SIL Diagnosed with Leukemia

[Sadie147]

So we found out this past week, that my SIL has been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia at 46. The good side (if there can be one) is the type of leukemia she has been diagnosed with, responds very well to chemo and has an 80-90% cure rate. she caught it early..having symptoms (fatigue, heavy TOM, bruising).

Anway, she's now in the cancer hospital here (it's a world class research hospital too),she's been having blood transfusions as well as a round of a drug called Attra, and about to start a 7 day inpatient round of chemo. After that, they will keep her in for an addition 3 weeks, because the chemo will basically bring her immunity down to 0. she'll be on a special diet (macrobiotic?) due to the chance of germs etc, and we'll only be able to visit if we're 100% sure we're not coming down with anything. She's in amazing spirits, and has a really postive outlook (though i'm sure she's terrified deep down).

so my question..we have been to visit, but I haven't brought her anything yet..as I want to make sure I bring something she needs, or will come in handy. I'm thinking maybe a basket with handcreams, lip balms, body spray etc as well as some magazines? I've heard chemo can make your skin very dry. I also thought a couple of nice towels too, she luckily has a private room with her own shower (i'm thinking this is because of the immunity issues she'll have).

Does anyone have any suggestions having been through chemo or knowing anyone that has had a really long hospital stay? by the time she's out it'll be 6 weeks she'll have been in.

[Jo]

jen, i'm sorry to hear this. what a tough road your sil has to make.

ask the dr. about the hand creams and the other personal items. when i was doing radiation i couldn't use hand creams, deodorants, etc, when i was going to have a treatment. after a treatment it was fine but not prior to having it done. chemo is different, of course, from radiation but the same 'rules' might apply. if the hand creams and lotions get a thumbs up from the dr. you might want to add some hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant wipes. when you visit, you can actual use those items just to be on the safe side.

does she like to listen to cd's? she might like to have some of her favorite music to listen to. does she like puzzle books like brain teasers and crossword puzzles? if so, those might be good for passing the time. don't forget some good sharpened pencils. even coloring books would help pass the time.

i like the idea of some nice towels. the ones i had, even though the hopital is one of the best in the state, the towels were still nothing to write home about.

[Sadie147]

Thanks for the suggestions Jo, crosswords are a great idea as is music! I was looking at her tv there, and was hoping a dvd player could be hooked up and i'd bring her some movies, but it's one of those little 13" tvs that comes out of the wall...so it has no hookups I think I will get her the towels too...I doubt our hospital towels are anything to be desired either!

The lotions, I may just buy something gentle and unscented like Aveeno, just one bottle that way if she can't use it she can take it home.

Since Toronto was the North American ground zero for SARS a few years ago, there is hand santizer stations on every wall in every hospital about every 2' apart along the hallways! That's no exaggeration, she has 2 santizing stations in her room alone and tubs of sanitizing wipes. Sars completely change the way our hospitals run...So she definately has tons of that..though it's a great idea. I actually like the fact that they have it everywhere..i usually use it going both in and out.

I'm going to call her this morning and see if she's started her chemo, this week may not be a good week to visit depending on how she's feeling. I told her to make sure she lets us know if she doesn't want company (or if she does as well), or to talk on the phone etc, she'd be the type that wouldn't want to hurt peoples feelings. The dr. said the anti nausea drugs they have nowadays can be very helpful..so i'm hoping that she wont suffer to much.

I was thinking maybe some seltzer water etc would be an idea too..but I will ask her about that since they're being so strict on her diet.

[Jo]

the unscented stuff is good. i had forgotten that.... they told me to wash gently [the radiated places] with a non perfumed, gentle soap. again, i don't know how her chemo is going to work but it's worth having the info and conversation with the dr.s. ask ask ask

having the sanitizers everywhere is something! here, it is of course in alot of physicians bathrooms and most dr.s have a bottle of sanitzer in the exam rooms, etc. but not down the hallways like you have.

tell her not to suffer! there are so many drugs that can help with all the problems and side effects.

there are beverages here in the states that are suppose to help with strength and to keep you from losing weight. during my radiation, the doctors were very specific at not wanting me to lose weight. one of the new products i was given is called Juven. the label touts "Targeted Nutritional Therapy Helps Build and Maintain Lean Body Mass". now, i wasn't losing weight so i didn't have to use any of these products but your sil might. this would be another thing to consider when purchasing things to drink.

oh, something else you might consider is small light wieghts or squeeze balls. just something to help move the arm muscles ever so slightly.

[marrykonta]

Hi Sadie147,

Well,I feel sorry for the condition facing the humans like you. Thanks for sharing such a experience with all of use.Bleeding gums is generally a sign of poor oral hygiene.Sweaty hands and feet can be a symptom of anxiety, like someone worrying they have leukaemia.
Stay off the Minoxidil, make a dental appointment and go back for a further check up in 2 weeks to make sure all your symptoms are improving and there are no other underlying issues.

Thanks