Tips and tricks for chemo. - would appreciate
I have been reading the boards for a few months now and periodically I have noticed tips and tricks to relieve or alleviate pain from chemo. and Neulasta shots. I remember a mention of Clariton and Tylenol but don't remember for what. I am starting chemo. this Wednesday the 19th and am terrified I am going to bolt out of the chair. If anyone has any tips I can jot down ahead of time I would soooo appreciate it. Maybe I will feel better if I am more prepared. Thanks everyone!! Oh, by the way it will be Taxotere and Cycotan (spelling??).
Comments
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Hi slurpee. I didn't have
Hi slurpee. I didn't have chemo, but, many on here have and will help you.0 -
I am not on chemo, but,survivorbc09 said:Hi slurpee. I didn't have
Hi slurpee. I didn't have chemo, but, many on here have and will help you.
I am not on chemo, but, someone will post and help you out Slurpee.
Wishing you good luck!0 -
Hi, I had 8 rounds of chemo.
Hi, I had 8 rounds of chemo. Four Cytoxan/Adriamycin and four Taxol. The first 2 commonly cause nausea and complete hair loss. They gave me 2 anti-nausea meds with my treatment(one through I.V. and one oral). These prevented sickness during the infusion, however I always felt a bit weird; dizzy, tired and jittery at the same time by the end of the infusion and for a few days after. My hair started falling out about 3 weeks after my first treatment. I got sick of sweeping up hair--it was EVERYWHERE, so after a week or so I shaved the rest of it off. I wore soft cotton caps around the house and at night. I bought a really cute wig for going out.
I was prescribed 4 additional meds that I alternated every 3 hours for the next 4 days after each treatment. They worked well. I usually had some delayed nausea and dizziness a few days after that though.
For 2 days after each infusion I only ate bananas, applesauce and toast. A couple of times I forgot and ate something heavier like tuna or veggies and immediately threw up.
I also found that as I entered the cancer center for each teatment(after the first one) I would have anticipatory nausea that would last through out my treatment. The doc said that was common and prescribed ativan, which helped. I also found that sniffing a small bottle of orange or lavendar oil helped keep the nausea at bay. I found it in the organic section in my local supermarket. I kept it with me during my long treatments and sniffed it every few minutes and it really helped and calmed me.
At my center each infusion chair had a small tv and the chairs reclined. They brought us blankets and snacks/drinks. At lunch time they came around with our choice of boxed lunches. In the infusion room at the hospital there were curtains in case anyone prferred privacy, and at the satellite office there was a half wall around 3 sides and a full curtain in case you wanted to be private or sleep. Every single nurse, doctor, volunteer, etc... that cared for me was kind, patient, and caring. Oncology staff are very special people.
You will be fine, you'll see. My cancer center offered a chemo class that I attended and it was very helpful. It covered all possible side effects, and what to expect during treatment and helpful tips.
I hope sharing my experience helps even just a bit to make you feel more prepared. Eil0 -
To help with nausea
My doctor approved ginger tablets. I used the 250 mg. tablets and starting taking them 2-3 days before my treatments. I took 2 the first day and 3 the day before my treatment. I only threw up one time. I also had a prescrption from the doctor which helped in the 2-3 times I needed it. For my taxol the doctor told me to go to the vitamin shop and get glutamine powder. I took 2 teaspoons 3 times a day 2 days for before treatment and continued this for the day of treatment and 4 days after. It seems to have really helped with joint pain and tingling of the extremeties. The Taxol has been much easier in general. Hope you do well.0 -
tips & trickscindy north said:To help with nausea
My doctor approved ginger tablets. I used the 250 mg. tablets and starting taking them 2-3 days before my treatments. I took 2 the first day and 3 the day before my treatment. I only threw up one time. I also had a prescrption from the doctor which helped in the 2-3 times I needed it. For my taxol the doctor told me to go to the vitamin shop and get glutamine powder. I took 2 teaspoons 3 times a day 2 days for before treatment and continued this for the day of treatment and 4 days after. It seems to have really helped with joint pain and tingling of the extremeties. The Taxol has been much easier in general. Hope you do well.
I had 4 treatments of A/C and then 12 treatments of Taxol w/Herceptin.
When I was having the A/C treatments I took the anti-nausea pills the Dr. prescribed, drank plenty of H2O. My Dr. recommended Claritin for the bone and muscle pain that the Neulasta shot caused. I still take it everyday and it helps. I did not get nauseated during treatments--I was one of the lucky ones.
