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Hi Anon,

I can't tell you if it is compulsory since I do not know your sisters history nor am I a doctor-- perhaps her doctor opted for Chemo to ensure that the stomach cancer is completely gone. Some doctors opt for the "better safe than sorry" route when it comes to cancer.

I found this nice list of what you can do for someone who is undergoing chemotherapy-- from eHow.com:
1
Know that you are a special person in the cancer survivor's life, and that being a caregiver comes with its own issues. Read the National Cancer Institute's booklets (see Resources below) on life after cancer treatments to learn about how cancer survivors and their caregivers can cope with post-treatment life.

2
Realize that a person who's had chemotherapy may feel emotionally disoriented or lost for awhile as he or she struggles to adjust to post-treatment life. Be willing to allow your loved one to make major life changes as a result of the cancer experience.

3
Prepare delicious, healthy meals and encourage your loved one to eat. Chemotherapy regimens can affect taste buds and even the desire to eat.

4
Take time to laugh with your loved one. There is evidence that laughter helps healing and relieves stress. Watch a funny movie together, and schedule some time to just enjoy simple pleasures with your loved one.

5
Help someone who's had chemotherapy by doing little chores like making phone calls, walking the dog, washing the dishes or organizing short outings.

6
Go to follow-up doctor's appointments with your loved one. He or she may be reluctant to go back to the doctor for fear of getting a new cancer diagnosis.

--Remember to take care of yourself, you won't be an effective caregiver if you don't sleep and eat well yourself. And try not to become overwhelmed by the events that are going on, it is important that you maintain positive energy around your sister-- you will both be happier for it.

There are a few other important things to remember-- always wash your hands, don't allow sick people around her, no fresh pots or plants, no gardening, no raw foods, and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

If your sister is too weak to shower on her own, then you can definitely assist her with that. Try not to take all the responsibility away from her, since this could interfere with her sense of independence. Let her brush her hair, brush her teeth with a soft head tooth brush, etc. Anything she can do on her own, let her.

Kudos to you for being such a great sister! You play a huge role in her recovery and I hope you know that :)
Wishing you both the best!

-Rosa

June 23, 2011 - 7:39am

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