Help! After care for someone without family or friends nearby?

friendofpatient

I have a friend in northern CA who is starting chemo (ACT) soon. I've heard it's the harshest treatment and she may feel very ill and need help. She just moved and has no friends or family in the area. What resources are there for after-care? should she hire a nurse? Are there in-patient centers she could stay at? If anybody could recommend resources, I'd appreciate it.

Beatmon

Hopefully some ladies from that area will see post and be able to help.

Hariry

Friendofpat, it's very kind of you. I'm thousands of miles away. Will try to ask around.

support is of course important and good to have. Having said that, please revert the mssg that chemo is harsh but bearable. She can request to stay longer in the daycare for chemo. Or be admitted again the next day if necessary. To prepare food for oneself would be another challenge. Is there a catering service nearby? Sort that out prior to treatment would be nice.

SavedbyGrace1972

friend of patient

Maybe the hospital social worker would be of great help. I'm not near your friend. But lots of women maybe. Also start a caring bridge page for her. Maybe she can make connections that way. You can also do an online meal train and folks can have meals delivered for her. Good luck

Anonymous

Here in Ohio, we have a wonderful organization called Pink Ribbon Girls that assist in helping/supporting BC patients. You might try and see if a similar organization is available in her town. If not, reach out to the American Cancer Society as well. I believe they have support organizations in most towns.

Cowgirl13

Where is she located in northern California?

Outfield

I would have had a very hard time getting through my ACT without in-home help, but I was at one of the spectrum of how hard it hits people. Is there anybody who can go stay with her for the first cycle to see how it goes? If she tolerates it great, she may not need much help. If not, could you set up a schedule of people who can go be with her?

rdeesides

I did this type of chemo and would have been able to manage on my own. However if she can order food or make some ahead of each cycle that would be helpful. The problem with making ahead is you never know what you will be able to tolerate food wise.

AgathaNYC

My best wishes for your friend.

I am doing this type of chemo regimen while living alone and not having anyone to help me around the house. I rely heavily on home delivery for not only groceries but also a lot of dinners. It would be great to have a house cleaner, too, but I haven't been able to afford it right now. With outside help like that I think your friend should be okay.

Will she have anyone to go to the chemo treatments with her? That I did have and would not have liked to be alone for those.

I agree, her breast center's social worker should be able to help with suggestions of local resources.