Rest when you can--I have a 6 year old so I crashed at night. I still worked while on treatments-only took time off to have my treatments and then back to work the same day.
Use plastic ware to eat with-will help with the metallic taste.
If at all possible cook with glassware because metal pans will still give you a metallic taste even if you use plastic ware.
My hair fell out day 15 of treatment and then shave it on day 16. Stubbles will be very pocky so I used a lint brush that had tape on it and rolled it over my head several times a day and helped out a great deal.
I can't think of anything else right now but if I do I will post it.
Thinking of you.
Hugs,
Margo0 -
Anothertommaseena said:tips & tricks
I had 4 treatments of A/C and then 12 treatments of Taxol w/Herceptin.
When I was having the A/C treatments I took the anti-nausea pills the Dr. prescribed, drank plenty of H2O. My Dr. recommended Claritin for the bone and muscle pain that the Neulasta shot caused. I still take it everyday and it helps. I did not get nauseated during treatments--I was one of the lucky ones.
Rest when you can--I have a 6 year old so I crashed at night. I still worked while on treatments-only took time off to have my treatments and then back to work the same day.
Use plastic ware to eat with-will help with the metallic taste.
If at all possible cook with glassware because metal pans will still give you a metallic taste even if you use plastic ware.
My hair fell out day 15 of treatment and then shave it on day 16. Stubbles will be very pocky so I used a lint brush that had tape on it and rolled it over my head several times a day and helped out a great deal.
I can't think of anything else right now but if I do I will post it.
Thinking of you.
Hugs,
Margo
Sometimes when they flush your port you can sometimes taste or smell it so I always have peppermint candy and suck on it when they are flushing it so I don't get a taste in my mouth.0 -
Taxotere and Cytoxantommaseena said:Another
Sometimes when they flush your port you can sometimes taste or smell it so I always have peppermint candy and suck on it when they are flushing it so I don't get a taste in my mouth.
Sorry that you are having chemo.
I just finished round two (of four) TC treatments. I was terrified before I started, but am thinking that this will be doable after all. My MD gave me pre-meds (steroids) and several anti-nausea drugs in my IV. The day of and day after treatment tend to be pretty easy, but days 3 through 5 are kind of rough, mostly due to fatigue and pain. I've used Tylenol to manage pain. It is very important to drink lots of water during and after your treatments!0 -
I had chemo every week forBunnyJane said:Taxotere and Cytoxan
Sorry that you are having chemo.
I just finished round two (of four) TC treatments. I was terrified before I started, but am thinking that this will be doable after all. My MD gave me pre-meds (steroids) and several anti-nausea drugs in my IV. The day of and day after treatment tend to be pretty easy, but days 3 through 5 are kind of rough, mostly due to fatigue and pain. I've used Tylenol to manage pain. It is very important to drink lots of water during and after your treatments!
I had chemo every week for 12 weeks. I also was so scared, but it was not as bad as i thought it would be. I found the following helped me. I would take a walk every morning, drink hot green tea, eat applesauce, popsicles, homemade soup, drink ginger ale. I was constipated, so I had to take a stool softener, your oncology nurse will recommend something. I also had anti-nausea drugs. My nurses were so helpful, I really believe you will be fine. I was tired, but I would rest alot. I also talked on the phone to friends and family, You will also meet people at chemo who are going through the same thing, talk to them. Think positive!0 -
Hi
I start chemo the day after you do. I was wondering about the clariton too. Is it clariton or clariton D for the Neulasta shot pain? Whoever replies, did your oncologist tell you to take this? I want to have everything in my medicine cabinet, ready to go incase I need it.
I have a dreary chemo room to where they don't serve any food or anything and they won't let my fiance come in with me because they don't have room. So guess I am going it alone. I am taking a magazine, a book, a hand held electronic game to play and some crackers to eat so far.
Sorry I wasn't to much help but I am feeling the same thing you are going through. We will make it through it, I'm sure!!
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
IReikigemgirl said:Hi
I start chemo the day after you do. I was wondering about the clariton too. Is it clariton or clariton D for the Neulasta shot pain? Whoever replies, did your oncologist tell you to take this? I want to have everything in my medicine cabinet, ready to go incase I need it.
