Tips for surviving chemo?

SophiaMarie, at the top of many sections of the forums, you'll find a thread with Important Links for Newbies. You may want to suggest that your friend visit Important Links for Newbies About Chemotherapy for advice and experiences from members on the the boards, as well as from the main Breastcancer.org site.

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Although no one knows for sure, there is some concern that Vitamin C or other high dose antioxidants might actually work to protect the cancer cells.  Of course it's something we each have to decide for ourselves, but I'd maybe skip the high dose C around infusion days at least.  The joint pain is often from Neulasta, a drug given to keep our white blood cell count high. Taking regular Claritin (not the "D" version, and most store brand versions work fine) prior to and for a day after the Neulasta shot can help.  Also getting the Neulasta shot in the tummy may cut down on the pain it can cause.  My best advice for your friend is to be sure to ice her nails, to avoid damage to the nail bed and having her nails possibly lift.  Icing with either ice packs or something as simple as a bag of frozen veggies cuts down on the chemo circulating to the nail bed and thus the damage.  

As far as the dry skin, be sure she drinks lots of water to wash out the chemo, which will also keep her skin hydrated.  Add lemon or lime or orange slices or any other flavoring that appeals to regular or mineral water to make it more palatable.   

Hope this helps, and good luck to her!    Deanna

Nausea is a big problem for me, too.  I have 3 different medications that I take in alternating times. Don't be afraid to ask until you find what works.  Diarrhea can be controlled with an otc med like Immodium.  Bone pain is usually helped by taking Claritin beginning the day before the neulasta shot and every day after for 4 /5 days.  Use pain medications to help also.  This is one time in your life to take advantage of any help you can get.