Any more Tips for Chemo??

So glad to read that your parents enjoyed their holiday, it is so important to make the most of every day.

I had 8 cycles of docetaxel last year, my main side effects were fatigue and loss of taste. Everyone's response will be different. I had a bad two days starting on day 3 or 4, but bed rest was sufficient and I was ok for the last two weeks of each cycle. I had last cycle in August 2014 but still feel the after effects, with fatigue and continued change to taste buds.

Pineapple chunks are definitely a good idea. I also got benefit from ice lollies.

I didn't need hand, cuticle creams.

My PSA went down for a while then went back up and my chemo was stopped after 8 cycles.

I hope it goes well for you and your father.

All the best

Martin

Hi Rachel

My biggest problem was taste buds, everything tasted of rubber for around 4 days, the only thing that tasted ok was ice cream.

Hope everything goes as well as possible

Si

Not everyone suffers a loss of taste - my husband Tony has only experienced this for a day or two, with oranges and water being the things that tasted odd.
Other tips: a soft toothbrush to protect the gums. No visits to the dental hygienist. For any outdoor tasks or anything that's likely to chafe the skin and scrape the nails, protective gloves are good. It's also best to try to avoid dirty cuts and grazes, so as well as wearing gardening gloves, he lines them with a pair of those disposable latex (or similar) gloves. No washing up! And for the inevitable hair loss, I've just bought him a sunscreen spray specially for hair and scalp use (Superdrug own brand), which can be used while the hair (such as it is) is regrowing.
And in a more general way, he'll be helped by anything that encourages him to keep up whatever pursuits and interests he enjoys. This could be going out to the pub, to concerts, country walks, hobbies, time with friends etc. Sometimes people feel they should keep away, but company is cheering and helps us feel normal, so do encourage friends and family to spend time with your Dad, so that he doesn't feel he's an invalid.