My friend's side effects of chemotherapy....tips?

[LAGrunthaner]

jspbtown, we are all here and listening intently. They must be able to balance things out somehow. I will speak for all who are reading that our positive energy continues toward you and we will always be here for you jspbtown. Don't be discouraged, continue to troubleshoot.

[brian rogers]

A little back ground from me and my situation.
I worked as a mechanic in public transit for just over 45 years, exposed to who knows what. In ‘18 I was told I needed a new liver. Being a rare blood type made it more difficult. I accepted a compromised liver, the victim had Hep C. It was under medication when he passed. Things were fine until about a year ago. I started building fluid in my lungs and surrounding organs. Got taped for this twice during my stay in the hospital. Come to find out I have cancer in the bone marrow. This can be quite painfull as the white cells in the bone marrow and blocked the red cells trying get into the normal blood stream. This causes pain in the major structures of the bone marrow. The bones react in pain for the victims. Only thing that touches the pain is morphine that I use sparingly. It’s not and everyday thing. One tends to use it frequently the more diminishing effects making one to use more with less effect on the pain.
Enter chemo, this makes it even more stressful and weakens me even more. Cannibus helps in this for pain, appetite, and as a sleep aid. Part of my chemo regimen is a steroid name of Dexamethazone (sp?). You’ve heard of roid rage. It affects sleep quality that helps heal the body from its hurts. There are 2 varieties of cannibus. Indica helps one to relax and sleep. The other is sativa for pain relief but one is not drowsy but allows one to focus on the task at hand. Mine being working with my hands on a lathe and mill. I build a few VW engines here and there. It can be done using Sativa. Oh by the way, due to my live being over sized instead of the Mercedes triangle scar my belly was cut to the right hip. This cut nerves in the abbs on m right side. This has affected my breathing as there is no control of the abbs and diaphragm on the right side. Effectively I only have one functioning lung. I can’t smoke it. Edibles are my choice to use. Don’t be afraid in using cannibus. But use it with judgement and wisdom of the medical community.

[jspbtown]

My advice to you is if ANYONE questions how you deal with your pain/eating/cancer treatments to walk up to then, knee them squarely in the nuts and tell them to "F off!"

Sorry....but I just think thats such a personal choice that you don't have to justify it to anyone. Let them walk 10 feet in your shoes first.

Good luck in your journey. The people here are VERY supportive.

[LAGrunthaner]

Brian rogers, thank you for all the lessons as it does help to pass it along to those struggling with pain, sleep and trying to function working on a project. I started this thread for a friend and now another. I'm saddened of your diagnosis's and hopeful for your recovery & comfort. Keep working and sharing for all of us.