Chemo doable?

Feelingalone74

I will be starting treatment soon.  I keep hearing the inspiring message that chemo is doable but I also hear so much of the side effects.

Many have said to ice hands and feet during treatment.  Ice packs? Bucket of ice?

Dealing with anxiety of this whole traumatic ordeal?

zsazsa1

You are NOT alone!  I was

You are NOT alone!  I was absolutely terrified before chemo, but it was not that horrible to get through.  Definitely ice your hands and feet.  What I wound up doing was keeping my hands and feet immersed in ice water during the infusion, with a heating pad on my mid-section to stay warm.  What I wished I had done was put cold packs UNDER the icewater box my feet were in, because my feet rested on the bottom of the box, and the ice water didn't get to the soles of my feet when I dozed off. I wound up with a little bit of numbness on the ball of my left foot, but that was it.

Drink a TON of water right before, during, and right after the infusion - for a day or two after - to wash it through your kidneys.

Bring a helper, to keep replenishing ice when you fall asleep from the Benadryl, as you surely will.

Other people have used ice packs/ice gloves/ice booties.

Ask us questions!  Those of us who have been through it can tell you what we found helpful.  There was a lot of useful info that I got here, that I didn't get from the oncologist's staff.

Do you have a port in?

MAbound

Being prepared

Being prepared will help you get through chemo. Keep reading threads here for tips on getting through chemo.

I iced my hands and feet using slippers and mittens I got on Amazon. You need to ask how long your infusion of the chemo drugs will be because you need enough pairs to get you through that plus the 20 minutes before and after the infusion starts and ends. They stay cold about 40-45 minutes each pair. I needed 4 pairs each of the mittens and slippers.

I have a chest freezer that I kept them cold in to use between infusions for pain relief (I didn't have them until my 2nd infusion and got terrible neuropathy from the 1st infusion). I loaded them into a cooler with dry ice to keep them cold on infusion days. The dry ice made them almost unbearably cold, so I switched to recular ice which worked just fine. 

It's a hassle to lug this stuff in with you, make changes, and manuever to a bathroom (having an IV in will make you need to pee!), so definitely try to have a helper there with you. It's worth the hassle of doing this to avoid having to live with neuropathy.

Besides the icing equipment, take some food and drink with you. They want you to eat during infusions. I took yogurt and a PB & J sandwich. The chemo room will probably have coffee, tea, and water to drink and people often bring in cookies, muffins, or doughnuts to share. Infusion day itself is usually a rather pleasant day.

Talk to your doctor about how he wants you to handle constipation during chemo. Chemo drugs are neurotoxic which is why neuropathy is a big concern, but they also really impact the digestive nerves so you need to have a regimen in place to minimize constipation. It's often not just drinking at least 2 qts of water/day, but taking something like Miralax preventively and eating a low fiber diet. 

If your doctor hasn't said anything to you about supplements you are or aren't taking, talk to him/her about them. Most want you to take B12 or a B complex and to avoid antioxidents that would reduce the effectiveness of the chemo you are getting. That especially includes fish oil. Chemo drugs and radiation are designed to go after cancer cells when they are at their most active and you want to save taking anti-cancer supplements for when chemo and radiation is over.

Your entire digestive tract is going to be sensitive to having chemo, so there is a posibility of getting mouth sores during chemo. You can prevent that by swishing with a solution of 1 tsp. baking soda in a cup of water after eating and avoiding spicey (no pepper!) or highly acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus. 

Your taste buds will probably be off, too, and that is why many lose their appetite during chemo. One thing that many of us find tastes really good and helps with any burning sensation in our throat is watermelon. It's good to keep that on hand during chemo, but don't forget that you also really need protein to support your immune system and blood cell recovery during all of this. It's hard to eat meat, but yogurt, cheese, and protein drinks seem to be the easiest sources. 

Nausea can sometimes be a problem, but one that most doctors have a good handle on these days with what they give us before, during, and after infusions. One thing to be aware of is that sometimes what you think may be nausea may actually be heart burn from the chemo. It's a burning pain in your upper esophagus, but it doesn't come up from your stomach like heartburn usually does. It isn't associated with food in your stomach, either. If that happens, call your chemo nurse to ask about which antacid they recommend. Pepcid AC really helped me with that.

The steroids they have you take just before, during, and after an infusion will give both your appetite and energy a good boost, so enjoy that. The effects of chemo usually hit around the 2nd or 3rd day after so be prepared for that. It helps if you can time your infusions so that the worst of the effects occur on the weekend when there are hopefully fewer demands on you and help is around. The fatigue you get hit with will get progressively more dramatic with each infusion, so plan for that, too. Don't fight it, lots of rest and fluids is the key to getting through this just like it is for the flu. You just have to go through it six times is all!

