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

Hey Rock,

I googled chemo shopping list and guess what I found?  Top three you are.  Thanks for your continued support.

Hey Rock!

When are you coming home? It feels strange somehow to know that you're so far away.

Miss your posts.

Nico

For those of us "Pleasingly Plump" ladies

Trade your stylish, binding underwear for 100% cotton during chemo and change them often. Many women suffer from chaffing and an adult form of diaper rash. I turned my underwear inside out to protect my skin from the seams. Hanes for women makes the best underwear I could find for chemo. Buy one size too big and make sure the leg ribbing is also cotton. It also helps to use diaper rash cream or Vaseline as a moisture barrier at all times. Use this externally only. You don't want to contribute to a yeast infection.

Vaginal dryness can lead to pain and discomfort durring intercourse. A water based lubricant is recommended. My Onco said......To prevent possible introdution of bacteria you should also use condoms durring the days your white blood count is low.

Bump for Rock. I'm still rockin' on! How are you?

Sally2009 ~ Welcome to the club that no one wants to join. Keep checking back to this thread for updates, it saved me when I went through chemo!

Meggybb ~ I used the ice on my hands and feet through each infusion and have NO NEUROPATHY!  The Udderly cream also saved my hands and feet from the awful red scourge.

THANK YOU ROCK for the Crocs advice, I still live in them.

"Keep on keeping on", Oh Rock. I'm so thankful that I "met" you!

Nico

Hi everyone. Great tips and ideas here. I start chemo on Tuesday 12/1 (TC x4 every 3 weeks). 

I have two questions. First -- should I bring some food with me. I was told the infusion takes 2-1/2 to 3 hours. I know I'll get hungry during that time but not sure what to bring (other than saltines, which I really don't like). Any ideas?

Second -- is anyone else allowed in the treatment room with you? My dear friend offered to stay with me and I loved the idea. (Some people I wouldn't allow in the treatment room ever - too negative!). 

Would love your thoughts on this.

Carolyn

Hi Rock. Thanks for the feedback. I am planning to check with the center but wanted input from my chemo classmates. I realized that some people I would not want with me while others would be fun and helpful.

I think I'll just pack a variety of snacks and see what appeals to me. Fear of the unknown is not fun but I'm taking one day at a time. 

BTW -- your name says nyc/cape town. We have a wonderful friend in SA and still hope to get there someday.

Carolyn

Thanks soooooooooooooooooooo MUCH for that list

was wondering??? since I'm getting chemo for : they say 18 weeks, will my hair not begin to grow back until after all the chemo is over? Due then to get rads... will that make any new growth fall out again? Just don't know when to expect to be getting back some hair !

thanks

ThreeLollies.com  I found this product while researching products used in other countries.  This is widely popular in the UK and mentioned in several different cancer forums there.  It's marketed as a morning sickness remedy and an aid to provide relieve from a queasy stomach associated with chemo treatment.  It comes in drops as well as sucker form.  This company has generously offered us 10% discount with the coupon code ChemoSolutions.

(Again, I'm not benefiting financially from this.)

Hi--new to site

I just had my first chemo today and apart from not being able to sleep well, I am having a terrible time with temp control--I'm 57 and was on estrogen patch, post hysterectomy.  With breast cancer, no more patch.  I also have hypothyroidism and take levoxyl.  All I know is one minute, I'm sweating something fierce, then the next, I'm freezing with chills.  Worse today after chemo.  Any thoughts?

PS  Thank you, Rock and others, for all your helpful advice and tips!

Hi everyone. I made it throught my first chemo yesterday. My dear friend drove 2 hours to sit with me. I fell asleep after the first hour but she was smart enough to bring her laptop and work while I snoozed. We went out to lunch afterwards. It's good to have such caring friends.

Chemo brain hit hard and fast. I couldn't remember some pretty routine stuff and I can't type at all anymore. Plus I'm so hyper from the steroids. Weird. I got a Neulasta shot today (hurt like crazy) and I'm not looking forward to bone pain, but I've had 2 nasty infections this year that landed me in the hospital so the onc isn't taking any chances. 

My biggest accomplishment today is buying a wig. I put that off because I didn't want to think about losing my hair. I think next week I'll get a short cut (my hair is shoulder length). I asked my 25-year-old son if he wants to give me the buzz cut when I'm ready for it. I told him the decision was his but he thought that was pretty cool.

I love the tips and I re-read them now that they're more specific to my needs. So thanks for sharing them! I definitely want to find the Gin-gin drops at Whole Foods. Dry mouth is a problem.

Good wishes to my chemo sisters!

Carolyn

Thanks Nico and Rock for your input.  But, I'm not running a fever and have been pushing fluids.  I have also mentioned it to my oncologist, her NP, my surgeon, his NP, and no one has been alarmed.  Was put on Ativan and Oxycodone yesterday after horrible achiness and anxiety following neulasta (sp?) shot.  Feeling better, but still can't sleep for more than 1-2 hours at a time.