Tips for getting through chemotherapy

awesome article!

Great tips!

And MORE fluids!

Bumping!

Bump

Ladies-I am crying as I am typing this-I am to weeks out from my surgery and doing fine, I think. I have know from the start that I was seriously being considered for chemo and now it is a fact. I am terrified and cry at the mere thought of going through the treatments. Of what? Not sure. Nausea-Yes HATE IT! Of being tired? Not really. of looking sick? YES/ Of hair loss? YES! Looking into cold caps to avoid that and wondering if I am hampering a process that is supposed to happen. I have worked in natural medicine my whole life and trying very hard to think of chemo as my friend but I burst into tears spontaneously.  I don;t know that I can do this-That is the first time I have actually ever felt this way-ever! I need your wonderful words of encouragement!

Bump

Bumping for the August chemo starters

melodiemp ~ Welcome to the club no one wants to join. You will find support and friendship here from those who have been there and those who are just starting the journey. Check back often, Those with experience in TC will be along to offer their help.

Best of luck to you in your treatment!

Nico

I am on the 4th cycle of 4 of the AC portion of my cocktail and have 12 cycles of the T portion to go.  Like you melodymp, I am 42 years old with 2 kids and I agree with you, not only for yourself but for your kids as well, you need to set an example that you are doingg  everything you can do to beat this and that cancer is not going to beat you.  I have  had a realitively mild experience with all the different side effects that are expected and I don't know if it has anything to do with luck or with the things I have done.  First and foremost, I have treated the whole nausea thing like I did when when I was pregnant.  I never let my stomache get to empty or to full.  I eat something at least every two hours, it might just be a couple slices of apple or three grapes.  I just get something into my stomache.  The other thing I did was eat what appealed to me at the time I felt like eating.  After my first chemo treatment I went out and had hot wings because the is what appealed to me.  The thought of having poached chicken actually turned my stomache.  Since I am 42, I am now going through menopause and with the expected hot flashes and the weather we are having, I can't get cold enough.  So I keep a cup of ice chips with me always.  This helps with the dry mouth and keeps me hyrdated as well. I did get constipated for a couple of days after and then had diarreah for a couple of days after and so far have managed those symptons with diet.  I did lose my hair and used this as an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone.  I got a wig in a totally different style that what I had before (long hair vs short hair) and will never go back to long hair again, I don't know why I resisited changing my style before this. Best advise I can give is keep a positive attitude and when you need to cry, do it!!  Just remembered,  ditch the ice chips at least an hour before bed and drink only room temperature liquids.  Don't know why, but this helps with night time heartburn.

Bumping in honor of melissaga who started "chemo tips" and thereby made the journey so much easier.

For the awesome chemo gals of Aug '10

Thanks to everyone for all the tips. I just found out today my onco score was 31 so I will be getting 4 sessions of TC. Thanks to you all I will be armed with lots of things to manage the side effects. I am pretty scared as well but it's 3 months and then its done and I can get my reconstruction done. I may get pretty depressed but I can't give in to it. I am trying to stay strong.

Bump again!

Bumping for the Oct. chemo starters.