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

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  • anneacres
    anneacres Member Posts: 19
    edited November 2010

    Thanks so much for this list-I am getting my chemo bag ready today since I start weekly Taxol tomorrow Nov. 18th.  I am now stage IV and am really scared-first dx in 1991 with stage II had lumpectomy-radiation and CMF then 5 years of tamoxifin and 5 years NED then the markers started going up and went with 5 years of armidex then rises again-went on aromasin in April 2010 for 3 months and still rising then went on Falsodex injections and had a big rise so now it is the chemo starting with Taxol and hopeing for NED or dropping markers again.  Realize I am really lucky to be here for almost 20 years and got to see my kids grow up and my 2 grandchildren-this list made it a lot easier for me so a big thank you to all who compiled it.  I will be thinking of you tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. pst.  Blessings to all

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited November 2010

    Bump

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  • deadlanguages
    deadlanguages Member Posts: 36
    edited November 2010

    TifJ -

    What is a chemo "teaching" appointment? My doc & nurse practitioner never mentioned anything like that. They just handed me a schedule of drugs to take and a stack of prescriptions. I start 4 cycles of TC on November 29th.

    Thanks!

    Colleen

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited November 2010
    deadlanguages Most cancer centers have you go to a 1 hour "class" to go over everything from treatment, drugs, managing side effects, nutrition, when to call or what to do for emergencies etc. I was giving a big binder with all that information. I do refer to the binder at times but many times you can get more detailed information right here on this forum.
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  • deadlanguages
    deadlanguages Member Posts: 36
    edited November 2010

    Thanks, lago!

    Weird, NYU never talked to me about anything like that. I'm starting chemo on the 29th and really have no idea what to expect.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited November 2010

    Then call and ask. At the very least there must be a social worker there that can fill you in. My "class" was with the oncology nurse practitioner. Treatment isn't all that bad at all but it is much easier for you if you know what to expect and what is expected of you.

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited November 2010

    Bump

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  • sharalou
    sharalou Member Posts: 223
    edited November 2010

    Well, finished round 2 last Tuesday, and 9 days later I am feeling almost better. WOW WEE! My doc called in  a script for my mouth (just numby and yucky tasting feeling), of the nystanin-$58.78 for 400 ml.  I couldn't believe it. The bottle is huge (will never use that much). Trying to see if they will get me a smaller bottle. OMG! No.3 is Dec.7th, and I so do not look forward to this. As before said, I did this in 2005 T/C with Adramycin, and that was 6 rounds. This is just as bad and only 4 rounds. HELP!

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  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 2,903
    edited November 2010
    shaarlou hang on i know it sucks but you did it before you can do it again. I have round 4 the same day you have round 3 so ill let ya know how it goes. I am on day 10 of round 3 feeling good now. Watched the parade and decoarted my tree.
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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited November 2010
    FYI for you scarf ladies anokhiusa is having 25% off today (black Friday) through Monday (and free shipping). The code is GIVING25

    I hope this isn't considered spam but their scarves are really nice and affordable. I just purchased a bunch.

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited November 2010

    Thinking of all of you who are entering cold winter months without the benefit of hair!  (I am a fan of flannel bedding!) And bumping for Nico.  Bump, bump, bump!

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited November 2010

    Franceluxe.com offers a free head scarf to all chemo patients. Really, free for the asking! Just visit their website.

    Bump back atcha, Rock!

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2010

    Bump!

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2010

    Bumpin' it up!

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2010

    Bump!

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited December 2010

    Happy day after Christmas, Nico! xo

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  • Lee7
    Lee7 Member Posts: 657
    edited March 2013

    Hi and thanks for this shopping list! 

    Would any of you have any special suggestions for what helps when doing CMF chemo? ( I know ACT and CT are the much more common chemos.)  I'm wondering if there are other things to prepare for with the other drugs (the M & F) that go with the CMF chemo?

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited December 2010

    Bump

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited December 2010

    Putting this here because i wasn't sure where else to put it!

    A very dear friend of mine's mother had her lymph nodes removed last year, along with her breast. Three weeks ago, she got a throat infection. A few days ago, she cut her hand which re-triggered the infection. She now is in the hospital with a streptococcus infection, and it is very touch and go. If the infection reaches her tendon, she could die.

    Dr. Theo gets on my case whenever she sees me with a cut on my "affected" hand or arm. I always thought she was overreacting. I don't think that anymore.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR, NICO! BUMP!

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited December 2010
    Rock I actually carry Neosporin (Topical Antibiotic) in my purse now. If I get a cut, mosquito bite etc on my arms I am prepared.
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  • bamamama2
    bamamama2 Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2010

    Rock, thanks for this thread! I'm just getting started but looks like my diagnosis is very similar to what you had. Very encouraging to hear how well you're doing...and how I should be sure to give myself time and be patient with the "process." Happy New Year!

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited January 2011

    Happy New Year, Rock! And a BUMP back atcha!

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited January 2011

    Bumping for the Jan. 2011 sistah's!

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  • JulieH
    JulieH Member Posts: 351
    edited January 2011

    Thank you!

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited January 2011

    My essentials were

    Dove soap for sensitive skin

    Dulcolax (stool softener not laxative - they make both)

    Pudding, jello, Carnation instant breakfasts, oatmeal, soups, Boost drinks. 

    I lived on these things.

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited January 2011

    Bump

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited January 2011

    Bump!

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited January 2011

    Bump again.

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited January 2011

    Happy birthday, Nico.  Happy birthday! (I know I'm a little late but figured it is never too late to say "I am so glad you were born." Love, rock

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  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,492
    edited January 2011

    THANKS Rock! You always make me smile! :)

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