I have a dreary chemo room to where they don't serve any food or anything and they won't let my fiance come in with me because they don't have room. So guess I am going it alone. I am taking a magazine, a book, a hand held electronic game to play and some crackers to eat so far.
Sorry I wasn't to much help but I am feeling the same thing you are going through. We will make it through it, I'm sure!!
Love and Light,
Vicki
Haven't yet had chemo... if I do i will be refering to your thread.. I want to wish you well on this part of your Journey!!!
HUGZ... Calleen0 -
That isn't right that yourReikigemgirl said:Hi
I start chemo the day after you do. I was wondering about the clariton too. Is it clariton or clariton D for the Neulasta shot pain? Whoever replies, did your oncologist tell you to take this? I want to have everything in my medicine cabinet, ready to go incase I need it.
I have a dreary chemo room to where they don't serve any food or anything and they won't let my fiance come in with me because they don't have room. So guess I am going it alone. I am taking a magazine, a book, a hand held electronic game to play and some crackers to eat so far.
Sorry I wasn't to much help but I am feeling the same thing you are going through. We will make it through it, I'm sure!!
Love and Light,
Vicki
That isn't right that your fiancee can't be with you. Isn't there some way they could make room for him?0 -
I didn't have chemo, but,survivorbc09 said:That isn't right that your
That isn't right that your fiancee can't be with you. Isn't there some way they could make room for him?
I didn't have chemo, but, wishing you good luck with it. I know several will help you out.
Hugs ♥Lex♥0 -
and Vickidyaneb123 said:Hey Slurp
The claritin works
Hey Slurp
The claritin works great after the Neulasta shots, which causes your bones to ache. You wouldn't think claritin would help ,but it does. I'll be doing #5 next week and I always have
my claritin and my immodium in my purse.
Dee
Yes. My ONC. has started recommending Claritin for bone pain.0 -
I had so many drugs...
I can't remember of the name of all of them. I was given a med that I was to take 2-3 days prior to chemo, I took Benedryl (via my port) just before chemo started, then I took a med for 2-3 days after chemo. I go to the dr on Mon, I can ask him to open my chart and check for names of all the drugs I was on and then post again prior to all of your starting chemo. I'll try to remember to start another thread so it will be easy to find.
Good luck to all of you soon be on chemo and to all of you who are scheduled to start in the near future.
I do remember that, while I was at chemo, I drank a lot of water with ice (sucking on ice supposedly helps reduce the occurance (sp? never could spell this word)of mouth sores--it must have worked because I didn't get any
. The water, of course, keeps you hydrated--a common effect of chemo. I took food to eat (a picnic lunch really) to share with my driver/friend, because I knew that I would eat little to nothing for days afterward.
I didn't have excessive pain from the Neulasta shot, but was given too much (I'm very sensitive to meds and prone to clots) and it caused a blood clot. Make sure the effects of Neulasta are monitored closely.
That's all for now, until I get some info from my dr on Monday.
dmc0 -
Hi 4slurpee
Although I did not have the same chemo regimen as I am having now (CMF: Cytoxan, Methotrexate, 5FU), I can give you some general tips. Sucking candy or gum during the infusion should eliminate any metallic taste during infusion (which is the only time I get that side effect). Also, hydrate well. Drink lots of water and if you have diarrhea or anything that might deplete your stores of nutrients, drink gatorade. (You can tell if you need Gatorade by the color of your urine. It should be amber. If it is nearly clear, you are drinking too much water and not enough gatorade or sports drink.
As far as mouth sores, a very helpful nurse suggested I rinse my mouth with water after eating anything. This is very helpful so even though i get mouth sores, they go away quickly and don't get big or painful.
Sleep as much as you can...sleep is healing.
If you take steroids, ask your Onc. to give you a prescription for Ativan to help you sleep while you're on the steroids. Don't be afraid to contact your oncologist's nurse with any questions you have. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Also, oncology nurses are great and know a lot. Don't hesitate to call the nurse with any questions or comments or needs for meds. There is no need to suffer side effects if you don't have to. If you try a medication for a side effect and it doesn't work, call the nurse right away and ask for an alternative med. Don't worry about calling too much...that's what our health care providers are there for.
