Good Friends Make the Cancer Journey a Bit Easier

Chester Freeman was diagnosed with bladder cancer and most recently with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Read Chester's blogs here!

It is hard to keep up with all the cancer research. As patients, we try to read as much as possible about the latest trends, but we can’t know everything. Recently, I wrote about my being cold in the treatment room for my intravenous infusions for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A friend of mine responded by gifting me with a special chemo jacket. She told me that one of her high school classmates was diagnosed with cancer and he struggled with being cold. He decided that he would create something that made him look “normal.”

So he designed a beautiful coat that had special zippers, which were strategically placed for ports and other devices during chemotherapy treatments. After much trial and error, he perfected the jacket and eventually a company was founded. What he liked most about his creation was that it was made out of great material (microfleece) and it had a handsome look to it. No one could tell that this would be used for chemotherapy. It appeared like a nice sporty jacket. Just being able to wear that made him feel better about himself. I must say that this has happened to me as well. When I put it on, I was excited and thrilled that it fit perfectly and looked “normal.” Sometimes we need things like this to help us as we deal with the other issues we are confronting.

In my most recent journal entry about the effects of radiation and loss of taste, another friend responded with some help. She told me about a small red berry

which seems to help restore taste buds for a period of time and allows

individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation to enjoy their food.

It is called a miracle fruit because of the effect that it brings to patients with cancer.

This is considered a dietary supplement and is being recognized by many cancer centers. This is a result of neuroscience research, which is taking place and continues as the supplement brings great joy to patients. I have ordered some for my partner and look forward to seeing a smile on his face! He is receiving treatment for prostate cancer and his taste buds have not fully recovered yet.

There are so many advancements in the field of cancer treatment. I am so grateful that I have friends who are always looking out for me and finding things that might make my cancer journey a bit easier. These two friends have provided me with resources, which will help not only me but my partner and others as well.

Good friends will do everything within their power to help those who they love.

They too will listen to the latest reports, search out dietary supplements as well as clothing that make life easier for us patients with cancer. As the song says, that’s what friends are for.

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