chemo 101
Hi. I was diagnosed with invasive bc a few months ago. I am scheduled to begin chemo (taxol) in a couple of weeks. I have been looking online for a "cheat sheet" with information on what to expect during chemo. Actually, I would like to know what to do before Istart treatment. For instance, I have acrylic nails. I was told by a friend that I should get them removed because during chemo you shouldn't let anyone use metal instruments on your nails. Is this true? If anyone has had acrylic nails removed, what would you recommend I use on my nails to strengthen them? I've scheduled a teeth cleaning before treatment starts. What else do I need to know? I don't want to be surprised when I arrive on the first day of chemo only to find out that I should have taken care of something prior to treatment beginning. Any advice anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Comments
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Chelsea - attached is a link that pretty much details all the tips & tricks of many, many ladies. It got me through. I bought lots more things than I actually needed, but I live alone and wanted to make sure I was covered no matter what. Yes, get your acrylic nails removed.
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics...
Look for the chemo threads for the last month (or the last quarter). I read the month before my chemo started & then joined the concurrent one. It was helpful going through this with others who were on the same page.
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Chelsea - it doesn't look like there's a December thread yet. If you don't find one, perhaps you could be the one to start a new one. Here are some recent past months.
Staring Chemo November
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics/874180
Starting chemo October
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics/873546?page=1#idx_17
Starting Chemo September 2019
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics/873000?page=1
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Here is my short list for Taxol infusion day:
Because Benadryl is a Taxol pre-med that makes you sleepy, a black silk eye mask or just a dark sock to drape over your eyes to improve nap quality.
Gel ice socks and gloves to stave off neuropathy. Bring more than one set in a cooler with ice. (NatraCure cold therapy socks, Icinger gloves)
A device and earbuds with your choice of music.
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I am so glad to be a part of this community and so appreciate everyone's responses. Looking forward to hearing more!
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chelsea1, we welcome you, and are happy that you found us here.
Also, you may want to fill in your Profile, and signature line so it's easier for others to see your diagnosis/treatment so you don't have to repeat in your posts.
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Does anyone have a good recommendation for cold gloves during chemo? I have read lots of reviews of different products but most products get too warm after about 30 minutes. Are there ones out there that last for at least an hour? Thanks.
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chelsea - if you'll read some of the monthly chemo thread and post your question there you're sure to get the most current information. October & November links are in my earlier post.
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MinusTwo, that was a great tip. i did find the information I was looking for. There is so much valuable information on these pages, it's difficult to know where to begin. I admit I'm hooked, though. I could spend hours here!
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