Finally, give yourself a break. Pamper yourself whenever you can. Indulge. Be well! Good luck with the chemo. Chemo is not pleasant, but it can be done!0 -
Hi 4slurpee
Although I did not have the same chemo regimen as I am having now (CMF: Cytoxan, Methotrexate, 5FU), I can give you some general tips. Sucking candy or gum during the infusion should eliminate any metallic taste during infusion (which is the only time I get that side effect). Also, hydrate well. Drink lots of water and if you have diarrhea or anything that might deplete your stores of nutrients, drink gatorade. (You can tell if you need Gatorade by the color of your urine. It should be amber. If it is nearly clear, you are drinking too much water and not enough gatorade or sports drink.
As far as mouth sores, a very helpful nurse suggested I rinse my mouth with water after eating anything. This is very helpful so even though i get mouth sores, they go away quickly and don't get big or painful.
Sleep as much as you can...sleep is healing.
If you take steroids, ask your Onc. to give you a prescription for Ativan to help you sleep while you're on the steroids. Don't be afraid to contact your oncologist's nurse with any questions you have. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Also, oncology nurses are great and know a lot. Don't hesitate to call the nurse with any questions or comments or needs for meds. There is no need to suffer side effects if you don't have to. If you try a medication for a side effect and it doesn't work, call the nurse right away and ask for an alternative med. Don't worry about calling too much...that's what our health care providers are there for.
Finally, give yourself a break. Pamper yourself whenever you can. Indulge. Be well! Good luck with the chemo. Chemo is not pleasant, but it can be done!0 -
Hi 4slurpee
Although I did not have the same chemo regimen as I am having now (CMF: Cytoxan, Methotrexate, 5FU), I can give you some general tips. Sucking candy or gum during the infusion should eliminate any metallic taste during infusion (which is the only time I get that side effect). Also, hydrate well. Drink lots of water and if you have diarrhea or anything that might deplete your stores of nutrients, drink gatorade. (You can tell if you need Gatorade by the color of your urine. It should be amber. If it is nearly clear, you are drinking too much water and not enough gatorade or sports drink.
If your doc. give you anti-nausea drugs to take, take them as directed. Once you become nauseated, it is harder to make it go away than preventing it altogether.
As far as mouth sores, a very helpful nurse suggested I rinse my mouth with water after eating anything. This is very helpful so even though i get mouth sores, they go away quickly and don't get big or painful.
Sleep as much as you can...sleep is healing.
If you take steroids, ask your Onc. to give you a prescription for Ativan to help you sleep while you're on the steroids. Don't be afraid to contact your oncologist's nurse with any questions you have. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Also, oncology nurses are great and know a lot. Don't hesitate to call the nurse with any questions or comments or needs for meds. There is no need to suffer side effects if you don't have to. If you try a medication for a side effect and it doesn't work, call the nurse right away and ask for an alternative med. Don't worry about calling too much...that's what our health care providers are there for.
Finally, give yourself a break. Pamper yourself whenever you can. Indulge. Be well! Good luck with the chemo. Chemo is not pleasant, but it can and will be done.0 -
Hi 4slurpee
Although I did not have the same chemo regimen as I am having now (CMF: Cytoxan, Methotrexate, 5FU), I can give you some general tips. Sucking candy or gum during the infusion should eliminate any metallic taste during infusion (which is the only time I get that side effect). Also, hydrate well. Drink lots of water and if you have diarrhea or anything that might deplete your stores of nutrients, drink gatorade. (You can tell if you need Gatorade by the color of your urine. It should be amber. If it is nearly clear, you are drinking too much water and not enough gatorade or sports drink.
If your doc. give you anti-nausea drugs to take, take them as directed. Once you become nauseated, it is harder to make it go away than preventing it altogether.
As far as mouth sores, a very helpful nurse suggested I rinse my mouth with water after eating anything. This is very helpful so even though i get mouth sores, they go away quickly and don't get big or painful.
Sleep as much as you can...sleep is healing.
If you take steroids, ask your Onc. to give you a prescription for Ativan to help you sleep while you're on the steroids. Don't be afraid to contact your oncologist's nurse with any questions you have. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Also, oncology nurses are great and know a lot. There is no need to suffer side effects if you don't have to. If you try a medication for a side effect and it doesn't work, call the nurse right away and ask for an alternative med. Don't worry about calling too much...that's what our health care providers are there for.
Finally, give yourself a break. Pamper yourself whenever you can. Indulge. Be well! Good luck with the chemo. Chemo is not pleasant, but it can and will be done.0
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