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... and I was advised by my Rheumatologist and Oncologist at the time to NOT clean the litterbox, or handle any sort of pet waste or bodily fluids at all. emilyg's suggestion of using latex disposible surgical gloves is a good one if she absolutely, positively refuses to have someone else do it (and she may feel that way - sometimes just doing simple everyday things is important during Chemo, as it helps you to feel that you haven't given up your life just to recieve treatment). I would say that if she does that, make sure she has TWO gloves on (so that there is no possibility of contamination through a hole or tear in the gloves) during the changing.
I would say that maybe you should help her out by changing the cat-box however, as that can be a nasty and nauseating (as if you need shit to make you MORE nauseated when on Chemo!) experience at any time... you could also be a lifesaver by just cleaning her bathroom for her too. I can't tell you how great it is to have a nice, clean fresh toilet, tub, and sink when you are nauseated and vomiting. (Yeah, this is kinda a gross post) It makes me just feel a little better to be barfing in a clean toilet and then able to take a shower in a clean shower, than to be being sick and feeling I have to clean up after myself on top of it all.
Also, I would recommend you get her some nice Ginger, Mint (Peppermint I like best), and Lavender essential oils and bath products. These can really help you to feel better, and sometimes just having a nice bath waiting for you that smells good and helps you to relax means everything. Also - some Lavender candles or a relaxation pillow made out of washcloths that have lavender inside them can help. I made a relaxation pillow and would take it with me to treatment... since it was a washcloth, I could run it under warm or cold water and just put it on my forehead and face - which is awesome.
It sounds like your friend has a great support network - which is key. Just doing simple things, like I said, can make all the difference, cause it saves you having to do the work when you are tired and sick from the chemo, and it lets you know that people care for you and love you - even when your hair has fallen out, you're too skinny to be pretty, and you just wonder if you should keep going at all.
Peace and Be Well to the both of you! skater pi
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