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

Mallow - we're talking reconstruction implants. They are no longer available.

If you go to 'my profile' at the top, you can add your diagnosis & treatment to date so we can make more sensible answers. You have to choose "make it public" for it to print under you posts.

For those getting ready to start chemo - or even those who have already started & want to update ideas.

This whole list and thread is great! A few weeks before chemo started I stopped by the drugstore and foodstore (loving the curbside pickup option!) and stocked up on a lot of things I didn't have. Even if I never use some of them, I have peace of mind knowing that they're on hand and I don't have to run out to get them when I'm feeling at my worst (I live alone).

I've only had 1 infusion so far, with mostly good days. I put a lot of the supplies along with some food into a tote bag and take it with me from room to room (and up to bed). If I'm parked on the sofa and really don't feel like moving, it's handy having applesauce and a few crackers right there, and then I go back to napping. I'm seeing a dietician next week and will get her input for nutritious/protein-rich foods for when I just don't feel like eating.

Bumping again for a 'nail' question

This is a great list! I used it heavily to fpget ready for my first session today.

We are glad you found it too, SarahMaude. Hope your session went well today. Please keep us posted.

WOW! Getting ready for this next step in my journey: 1st chemo treatment on Wednesday! I am scared. But hope to find some comfort and strength in your stories shared here. You all seem to be very strong women!

laback - glad the tips helped. What chemo will you be doing? I had four different drugs and my infusion day was usually at least 8 hours. Yes, I lost my hair & yes I was tired - but fortunately I was not nauseated. Still - I was able to drive to every one of my infusion sessions by myself & drive myself back home. I did start icing my fingers the very first day, but neglected to ice my toes on day one so my big toe nails detached. But I didn't lose them entirely. Good luck. Please do check back in.

Good SarahMaude - I used to do that when I could more easily see 'my favorites', but it's a real pain with this 'new' design.

SarahMaude - so you started chemo on 5/4? I guess you've likely had two sessions? Hope everything is going OK and your side effect are minimal.

@ Minustwo; You are amazing, especially to drive! My 1st treatment was last wednesday. I am taking cytoxan & taxotere. I used the penguin cold cap also- I am not for certain, but during that day, my eyes were a little woozy from the flourescent lighting in the room, the meds (& nerves of it all), or the tight frozen caps on my head. After a few hours it felt good to to shut my eyes and listen to music. It subsided later that night, so i assume it was the cold. As for this past week, I challenge with the mental game: is something happening? when will it happen? am i okay? Actual symptoms were constipation, cotton/chemo tongue, and a higher pulse. I go in thursday for a blood draw check. Next treatment is in 2 weeks.

bumping for new members

hi. My first post. I had my first chemo treatment on Monday (AC) and now have severe constipation. I just ate some dried apricots and dates. Husband is getting me prune juice and stool softener but that won’t be here for a little while. Any immediate suggestions? So far this is my first side effect. And I’m always regular with vowel movements. Thanks

Hi chickadee, and welcome to Breastcancer.org! We're so sorry to hear of your troubles with treatment, but we're glad you've found us and decided to post. You're sure to find our Community a wonderful source of advice, information, encouragement, and support -- we're all here for you!

While you wait for the always helpful tips from others here, we wanted to share with you a couple of pages from Breastcancer.org that you may find helpful:

• Managing Constipation
• Eating When You Have Constipation
• Podcast: Constipation as a Side Effect of Treatment -- listen or read the transcript.

We hope this helps and that you feel better soon. Please keep us posted with how you're doing!

--The Mods

That caught me my first time around also. Lasted about four days along with what felt like a brick in my stomach. I assume because nothing is moving quickly. Anyway miralax once or two a day and a stool softener every meal. Should take you about two to three days and then you'll notice things moving pretty regularly. If you want to head it off next time start miralax with first meal after chemo and then once a day after that. A stool softener two or three times a day, also. That seems to be helping me this time around. Still got that damn brick but it's not quite as heavy in here