More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo
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Mallow - we're talking reconstruction implants. They are no longer available.
If you go to 'my profile' at the top, you can add your diagnosis & treatment to date so we can make more sensible answers. You have to choose "make it public" for it to print under you posts.
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Bumping again
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For those getting ready to start chemo - or even those who have already started & want to update ideas.
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Bumping for the new year.
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This whole list and thread is great! A few weeks before chemo started I stopped by the drugstore and foodstore (loving the curbside pickup option!) and stocked up on a lot of things I didn't have. Even if I never use some of them, I have peace of mind knowing that they're on hand and I don't have to run out to get them when I'm feeling at my worst (I live alone).
I've only had 1 infusion so far, with mostly good days. I put a lot of the supplies along with some food into a tote bag and take it with me from room to room (and up to bed). If I'm parked on the sofa and really don't feel like moving, it's handy having applesauce and a few crackers right there, and then I go back to napping. I'm seeing a dietician next week and will get her input for nutritious/protein-rich foods for when I just don't feel like eating.
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Bumping this topic for the new year.
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Bumping again for a 'nail' question
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Since someone ask about the surgery thread today, thought I'd go ahead & bump the chemo thread too.
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This is a great list! I used it heavily to fpget ready for my first session today.
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Glad you found it SarahMaude. Several of us used to try to bump both this and the surgery thread on a regular basis. Unfortunately with the BCO platform changes, it's too difficult & too takes too long to find & participate in many of the valuable threads.
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We are glad you found it too, SarahMaude. Hope your session went well today. Please keep us posted.
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It went well yesterday! I'm so glad that I was prepared, both mentally and supply wise
I had all my cold capping kit ready, and that was great. At home, I have Biotene mouthwash and spray which has been amazing for dry mouth (likely from steroids this soon).
Here are some of the other items I've already used:
Miralax
Colace stool softener
Satin pillowcase
Queasy drops (like the pops, but hard candy sized)
Utter cream (it is really great and the price can't be beat)
OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener treatment clear nail polish
Onsen cuticle cream
Nateen toothpaste (no irritating chemicals, all natural)
Toothbrush sterilizer (UV light, charges by USB), I got the Wagner and Stern brand recommended here
And these comfy Kubua slipper shoes in hot pink, because why not? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KJ6XVRQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov...0 -
WOW! Getting ready for this next step in my journey: 1st chemo treatment on Wednesday! I am scared. But hope to find some comfort and strength in your stories shared here. You all seem to be very strong women!
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Dear laback31,
Welcome to the BCO community. We are so glad that you joined us. We hope that you find support and information here that will help and guide you along the way. Good luck with your first chemotherapy on Wednesday. Let us know how it goes. Send us a private message if we can be a help to you here as you navigate your way around the discussion boards.
The Mods
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laback - glad the tips helped. What chemo will you be doing? I had four different drugs and my infusion day was usually at least 8 hours. Yes, I lost my hair & yes I was tired - but fortunately I was not nauseated. Still - I was able to drive to every one of my infusion sessions by myself & drive myself back home. I did start icing my fingers the very first day, but neglected to ice my toes on day one so my big toe nails detached. But I didn't lose them entirely. Good luck. Please do check back in.
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I’m commenting here to bump this thread higher in the active list.
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Good SarahMaude - I used to do that when I could more easily see 'my favorites', but it's a real pain with this 'new' design.
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Sigh. The new design makes me sad. But the people here, like you 😘, make me feel better, so I’m doing what I do with all the inconveniences I encounter…compensate.
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SarahMaude - so you started chemo on 5/4? I guess you've likely had two sessions? Hope everything is going OK and your side effect are minimal.
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Minustwo, I’m doing well, relatively. My biggest challenge so far has been neutropenia both cycles. Lots of fatigue this time. I’m feeling well today, and have nine days until my next treatment. I’m hopeful these will be good days. Knowing I’m halfway through is a motivation for sure! Last treatment is 7/6.(Rads to follow, of course).
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@ Minustwo; You are amazing, especially to drive! My 1st treatment was last wednesday. I am taking cytoxan & taxotere. I used the penguin cold cap also- I am not for certain, but during that day, my eyes were a little woozy from the flourescent lighting in the room, the meds (& nerves of it all), or the tight frozen caps on my head. After a few hours it felt good to to shut my eyes and listen to music. It subsided later that night, so i assume it was the cold. As for this past week, I challenge with the mental game: is something happening? when will it happen? am i okay? Actual symptoms were constipation, cotton/chemo tongue, and a higher pulse. I go in thursday for a blood draw check. Next treatment is in 2 weeks.
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Oh constipation... I had the opposite - "Big D". The was a very informative thread about bowel issues by SAS, but it's gone inactive. Hang in there ladies!!!
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bumping for new members
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thank you.
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hi. My first post. I had my first chemo treatment on Monday (AC) and now have severe constipation. I just ate some dried apricots and dates. Husband is getting me prune juice and stool softener but that won’t be here for a little while. Any immediate suggestions? So far this is my first side effect. And I’m always regular with vowel movements. Thanks
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and that should have been bowel, not vowel
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Hi chickadee, and welcome to Breastcancer.org! We're so sorry to hear of your troubles with treatment, but we're glad you've found us and decided to post. You're sure to find our Community a wonderful source of advice, information, encouragement, and support -- we're all here for you!
While you wait for the always helpful tips from others here, we wanted to share with you a couple of pages from Breastcancer.org that you may find helpful:
- Managing Constipation
- Eating When You Have Constipation
- Podcast: Constipation as a Side Effect of Treatment -- listen or read the transcript.
Also, we'd suggest if you don't get many responses here, try starting a new thread here in the Chemotherapy forum so others can respond specifically to your questions.We hope this helps and that you feel better soon. Please keep us posted with how you're doing!
--The Mods
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chikadee - Be prepared because nothing will be like it used to be - so "regular" will be off the table for awhile and you'll find new patterns. Actually two days shouldn't be critical. You should check with your doc first because we're all different - Your oncologist probably has a nurse navigator or PA that can take these kind of calls. Or hopefully you have access on line to something like My Chart.
My doc had me take Senacot S regularly during treatment. Some docs recommend Metamucil for extra fiber. Some recommend Miralax. If you are in serious discomfort - ask your doc about using a one time saline enema (like Fleet). Good luck.
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That caught me my first time around also. Lasted about four days along with what felt like a brick in my stomach. I assume because nothing is moving quickly. Anyway miralax once or two a day and a stool softener every meal. Should take you about two to three days and then you'll notice things moving pretty regularly. If you want to head it off next time start miralax with first meal after chemo and then once a day after that. A stool softener two or three times a day, also. That seems to be helping me this time around. Still got that damn brick but it's not quite as heavy in here
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Has anyone had bloating lower abdomen later in treatment
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