I think I've covered most of what you can do to be prepared, so I hope this helps. The experience is always a bit different for each of us, but you adjust as needed. 

Feelingalone74

zsazsa1 said:

You are NOT alone!  I was

You are NOT alone!  I was absolutely terrified before chemo, but it was not that horrible to get through.  Definitely ice your hands and feet.  What I wound up doing was keeping my hands and feet immersed in ice water during the infusion, with a heating pad on my mid-section to stay warm.  What I wished I had done was put cold packs UNDER the icewater box my feet were in, because my feet rested on the bottom of the box, and the ice water didn't get to the soles of my feet when I dozed off. I wound up with a little bit of numbness on the ball of my left foot, but that was it.

Drink a TON of water right before, during, and right after the infusion - for a day or two after - to wash it through your kidneys.

Bring a helper, to keep replenishing ice when you fall asleep from the Benadryl, as you surely will.

Other people have used ice packs/ice gloves/ice booties.

Ask us questions!  Those of us who have been through it can tell you what we found helpful.  There was a lot of useful info that I got here, that I didn't get from the oncologist's staff.

Do you have a port in?

Zsazsa1, thanks so much for

Zsazsa1, thanks so much for all those helpful tips! And thanks for saying I'm not alone! Im definitely grateful to be surrounded by all of everyones support on here.

I'm  surprised this isnt something that they automatically do when getting treatment.  I said something to the nurse during my initial consultation earlier this week and she said she'd put it in my chart that I was requesting ice during the infusion.  So thankful for all the help of u ladies that have found what works best to help minimize complications. Say send to bring cards or tablet or games to pass the time but then I won't be icing. Does this need to be done the entire time? 

I'm an avid water drinker so that part shouldn't be a problem. I'll guzzle myvthe gallons if need be. LOL

Relieved to hear it's not as horrible as I anticipate. I'm having such anxiety. 

Next Thursday they will place the port....that makes me very nervous too 

Did u have 1? How uncomfortable is it?

MAbound

About the Low Fiber Diet

It sounds odd to eat a low fiber diet to prevent constipation because we are usually told that eating fiber helps prevent it. Fiber stimulates bowel movements by causing bulk to stimulate a movement. When we are on chemo, however, our digestive nerves are impacted and bulking can instead cause a blockage. 

Miralax is often the go-to recommendation because it draws water from the body to soften stool so it passes with less effort and prevents bulking that could become a blockage. You really need to drink a lot of water throughout chemo and not just around infusion days. You'll only have to get constipated once during chemo to appreciate that! There's a lot of variation between us as to how big a deal constipation is during chemo, but it really helps to have a plan in place to keep it from ever becoming a problem.

MAbound

Feelingalone74 said:

Zsazsa1, thanks so much for

Zsazsa1, thanks so much for all those helpful tips! And thanks for saying I'm not alone! Im definitely grateful to be surrounded by all of everyones support on here.

I'm  surprised this isnt something that they automatically do when getting treatment.  I said something to the nurse during my initial consultation earlier this week and she said she'd put it in my chart that I was requesting ice during the infusion.  So thankful for all the help of u ladies that have found what works best to help minimize complications. Say send to bring cards or tablet or games to pass the time but then I won't be icing. Does this need to be done the entire time? 

I'm an avid water drinker so that part shouldn't be a problem. I'll guzzle myvthe gallons if need be. LOL

Relieved to hear it's not as horrible as I anticipate. I'm having such anxiety. 

Next Thursday they will place the port....that makes me very nervous too 

Did u have 1? How uncomfortable is it?

Passing time

I was at three different infusion locations and they all had tvs to pass the time. You get benedryl IV as part of the drugs and that will likely make you a bit drowsy. They have comfy recliner chairs and blankets, so its real easy to take a nap. If you are icing your hands, you really won't be able to read or play games. Listening to music is doable, though. 

