Things I've learned
 

Just some things I've learned along this interesting journey I never wanted to go on...
1. drink more water than you think. It doesn't seem you can drink too much unless it's in one sitting. Drink so your pee is light yellow and often.
2. Eat your veggies and lean protein but eat food you enjoy too.
3. Have a glass of wine now and then.
4. Learn to be comfortable in your own skin and any that is usually covered in hair. Do what works for you and experiment with head coverings. The first time around I wore wigs exclusively and later found a great freedom in scarves and hats. I love it when women go out bald but just couldn't do it for me. In winter I found wearing a running scull cap under my scarf and some hats was perfect not too hot or too cold. It was fun to play with different scarves and tying them various ways. Avoid hats on windy days!!!
5. Keep moving. Exercise or even slow walks. keep as much normal routine as possible but if you can't do it allow that. Your body needs to move but is fighting a battle and the chemo wears it down some days.
6. Do things in stages even if it takes 2 or 3 times longer. The sense of accomplishment feels good.
7. Eyebrows can make a world of difference. Find a pencil or cream powder you like and practice with small strokes. You now have the chance to make them what you want but go online or to a beauty store to get them right for your face.
8. Salt and baking soda in warm water squished in mouth does wonders for mouth sores. Tastes horrible!
9.Tastes change with chemo. I was shocked to find I did not care for my decaf coffee anymore but loved decaf and herbal tea that I hardly ever drank. Now I like tea more and enjoy coffee at times. I also found a craving for cottage cheese and canned peaches that I was served as a child. The craving immediately ended when the chemo was done.
10. Ask for help if you need it and be kind to yourself and others. We all ended up in a place we didn't ask for but we can choose to be miserable or happy.
11. Drink water....

I know this is not the extent of my learning and maybe others will chime in with their knowledge.
With lots of hugs... Cathy

Re: Things I've learned
 

Dear Cat,

Thanks for sharing these insights. Keep up the good work.

Re: Things I've learned
 

Great suggestions! I agree with, and have done all of them and am really feeling good about myself physically and mentally during this otherwise trying time. I'll add a few, if that's okay :)

1. Nap when you feel like it (if you can that is). Even a 1/2 hour power nap can work wonders to keep you going.

2. Coconut oil pulls in addition to the salt/baking soda also works wonders. It's kind of gross, but it works. Just take 1 tsp. c-oil and swish around in your mouth. The experts say 20 minutes, good luck with that! I think a few minutes is about all I can tolerate. It does feel fresh after.

3. Moisturize your whole body often. It helps fight the dryness from chemo. Also, each night, I place a small amount of Aquaphor in each nostril (icky but it works!) to ward off nasal dryness. I've never ever had a bloody nose and I'll be damned if they are going to start now.