More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo

fac03

MinusTwo,

thanks.

MinusTwo

Bumping again for all the newbies. Such GREAT information

Nico1012

Bumping for Charlene . . .

erin_t

I have a tip for those new to constipation, or medications that cause it. If you're taking anti nausea medicine, take colace that day and keep taking it. I took it for the week following my AC treatments.

See, being a vegetarian and previously healthy, i didn't have hardly any experience of what constipation feels like. I didn't recognize it for what it was at first.

So don't suffer like me. Take the colace.

MinusTwo

All of my docs recommended Colace and or Sennacot S if the former isn't enough. Especially after anesthesia or if you're taking pain killers. There's great thread about constipation that isn't really active but I'll find it and post the link

Here is the Constipation thread link

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topics/...

Nico1012

Bumping for Vicki . . .

MinusTwo

Good going Nico. I just copied the link to another thread, as I usually do. Guess I should bump at the same time to keep this more active.

MinusTwo

Bumping for Beve

Butterfly1234

Hi All,

My best friend is on treatment 6 of 8 and has developed a dry cough from the chemo. Does anyone have any suggestions on what she can do to relieve these symptoms

Nico1012

Butterfly1234 ~ One of the products I used during chemo was Biotene spray. It really helped to relieve the dryness in my mouth and throat and lessened the coughing.

Nico1012

Bumping for Stacie . . .

MinusTwo

Doubling down. I often just copy this thread for people who are new, but you are so great about keeping it active, Nico. Thanks

Melmax

ACT for dry mouth lozenges- a friend found them for meat Walgreens in a blue box.

MinusTwo

Thanks Melmax. I'll post again to keep this going and I know Nico will hit it up later in the month.

PiperKay

Hi all!

This list helped me immensely during chemo, so I thought I'd pay it forward with a few tips of my own now that I'm almost five months out from my last treatment.

First and foremost because I wish I had found it much much earlier is this bra from True & Co. It is completely wireless, so light and comfortable while being very supportive (I usually wear 36B or 34C, so the medium is perfect in this bra), but the best thing is that it doesn't irritate the skin at all over the port because it just stays in place. I had such problems with bra straps and fabric in general rubbing or just brushing against that very sensitive area, but now that I found this bra, I am so happy! Of course, my port comes out in less than a month after I found it. Oh well, but I'll keep wearing it because it is SOOO comfortable. I've already purchased 4 of them! Also, my physical therapist thought it was great and has already recommended it to other patients.

But here's the website: https://trueandco.com/bras/wireless/true-body-v-neck-bra/dulce

And I think this link will take you to a promotional offer of $15 off your first purchase. https://www.talkable.com/x/qy6QtR

Second, you will see lots of recommendations for various products, but there are two that really made me feel best about myself during chemo and while my hair was growing out. For those of you who will be going through chemo in the cooler and colder months and have decided not to "wig out," I highly recommend a style of cap known as the slouchy beanie. It is very comfortable, comes in multitudes of colors, fabrics, prices, and styles, so you can wear them for any occasion, casual to formal, and the best thing is that they don't scream "chemo!" In fact, it took me a while to find them because they aren't often advertised as being appropriate for those undergoing chemotherapy. When I got tired of seeing what was available when I searched for "chemo" headwear, I branched out a bit and found these. I'll be wearing them again even with hair once fall and winter come around. And here is an example of one of my favorites, and you get two for $12! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M05LZXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The other product type I would recommend is an eyebrow kit that allows you to essentially create your own eyebrows that look very natural just with a little makeup, mostly an eyshadow type powder or gel and an eyeliner type pencil. Here is an article that gives you some ideas for what's out there now. https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g8723/best-eyebrow-shaping-products/

Granted, these things are more for outward appearances, but they are relatively inexpensive - unless you get in a buying frenzy like I did with those beanies! - and can make a big difference in making you feel normal - at least on the outisde. It may have been an illusion, but with my beanies and my eyebrows, I believe that it was extremely hard for the random person on the street or in my office building to tell I had lost my hair at all. I just looked like a normal person, which really helped during those days when I certainly didn't often feel like one.

Best of luck to everyone starting on their chemo ride. It's up, it's down, it's all around. A lot like an amusement park ride, and you won't want to ride it again, but you'll be able to say you did it and be proud.

Anne

Nico1012

PiperKay ~ THANK YOU so much for your post! These are great tips!

MinusTwo

Glad to see new ideas.

Nico1012

Bumping for Gwen . . .

Nico1012

Bumping for Roberta . . .

Nico1012

Bumping for Jill . . .

MinusTwo

Bumping for Chickadee

Vicki3

PiperKay—Thank You for the post of amazing tips! I am a newbie here and have just completed my first of four Chemo infusions. Well, actually, I completed it on 10/17 and have been pretty sick until now. Thanks to all the information on this site, I think I have a good understanding of hair loss, products to purchase and even the mouthwash recipe to use if needed.

You are all great and I am glad I found this special place! I feel less alone now.

Thank you all for that.

Nico1012

Bumping for Doris . . .

Cutie

Check tips at

www.foodforbreastcancer.com

MinusTwo

bumping for Chelsea

Fantastic information everyone

chelsea1

MinusTwo, you're wonderful. So appreciate your thoughtfulness. I am so happy I found this site!

MinusTwo

Chelsea - glad you found it. I really should remember to bump it more regularly. Nico has been good about doing that.

CATHYWH59

what is this bump stuff? I’m a newbie to this

MinusTwo

Cathy - it 'bumps' a thread that is otherwise not very active to the "active" thread. Many people check active threads without searching further in this site.

Sorry you had to join us but hope you will find helpful information.

CATHYWH59

Thank you!