Ribbons

Infusion places

They are all somewhat differant. Mine had ice paks they offered me. I kept my feet on them more than my hands but i do get cold easily, maybe that helps? lol. I have very mild numbness in 3 of my toes but it is getting better. My place had snacks and drinks and hot water for tea all available for the patients. They instruct you to be sure to eat breakfast and also bring a lunch or have your helper person go get something. The infusion bags were on one of those holders with wheels so it was easy to get up and walk around and go to the bathroom. Warmed blankets are always available. It is kind of odd that infusion day is kind of pleasant, and I always felt real good the day after, then icky for 2 or 3 days.Everyone is differant and all places are differant, so it is good to have the information on here from other people. [Content removed by CSN Support Team] I agree on the watermelon, I also liked V-8 juice, ginger ale, and my lifesaver was zoi brand greek yogurt in the honey flavor. On the days I felt icky, I could still eat soup. Also, constipation is real!! I did have a port, it is not a big deal to get it put in, most people don't have much trouble with it. The anticipation of it is much worse than actually having it. Lots of people then keep it for a long time, but I was so done with it when chemo was finished, my Gyn/Onc/surgeon said I could get it out, she did that in her office at the cancer center.

 

Feelingalone74

zsazsa1 said:

You are NOT alone!  I was

You are NOT alone!  I was absolutely terrified before chemo, but it was not that horrible to get through.  Definitely ice your hands and feet.  What I wound up doing was keeping my hands and feet immersed in ice water during the infusion, with a heating pad on my mid-section to stay warm.  What I wished I had done was put cold packs UNDER the icewater box my feet were in, because my feet rested on the bottom of the box, and the ice water didn't get to the soles of my feet when I dozed off. I wound up with a little bit of numbness on the ball of my left foot, but that was it.

Drink a TON of water right before, during, and right after the infusion - for a day or two after - to wash it through your kidneys.

Bring a helper, to keep replenishing ice when you fall asleep from the Benadryl, as you surely will.

Other people have used ice packs/ice gloves/ice booties.

Ask us questions!  Those of us who have been through it can tell you what we found helpful.  There was a lot of useful info that I got here, that I didn't get from the oncologist's staff.

Do you have a port in?

Zsazsa ,  thank you so much

Zsazsa ,  thank you so much for letting me know that it's not as horrible as I am anticipating. I will take all of your suggestions for sure to help minimize any complications! I am getting the port placed in next Thursday.

Hugs

Feelingalone74

MAbound said:

Being prepared

Being prepared will help you get through chemo. Keep reading threads here for tips on getting through chemo.

I iced my hands and feet using slippers and mittens I got on Amazon. You need to ask how long your infusion of the chemo drugs will be because you need enough pairs to get you through that plus the 20 minutes before and after the infusion starts and ends. They stay cold about 40-45 minutes each pair. I needed 4 pairs each of the mittens and slippers.

I have a chest freezer that I kept them cold in to use between infusions for pain relief (I didn't have them until my 2nd infusion and got terrible neuropathy from the 1st infusion). I loaded them into a cooler with dry ice to keep them cold on infusion days. The dry ice made them almost unbearably cold, so I switched to recular ice which worked just fine. 

It's a hassle to lug this stuff in with you, make changes, and manuever to a bathroom (having an IV in will make you need to pee!), so definitely try to have a helper there with you. It's worth the hassle of doing this to avoid having to live with neuropathy.

Besides the icing equipment, take some food and drink with you. They want you to eat during infusions. I took yogurt and a PB & J sandwich. The chemo room will probably have coffee, tea, and water to drink and people often bring in cookies, muffins, or doughnuts to share. Infusion day itself is usually a rather pleasant day.

Talk to your doctor about how he wants you to handle constipation during chemo. Chemo drugs are neurotoxic which is why neuropathy is a big concern, but they also really impact the digestive nerves so you need to have a regimen in place to minimize constipation. It's often not just drinking at least 2 qts of water/day, but taking something like Miralax preventively and eating a low fiber diet. 

If your doctor hasn't said anything to you about supplements you are or aren't taking, talk to him/her about them. Most want you to take B12 or a B complex and to avoid antioxidents that would reduce the effectiveness of the chemo you are getting. That especially includes fish oil. Chemo drugs and radiation are designed to go after cancer cells when they are at their most active and you want to save taking anti-cancer supplements for when chemo and radiation is over.

Your entire digestive tract is going to be sensitive to having chemo, so there is a posibility of getting mouth sores during chemo. You can prevent that by swishing with a solution of 1 tsp. baking soda in a cup of water after eating and avoiding spicey (no pepper!) or highly acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus. 

Your taste buds will probably be off, too, and that is why many lose their appetite during chemo. One thing that many of us find tastes really good and helps with any burning sensation in our throat is watermelon. It's good to keep that on hand during chemo, but don't forget that you also really need protein to support your immune system and blood cell recovery during all of this. It's hard to eat meat, but yogurt, cheese, and protein drinks seem to be the easiest sources. 

