Tips/Suggestions for Chemo Survival

October 27, 2006

Depends on which chemo you are getting. Food sometimes tastes different, so

some of your favorites may not taste the same. Bland food is usually best. I

lived on Ensure, but that was because of the mouth ulcers. They tell me (now)

that sucking on popsicles while getting chemo will reduce the number of mouth

ulcers you get. If you do get them, they make a " magic mouthwash " that numbs

your mouth for a while.

Don't worry about dieting, just eat whatever you can, getting food into you

is a good thing during chemo. Check with your onc. about vitamins or any meds

while on chemo, you may not be able to take them.

Get a wig before your hair falls out. Most insurance will pay for the wig.

Scarves are great, so are knit hats in the winter, keeps you warm. One of the

ladies on this site sells chemo hats that are really neat!! Use moisturizer,

your skin will get drier.

Massage is not always advisable for bc patients. It can move the lymph

around and possibly spread any cancer cells you may have. Check with your onc.

before doing any massages.

I had my chemo while pregnant, that was 15 years ago. My baby weight almost

8 pounds, I gained only 16 pounds while pregnant. He is fine, almost 15 and

perfect. I am NED and fine too. You can do this, it isn't fun, but it is

doable.

Will be keeping you in my prayers.

hugs

Pam

October 27, 2006

Depends on which chemo you are getting. Food sometimes tastes different, so

some of your favorites may not taste the same. Bland food is usually best. I

lived on Ensure, but that was because of the mouth ulcers. They tell me (now)

that sucking on popsicles while getting chemo will reduce the number of mouth

ulcers you get. If you do get them, they make a " magic mouthwash " that numbs

your mouth for a while.

Don't worry about dieting, just eat whatever you can, getting food into you

is a good thing during chemo. Check with your onc. about vitamins or any meds

while on chemo, you may not be able to take them.

Get a wig before your hair falls out. Most insurance will pay for the wig.

Scarves are great, so are knit hats in the winter, keeps you warm. One of the

ladies on this site sells chemo hats that are really neat!! Use moisturizer,

your skin will get drier.

Massage is not always advisable for bc patients. It can move the lymph

around and possibly spread any cancer cells you may have. Check with your onc.

before doing any massages.

I had my chemo while pregnant, that was 15 years ago. My baby weight almost

8 pounds, I gained only 16 pounds while pregnant. He is fine, almost 15 and

perfect. I am NED and fine too. You can do this, it isn't fun, but it is

doable.

Will be keeping you in my prayers.

hugs

Pam

October 27, 2006

Well, I decided to go for the extra percentages of non-recurrence that

chemo will give me. I start chemo on 11/9. I'm still terrified

though! What I want to know is, what did people do to get through

chemo? A bath every day? A massage? Lots of antioxidants? Vitamins?

What did you do to help yourself feel better and recover more quickly

from your chemo treatments?

All suggestions welcome!

October 27, 2006

Hi,

I went through 4 rounds of A/C Chemo. I was terrified also. My worst

problem was constipation. I took stool softeners the day before my

treatments and I had to take a mild laxative when things got bad. I was

very nauseas so I could not eat anthing that smelled. A sandwich came

in handy. My sister juiced me carrots cut with an apple and ginger

everyday for 2 months. It really helped if I couldnt eat. I get a lot

of sleep and that is good for me. I use a lot of lotion for my dry

skin. Pay attention to your feet and hands- they get dry and can crack,

thus getting infections. Massages, sadly , are OUT. Cannot have them

with chemo. I take supplements daily too.

I'm sending you lots of love. You will get thru this.

~~~Juli

>

> Well, I decided to go for the extra percentages of non-recurrence

that

> chemo will give me. I start chemo on 11/9. I'm still terrified

> though! What I want to know is, what did people do to get through

> chemo? A bath every day? A massage? Lots of antioxidants?

Vitamins?

>

> What did you do to help yourself feel better and recover more quickly

> from your chemo treatments?

>

> All suggestions welcome!

>

October 27, 2006