Chemotherapy

[Francis Asis]

On two television programmes recently (Emmerdale and The Bill) characters have had Chemo then returned to work. I was always under the impression that Chemo made you so ill that you thought the doctors were trying to kill you instead of the cancer. Has medicine evolved so much that having Chemo is like cutting your toenails now?

[tetherend]

Depending on the composition of the chemo and the effect on the individual, some folk are able to go straight back to work in between sessions, others are not able to do so.  There are anti-sick measures that again, are very effective on some folk and do not work so well on others.  Some bring about hair loss and some don't.  Who knows Francis, one day, having chemo may be just like cutting your toe nails and I'm sure that we would all want this to happen a.s.a.p.

[Robinia]

I agree with all that tetherend has said, although from my own & family experiences I've never seen cancer & chemo portrayed really accurately yet on tv  (a couple of films I've seen came close).  I don't suppose too much negativity could be shown because of frightening people who may be just about to start treatment. However, showing too much running around as normal  isn't a good thing either.  People on chemo need to know it's ok to feel bl**dy awful!!

[magicdice]

i think the fact that steph's cancer storyline in neighbours has so much inconsistency says something. she lost her hair, bought a wig which magically transformed into her own hair, so it's fair to say that television portrayals of cancer and chemo are only as accurate as fits with the rest of the programme.

[LitChick]

Also, sometimes the patient can return to normal activity the day they receive chemo treatment but it is a few days AFTER that they feel ill.  This happened to a friend of mine.

[Philtaz]

As others have said it depends on the type of chemo.  My dad underwent treatment for lung cancer(2 and a half years ago).

Despite all the fears(minor in comparison to what he had) he didn't lose his hair, weight or appetite.  Kept all his hair, gained weight and started eating bacon sandwiches again.  Had to buy a new pair of trousers with an extra 2 inches in the waist!

There are different types of chemotherapy, different strengths/doses, differing methods of administering the drug and varying side effects, so don't be too alarmed.