Adriamycin?

[MJo]

I remember Adriamycin! It is no picnic. But it is very strong and can really destroy those cancer cells. Popsicles are a good suggestion. She can also try gatorade. Adriamycin can really deplete your white and red blood cells and leave you open to infection. I got a respiratory infection. I went to the supermarket, to the drug store and to the mall while I was getting adriamycin. My friend avoided supermarkets, drug stores and malls. She got no colds or infections. If your mom can't avoid going into crowds, make sure she uses a lot of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, etc. All I wanted to eat while I was on adriamycin was ice cream and melted cheese on bread. Weird. Other people on this chemo would gag at the thought of it. We are all different. If she can eat iron-rich food, it could help with the blood counts. I wasn't terribly nauseated on Adriamycin. But I couldn't sleep and started to feel dazed while I was awake. Someone told me to try Tylenol PM, but that didn't work. Looking back, I wish I had used more Xanax. Tell you mom that we are all pulling for her here.

[Mary Jo]

I, too, remember adriamycin well. However, I was one of the fortunate ones and can say that although the side effects were their, they were minimal. I didn't feel like eating - craved only certain things - and was tired but overall, it wasn't just too bad. I did avoid acidic foods because of the mouth issues too. I could feel my mouth was kind of sensitive when I ate certain foods so I didn't eat them. When I brushed my teeth I did it quickly, with minimal toothpaste and always made sure I rinsed my mouth with a salt water solution. Thankfully, I never did experience the mouth sores.

I pray that your mom doesn't have difficult side effects. She is blessed to have a wonderful daughter such as yourself.

Hugs to you and prayers surround you,

Mary Jo