HI.  We are here in Houston, in the process of chemo/radiation.  My husband has until the 20th to go on his radiation, and the following Saturday he has his last chemo session.

We then have to drive home to Kansas City, for the six weeks rest/recup before returing for Whipple (hopefully) in June.

Right now my husband is having a lot of nausea and is tired of course.  We are trying to make plans to go home, and plan for a two day trip, six and a half hours a day about.  We don't really have any feel for how quickly he will recup from just the chemo, as the Saturday Rx has always been followed by M-F radiation. 

Am thinking that leaving the following Wednesday might be reasonable.  That would be seven days post radiation and the 4th day following Saturday morning chemo.  We are both in our 60's, and could share driving, with him doing the morning and then me taking over.  Once outside of Houston, the traffic should not be too bad.  We are thinking that we should stop every two hours or so and walk around a little, take a potty break, and maybe a snack for him. 

Does this sound reasonable?  Any hints for making the trip?  I'm also worried about him getting his "small" meals in. 

Jo

A week after the radiation ends should be enough time prior to heading home. In fact, you might want to consider leaving earlier. The fatigue and nausea from the radiation will likely not end until about 2 weeks after the treatment. Talk to your oncologist about possibly getting some IV fluids and nausea medication in the last week of radiation, prior to heading home. That might help a bit too. Otherwise, rest up and try to keep him active and gain some strength for surgery.