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More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo

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Comments

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited November 2012

    Best of luck to you on your journey, pands. If you can find it (Walmart is where I get it) Biotene gum is  wonderful for dry mouth and it's easy to carry in your purse or pocket.  Lemon drops also help!

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    bump

  • Sickofpink
    Sickofpink Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2012

    What is bump?

  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 24,938
    edited December 2012

    sickofpink, posting a comment to a thread sends it to the top of the active topics page.

    "Bump" is short for bumping up this thread so people have a better chance of seeing it. 

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Badger~I'm so glad someone finally explained that. Honestly, I was a little embarrassed to ask.

    I do keep this thread on my favorites, as I start chemo on Friday, 12/07/12. It's a great help to know what to expect and how to prepare.



    Blessings

    Paula

  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 24,938
    edited December 2012

    good luck with chemo, Paula, you can do it! 

    And now you can "bump" this thread too!  Smile

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Bumpidy bump bump

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    THANKS SO MUCH for the "bumps" ladies! This thread is deserving of frequent "bumps"!

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    bumping

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Nico~I start chemo tomorrow and this thread has been awesome at helping me to know how to prepare for it. I'm pretty much stocked up. I need to get some more fluids in here, some Clorox wipes, and Biotene.



    Thanks for taking time to help us newcomers.



    Blessings

    Paula

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    Soteria205 ~ Best of luck to you on your journey! In addition to fluids, fluids, fluids, I highly reccomend chewing ice chips or sucking on popscicles or any icy cold concoction while you are getting the infusion. I did this and never had mouth sores.

  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 24,938
    edited December 2012

    bump for ((Paula)) and all the newbies

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    I had the Adria/cytoxan yesterday. So far I haven't had to take anything for nausea other than what I was given before chemo. I had a headache (which I never get) earlier, but it only lasted about 3 hours. I'm rinsing my mouth with the baking soda/salt mixture several times a day.

    I got a late start on my fluids today, but trying to get them in now. I haven't pooped (TMI) since yesterday before chemo. I took stool softeners twice yesterday and am taking them 3 times today. I also have Milk of Mag and dried prunes, but I don't want to have everything break loose at church tomorrow. I'm not fatigued. I guess that's the steroids.



    At the Breast Center where I go for chemo, they put me in a very nice private room with a very comfortable hospital bed. Lovely nurses too.



    Thanks for this thread. I came back to read it constantly even before chemo. It's in my favorites.



    Blessings

    Paula



  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Bump

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    THANKS for the "bump" Soteria205!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Nico~This information is just so invaluable. It's helped me so much!

    I want it to be there for others coming in, or those who have recurrence, who've forgotten.



    You deserve all the thanks.



    Blessings

    Paula

  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 24,938
    edited December 2012

    bump!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Bump for new people

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Bump

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    Soteria205 ~ I really appreciate the sentiment but honestly, all the THANKS go to our bc sistah "rock" who authored this thread. I'm just a bumper and I so appreciate my sister bumpers who keep this vital information high on the active topics list where newbies can easily find it.
                      

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    *bump*

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Hi Nico, have a Blessed Day!

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    And you, Soteria205.

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    Bumping for Paige ~ you will find many answers to your questions here. Best of luck to you on your journey!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Merry Christmas Nico!

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    Merry Christmas to you and yours, Soteria205! Wishes for blessed 2013!

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited December 2012

    *bump*

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    I had my 2nd round of Adria/cytoxan today. I had a sinus type headache from zophran for several hours. I think it's gone now.



    Nico, as you can see, I buzzed my hair yesterday. It is liberating!



    Be Blessed

    Paula

  • SherylB
    SherylB Member Posts: 147
    edited December 2012

    I am diabetic not well controlled and always thirsty, take a cooler with me everywhere with water and diet soda. Bought some biotene gum yesterday (found it a CVS drugstore and a bit pricey 2.79 for 16 pieces) but it works and tastes well. Just thought I'd share as some gums and sugarfree candy and stuff makes me drier after it is gone.

    Sheryl

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited December 2012

    Sheryl~Thanks for the tip. I wondered how the Biotene gum was. I also rinse my mouth 4 or 5 times a day with a mixture of baking soda & salt in warm water.



    I have a 24 year old son has been Type I diabetic since he was 6 years old. He takes 4 insulin injections a day.



    Since diabetics are a bit more susceptible to yeast infection and thrush of the mouth is yeast, I find it very helpful to take 1 acidophilus pill each day, and I eat yogurt every day. So far, no mouth problems at all.



    Since you're getting taxotere and one side effect is neuropathy in feet & hands, ask your onc about taking vitamin B6. It's supposed to help.



    I pray you have an easy time. My side effects have been minimal.



    Blessings

    Paula

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