Radition and Chemo therapy

Hi, Ernemmer ~ Just a few miscellaneous thoughts off the top of my head, although much will depend on the individual patient and her oncologist. (1) Ice nails with ice packs during chemo infusions to cut down on nail damage; (2) Calendula Cream or Emu Oil are wonderful for skin care while doing radiation treatments. (Well, not actually during treatments, but to heal and soothe the skin after each session.); (3) Cold caps are available (albeit pricey) to cut down on hair loss. Search Penguin Cold Caps for more info. if she's interested; (4) Dark nail polish may also help protect nails. (5) B Complex is good to help prevent neuropathy, a common side effect of some chemos; (6) Biotene mouthwash to help prevent mouth sores during chemo. (7) Staying active -- even walking -- helps many women feel better and do better during both chemo and RT.

As far as energy level, the best advice I got is not to feel guilty if you only accomplish one thing a day. Some days, that may be all she can do. Fatigue is probably the worst side effect of chemo for many women since, thankfully, there are now excellent meds to counteract nausea.

And lastly, encourage her to come here and join a chemo group (e.g. January 2015 or February 2015) for information and support. It's wonderful that you are reaching out for her, but as invaluable as your support is and will continue to be, there's nothing like sharing our thoughts and emotions with other women who have been or are going through what we are. There's also a forum here for caregivers that you might find helpful for the same reasons.

Hope this helps! Glad you've found BCO! Best to you both! Deanna

Ernemmer, something I learned as I just finished my 1st round of A/C chem is to prevent any constipation prior to chemo; I had a horrible time 2 days after chemo when I got hit with side effect (albeit everyone is different) I will now make sure the pipes are moving well prior to my next treatment on 2/5; Senokot is a mild laxative if already a little constipated and my nurses also suggested MiraLAX the day before and through the first weekend.

Also, I had hair to the middle of my back and did a couple "phasing" hair cuts; first a short bob, now it is shaved on the sides with a floppy bang look so when it start falling out it is easier to just buzz it off; I am 7 days after A/C 1 so I know this next week I will probably begin to lose it so it was easier on me to get used to it short first. I had fun with it as hair loss with A/C is inevitable unless you choose to spend the money on the penguin cold caps; I just can't afford them and I am ok with losing my hair to live.

I also, traced my eyebrows with clear film paper so if I want to shadow or "draw" on some eyebrows later I know where they were and the natural shape.

Your fiend is blessed to have you there for her, it's not fun however you both will get through it, some days one minute at a time. And on the good days, get outside, let her feel the sun on her face; walk even short distances; laugh when you both can and rest when needed. There are no super heroes here just fighters, survivors, winners and the ones that love us through it.

God bless you both and remember to take care of You too!

Lara