_Prudence Apr 2026 #16
I hadn't thought about funny tv shows Laurelin Apr 2026 #30
Laughter is the best medicine Lifeafter70 Apr 2026 #51
Free to watch here: TommyT139 Apr 2026 #55
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 2026 #56
These are great! Sparkly Apr 12 #64
Here is a great place to start TommyT139 Apr 13 #65
It seems worth trying. I wish you well with it. Joinfortmill Apr 2026 #17
Thank you Laurelin Apr 2026 #31
Me too, my friend. Joinfortmill Apr 2026 #34
Three little tips that worked for me: Auggie Apr 2026 #18
Thank you for the advice! Laurelin Apr 2026 #32
Tips NewEnglandAutumn Apr 2026 #19
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 2026 #33
Medical Marijuana! Maraya1969 Apr 2026 #20
I need the right strain? Laurelin Apr 2026 #35
In my dispensary there are 3, Sativa, Hybrid and Indica. I just ask for the one that is lowest Maraya1969 Apr 2026 #36
Thanks, that's good to know. Laurelin Apr 2026 #37
it may take a few rounds of chemo to get the drugs right rampartd Apr 2026 #26
Thank you for your advice Laurelin Apr 2026 #39
mine came out, in clumps, in the shower rampartd Apr 2026 #42
Thanks Laurelin Apr 2026 #43
Hi Laurelin, Diamond_Dog Apr 2026 #27
Thank you for thoughts and vibes! Laurelin Apr 2026 #40
Been there, done that. mercuryblues Apr 2026 #38
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 2026 #41
Wow. Bookmarking. If not for me, then for someone I care for. Scrivener7 Apr 2026 #44
I hope not for you! Laurelin Apr 2026 #46
Laurelin, how did it go? Scrivener7 Apr 2026 #48
It's still ongoing Laurelin Apr 2026 #49
That's brutal. My heart is with you. Scrivener7 Apr 2026 #58
Listen to your first doc Lifeafter70 Apr 2026 #50
Thank you Laurelin Apr 2026 #53
No tips but a hat tip to the first doctor. There is always the hope that there is a LoisB Apr 2026 #52
Thank you Laurelin Apr 2026 #54
Sending you hugs Loisita123 Apr 2026 #57
Thank you! Laurelin Apr 2026 #59
Just dropping in to send you Lifeafter70 Apr 10 #60
Thank you! 💙 Laurelin Apr 11 #61
Hi, Laurelin!! Sparkly Apr 12 #63
Thank you, Sparkly! Laurelin Jun 8 #66
Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Cancer Support»"Palliative chemo"»Reply #63