I went through 6 months of very strong chemotherapy. The good thing is, it was just once every 3 weeks, lasting for about 3hrs each time. I took my laptop along and chatted with friends, watched dvds of Dave Matthews Band concerts, or movies, etc. Mine were during the winter and early spring and yes, I did get cold, but mostly due to hair loss. Each person is different and chemo treatments vary alot according to the type of cancer being fought. Thankfully there are amazing anti nausea meds that help with that. Used to nausea was a terrible side effect. I took, not only a drug called Emend, but also a steroid for a few days after each treatment. I did experience loss of taste for about 5 days after each treatment, meaning everything I ate tasted like paper! Blech! After that, my food tasted fine and I had a good appetite. For me, weight loss during chemo was not an issue. This is not always the case for chemo patients. Some experience terrible taste alterations, often certain foods will have a metallic taste. The doctor told me that most people began losing hair 2 weeks after the first treatment. He was right on. I have had short hair for years and sure, it was awful to lose hair, but I shaved it off as soon as it began to fall out in clumps. For me it was just cleaner and easier to deal with. That way I could cry it all away at one time, then be fine and I was. Some chemo drugs do not cause hair loss.
My first 2 treatments didn't really cause me to feel too tired, but after the 3rd I would have a few days of getting tired more easily. I'm a high energy person though and maybe not typical. I was also in very good condition prior to my surgery, radiation and then chemo. It's very important to drink plenty of water. It was in my case and for some other folks I know, as well as patients I have cared for, when working in long term care. Caffeine can be sort of irritation to some people. Also high acid foods, because chemo destroys fast developing cells, like in the mouth. Some people develope neuropathy, causing swelling and numbness in legs, feet and hands. I did. It can be quite uncomfortable and painful for some people. Sometimes my regular shoes and jeans just didn't fit right, so I bought some looser things and didn't pay much for them. The numbness in my hands subsided, thank God!, but I still have some numbness in my feet, making them feel sort of on the brink of going to sleep and my socks never feel right. I've gotten used to it, but that is the worst long term side effect I had from my treatment. It worried me so much, because I was naturally wondering how it would effect my skiing. Early on it might have made a difference, but now, it doesn't.
It's very difficult to know how certain chemo treatments will affect each person. I can only speak from what I experienced and from what a few other people I know have.
As much as anything, I love getting cards from people. Funny cards, or whatever. One of the nurses I worked with would send me some silly, medical themed cartoon she'd clip from a paper or magazine or whatever.She did this, because she knew me well and medical humor was a daily part of our life work ing. Laughter is good. I loved all of my cards though, no matter what. Talking on the DMB fan site message boards with all of my friends literally from all over the world was a source of joy for me. My church family was wonderful, never intrusive, but always there. Music and my artwork helped keep me sane. I took a walk everyday. Sometimes it might just be equal to a city block, here near my house, or I'd venture out into the woods for a hour long hike, but I had to have fresh air everyday. Skin is very sun sensitive. Sunscreen, hats and for summer, long sleeved, lightweight shirts are needed when outdoors. Dry mouth is a problem for some people and was sometimes for me. Mints or something were always nice to have around. I loved Ginger Altoids. : )
I know this is terribly long, but maybe will give you some idea of what your friend might experience through this journey. I wish them all well and I'm sure whatever you or anyone can do to support them will be appreciated. Just finding what the person's interests and loves are and touching on those with some simple, thoughtful gift can mean a lot. Nothing expensive, even a card or bookmark. Those things are like hugs from far away. One of my friends, who does ceramics for a living, made a special coffee/tea mug for me, with a line from the lyrics of my favorite song. I treasure that. I got soft socks, comfy pj pants, just whatever and each little thing was very important to me and brought love and comfort with it.
Forgive my longwinded post. I hope something in it will be helpful.