Nausea can sometimes be a problem, but one that most doctors have a good handle on these days with what they give us before, during, and after infusions. One thing to be aware of is that sometimes what you think may be nausea may actually be heart burn from the chemo. It's a burning pain in your upper esophagus, but it doesn't come up from your stomach like heartburn usually does. It isn't associated with food in your stomach, either. If that happens, call your chemo nurse to ask about which antacid they recommend. Pepcid AC really helped me with that.

The steroids they have you take just before, during, and after an infusion will give both your appetite and energy a good boost, so enjoy that. The effects of chemo usually hit around the 2nd or 3rd day after so be prepared for that. It helps if you can time your infusions so that the worst of the effects occur on the weekend when there are hopefully fewer demands on you and help is around. The fatigue you get hit with will get progressively more dramatic with each infusion, so plan for that, too. Don't fight it, lots of rest and fluids is the key to getting through this just like it is for the flu. You just have to go through it six times is all!

I think I've covered most of what you can do to be prepared, so I hope this helps. The experience is always a bit different for each of us, but you adjust as needed. 

MAbound, thank you so much

MAbound, thank you so much for the plethora of information I'm going to be sure to take notes on all of this and bring it to my chemo teaching today. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of this that you ladies are giving to me.

Feelingalone74

MAbound said:

About the Low Fiber Diet

It sounds odd to eat a low fiber diet to prevent constipation because we are usually told that eating fiber helps prevent it. Fiber stimulates bowel movements by causing bulk to stimulate a movement. When we are on chemo, however, our digestive nerves are impacted and bulking can instead cause a blockage. 

Miralax is often the go-to recommendation because it draws water from the body to soften stool so it passes with less effort and prevents bulking that could become a blockage. You really need to drink a lot of water throughout chemo and not just around infusion days. You'll only have to get constipated once during chemo to appreciate that! There's a lot of variation between us as to how big a deal constipation is during chemo, but it really helps to have a plan in place to keep it from ever becoming a problem.

MAbound, ok good yo know

MAbound, ok good yo know about that as well

Hugs 

Feelingalone74

MAbound said:

Being prepared

Being prepared will help you get through chemo. Keep reading threads here for tips on getting through chemo.

I iced my hands and feet using slippers and mittens I got on Amazon. You need to ask how long your infusion of the chemo drugs will be because you need enough pairs to get you through that plus the 20 minutes before and after the infusion starts and ends. They stay cold about 40-45 minutes each pair. I needed 4 pairs each of the mittens and slippers.

I have a chest freezer that I kept them cold in to use between infusions for pain relief (I didn't have them until my 2nd infusion and got terrible neuropathy from the 1st infusion). I loaded them into a cooler with dry ice to keep them cold on infusion days. The dry ice made them almost unbearably cold, so I switched to recular ice which worked just fine. 

It's a hassle to lug this stuff in with you, make changes, and manuever to a bathroom (having an IV in will make you need to pee!), so definitely try to have a helper there with you. It's worth the hassle of doing this to avoid having to live with neuropathy.

Besides the icing equipment, take some food and drink with you. They want you to eat during infusions. I took yogurt and a PB & J sandwich. The chemo room will probably have coffee, tea, and water to drink and people often bring in cookies, muffins, or doughnuts to share. Infusion day itself is usually a rather pleasant day.

Talk to your doctor about how he wants you to handle constipation during chemo. Chemo drugs are neurotoxic which is why neuropathy is a big concern, but they also really impact the digestive nerves so you need to have a regimen in place to minimize constipation. It's often not just drinking at least 2 qts of water/day, but taking something like Miralax preventively and eating a low fiber diet. 

If your doctor hasn't said anything to you about supplements you are or aren't taking, talk to him/her about them. Most want you to take B12 or a B complex and to avoid antioxidents that would reduce the effectiveness of the chemo you are getting. That especially includes fish oil. Chemo drugs and radiation are designed to go after cancer cells when they are at their most active and you want to save taking anti-cancer supplements for when chemo and radiation is over.

Your entire digestive tract is going to be sensitive to having chemo, so there is a posibility of getting mouth sores during chemo. You can prevent that by swishing with a solution of 1 tsp. baking soda in a cup of water after eating and avoiding spicey (no pepper!) or highly acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus. 

Your taste buds will probably be off, too, and that is why many lose their appetite during chemo. One thing that many of us find tastes really good and helps with any burning sensation in our throat is watermelon. It's good to keep that on hand during chemo, but don't forget that you also really need protein to support your immune system and blood cell recovery during all of this. It's hard to eat meat, but yogurt, cheese, and protein drinks seem to be the easiest sources. 

