Starting chemo

Take a deep breath, and don't panic. I am 3 years and 4 months out from my chemo.

Here are some good things to do:

take the nausea pill reguarly for the first 24-48 hours after chemo. Don't wait to get nauseous. The first 24 hours worked for me. I never got nauseous

drink 10 - 8 oz glasses of water each day for at least 7 days after chemo. I just started doing it every day, and still do

if prone to constipation, drink one glass of metamucil or similar fiber drink each day for 7 days after chemo

for 72 hours after chemo - rest. Let your body do what it needs to do. Sleep when you want to sleep. Be awake when you want to be awake.

take short walks every day or do some type of light exercise daily, even if only for 10 minutes

eat/drink high protein foods. My favorite go-to was muscle milk, scrambled eggs, and peanut butter sandwiches

the taste buds going wacky was the worst side effect for me. The only thing that tasted good was sweets, and you have to be careful with those. I kept a bag of low calorie mints with me at all times. And I drank flavored water because regular water was yuk.

keep Benadryl and itch cream on hand in case you get hives. I only got them once.

use Nail Tek daily on finger and toe nails

Take Biotin and a probiotic daily

get a night cap for your bald head, if you tend to get cold easy.

Get a nice wig before you lose your hair. It will make you feel more prepared. I bought my wig to match my hair color and style almost exactly. No one whould have known I had lost my hair if I did not tell them.

I cut my hair very short before I began chemo, then shaved it when it started coming out in droves. You can expect to lose her hair 10-14 days after the first chemo. It might help to have her favorite hardresser on standby to do the shaving. Throw your hair a goodbye party. You'll feel better.

When I finished chemo I began using Ovation Hair Advanced Cell Treatment on my head. My hair has come back prettier and thicker than ever. I still use it.

hook up with a group on this board who is going through chemo at the same time, with the same chemo cocktail. You will learn from each other as you go throught he process.

Remember, this is just a bump in the road.

Diana

Hi Irene!

GREAT advice from ladyboss and tangandchris!

You CAN do this, as many on these boards will attest to -- it's not easy, but you are strong! It may help to also discuss with others who are going through chemo along with you -- the Starting Chemo January 2015 thread, specifically, is a fabulous resource for support, knowledge, tips, and advice.

We hope this helps!!

--The Mods