[Jean]

Hi there Shadowpilot,
The hardest part (making the decision) is behind you now.
I promise, it is not as bad as your imagination is envisioning.
The unknown is scary - these are known for sure.

1. Be prepared for your hair to thin out and more than likely loose it.
Not a major - it will grow back! Prepare in advance and look for a nice
wig or head covering...I found that my hair foccules actually hurt and were sore, so it was easier to get a GI jane hair cut and this way I did not have chucks of hair falling out. I have had many bad hair days...where I drove my husband nuts...after the chemo treatments started I started to say, "Now I have NO hair days"...keep your sense of humor with this.
Loosing hair can traumatise some....but keep it in perspective,
you are fighting a major battle to remain healthy.

2. Don't know if you working? If you are - plan your treatments at the end of the week on a Thurs. The kick back from treatment will not
occur (if any) for two days. This way you will have the weekend to rebound and rest. You may feel tired...

3. Herceptin is rather easy, can have some muscle ache I would take
Advil for body aches and kept my legs raised on a pillow at night for good circulation.

4. Wear very comfy cloths to treatment, loose, soft and warm. Treatment rooms tend to be chilly.

5. Do not eat foods that are high in acids...I took Prilosec which is over the counter for reflief from acid and heatburn. It did the trick...but be sure to start the pills about three days prior to treatment since it take at least 48 hours for them to work.

6. If your Dr. is giving you meds for nausea "TAKE IT" even if you think, or feel you do not need it. Once nausea starts it is hard to control, so
keep it under control at all times...Take the meds.

7. Eat as healthy as you can
8. Try to walk, and if exercise...even a small amount it helps.

9. Drink water day of treatment (don't drown yourself) but you do want to flush your body.

10. You may feel flush and see a pinkish color to your face after herceptin treatment (after your home) that is normal. You may also
have a dry cough, that happens also.

11. Some dr. allow supplements during treatment with taxol, make sure to check this with your dr. first... ...my dr. did want any interference during the treatment.

12. After Taxol I was allowed to take supplement during the herceptin,
make sure if you take nothing else to take COQ 10...start with 60mg.
morning and night then build up to three times per day.

13. Stay away from people who have colds during Taxol...your inmune system is lowered at this time.

14. Do Not have manicures or pedicures during treatment, less chance of infection...do your nails yourself. Some of the gals put packages of frozen peas on their nails and toes during taxol treatment to avoid neuropathy.
Ask your dr. about any meds to avoid neuropathy. Some took B6 during treatment to avoid neuropathy. Once again ask your Dr. You may not
have any problems with neuropathy just giving you a heads up.

15. Have your teeth checked and cleaned prior to treatment. Once again avoid any chances of infection..etc. during teratment. You want to keep your treatments on schedule.

16. Take a small bag of goodies with you to treatment, dry animal crackers, fresh apple, yogart, sucking on hard cancy or life savers.


Treatment can drag on time wise at your treatment center..so take a good book or any project you feel like doing. eg Knitting, mail, etc. Look at treatment as you are taking back control, being positive takes some practice, so be kind to yourself, take nice warm soaking baths, do things that make you feel good. A little trick that I did for myself, I always went into treatment with my makeup on and wig, no matter how I felt, it was important to me that no none think of me as sick.

Most important say to yourself daily "I can beat this" A positive attitude helps.

If you have any questions just out reach to me. Wishing you all the best!


Kind REgards,
Jean