[Jean]

vlcarr,

It is never as bad as we think the treatment will be.
Here are a few hints to help you along the way.


LITTLE HINTS TO PREPARE FOR CHEMO.
SEE YOUR DENTIST AND HAVE A CLEANING PRIOR TO CHEMO. (DURING CHEMO IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO HAVE YOUR TEETH CLEANED AS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IS LOWERED)
BUY A NEW TOOTHBRUSH EVERY 3 WEEKS WHILE ON CHEMO ( TO AVOID ANY MOUTH SORES OR INFECTIONS).

Mouth infections are more likely during chemo due to the white cells being reduced The chemo can temporarily reduce the number of white blood cells circulating in the blood. So, for a while during chemo the bodies resistance to infection may be reduced.

I found that eating yogurt two times per day during chemo helped. The natural bacteria in the yogurt helped maintain a good ph balance, at least it worked for me.
I did not have any issues such as thrush which is common.


NO MANICURES OR PEDICURES. (ONCE AGAIN TO AVOID ANY INFECTIONS)
BE PREPARED FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF HEARTBURN…(SOME NEVER HAVE IT)
BUT IF YOU DO, PRUCHASE PRILOSEC WHICH IS SOLD OVER THE COUNTER AND TAKE IT A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO TREATMENT TO HAVE IT IN YOUR SYSTEM.
EAT HIGH PROTEIN FOODS AND AVOID HOT SPICY FOOD.
DRINK FLUIDS TO FLUSH YOUR SYSTEM DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT.
DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR NAUSEA MEDS EVEN IF YOU FEEL GREAT – THE NAUSEA CAN SNEEK UP ON YOU AND ONCE IT BEGINS IT MAY TAKE SOME TIME FOR THE MEDS TO KICK IN AND BREAK THE NAUSEA CYCLE. (I MADE THIS MISTAKE – I WAS FEELING SO GOOD I DIDN’T THINK I NEEDED THE MEDS SO I STOPPED THEM, BIG MISTAKE. IT TOOK ME A FEW DAYS TO STOP THE NAUSEA ONCE IT BEGAN.)
ALWAYS TAKE THEM!

DAY OF FIRST TREATMENT. This is a nerve wracking day to say the least, the fear of the unknown. We have all felt it. Wear very comfy, cozy and warm clothing, like a work out suit, the treatment rooms are rather cold and chilly. Wear pants with elastic bands for additional comfort. Take along a small snack food pack – such as apples, cheese, crackers, due to the fact it is a long day especially the first treatment.

I found that warm soaking baths were helpful and soothing to my muscles. The taxane can cause muscle ache (like a flu ache).
Alieve helps - also a heating pad on the legs. Elevate your legs.
Fresh air and walking is a great exercise.

I did work during my treatments. I found that day 1 after treatment was feeling fine. By day 2 felt like I was coming down with a flu, tired, ache and joint pain. This would last for two days by day 3 I was feeling 75% myself....day 4 back to work as normal. The TC is acumulative in nature so the first three rounds start to build and you may feel more fatigue as you near the finish line. Don't eat empty calorie foods. I also found sherbert to be great for taking away any sour taste metallic taste or sour stomach.

Sending you best wishes!
Jean