Nausea can sometimes be a problem, but one that most doctors have a good handle on these days with what they give us before, during, and after infusions. One thing to be aware of is that sometimes what you think may be nausea may actually be heart burn from the chemo. It's a burning pain in your upper esophagus, but it doesn't come up from your stomach like heartburn usually does. It isn't associated with food in your stomach, either. If that happens, call your chemo nurse to ask about which antacid they recommend. Pepcid AC really helped me with that.

The steroids they have you take just before, during, and after an infusion will give both your appetite and energy a good boost, so enjoy that. The effects of chemo usually hit around the 2nd or 3rd day after so be prepared for that. It helps if you can time your infusions so that the worst of the effects occur on the weekend when there are hopefully fewer demands on you and help is around. The fatigue you get hit with will get progressively more dramatic with each infusion, so plan for that, too. Don't fight it, lots of rest and fluids is the key to getting through this just like it is for the flu. You just have to go through it six times is all!

I think I've covered most of what you can do to be prepared, so I hope this helps. The experience is always a bit different for each of us, but you adjust as needed. 

MAbound , yesterday  I  went

MAbound , yesterday  I  went to my chemo teaching .  Your information was spot-on much of what you included in your post is what they told me to be aware of, bringing  snacks, taking Vitamin B , steriods,, constipation ,  fatigue , eating protein, tour of infusion  room was as you described ,  they  have snacks drinks , tv sounds like they try to make you as comfortable as possible. And said I will probably sleep through much of it. Holy moly though.....the list of possible  side effects !!! I have to say listening to all the side effects makes me wonder if I can even go through a treatment but I know I need fight  to live for myself ,  son and husband. It definitely was very scary sitting there listening to her and telling me all of the information ! I know they have to tell you all the possible side effects and she kept reiterating that everyone is individual and there is no way to know how it'll affect me. Im not sure how I'll  be  able  to  put my best foot forward  and walk in there the day of treatment .  Luckily my husband  will be  there to give me the push I need!!!

Being prepared I know will help and I'm so grateful for all this first hand information that you ladies have given me will be instrumental!

I'm shocked that they told me that they do not do the ice treatment. Because all of you said that that really seems to help with minimizing the neuropathy. They said if I request I said they'll have it for me so I did

Thankfully my husband is able to take time off of work , he's been at all my appointments with me and he will be able to go all my  treatment  appointments . I'm  blessed  for that ! 

MAbound

Feelingalone74 said:

MAbound , yesterday  I  went

MAbound , yesterday  I  went to my chemo teaching .  Your information was spot-on much of what you included in your post is what they told me to be aware of, bringing  snacks, taking Vitamin B , steriods,, constipation ,  fatigue , eating protein, tour of infusion  room was as you described ,  they  have snacks drinks , tv sounds like they try to make you as comfortable as possible. And said I will probably sleep through much of it. Holy moly though.....the list of possible  side effects !!! I have to say listening to all the side effects makes me wonder if I can even go through a treatment but I know I need fight  to live for myself ,  son and husband. It definitely was very scary sitting there listening to her and telling me all of the information ! I know they have to tell you all the possible side effects and she kept reiterating that everyone is individual and there is no way to know how it'll affect me. Im not sure how I'll  be  able  to  put my best foot forward  and walk in there the day of treatment .  Luckily my husband  will be  there to give me the push I need!!!

Being prepared I know will help and I'm so grateful for all this first hand information that you ladies have given me will be instrumental!

I'm shocked that they told me that they do not do the ice treatment. Because all of you said that that really seems to help with minimizing the neuropathy. They said if I request I said they'll have it for me so I did

Thankfully my husband is able to take time off of work , he's been at all my appointments with me and he will be able to go all my  treatment  appointments . I'm  blessed  for that ! 

side effects

It's like tv commercials for drugs...the list of possible side effects is seemingly endless and scary, but that doesn't mean that everyone gets all of them. They are just possible.

If you have any side effects, remember you should call and tell your chemo nurse(s) or doctor that you are having them. They have many tricks in their bag to help you cope. You do not have to to suffer through them just because you were told they were a possibility. 

Icing isn't offered everywhere. I think the problem is that there isn't money in studying its efficacy, so most of the support for it is from testimonials of others who've done it as you see on this board. The slippers I used were forced to be taken off of the market by the FDA because they advertized being used for chemo without study to back them up. It's a shame because they were very well made and easy to use, but Armywife's hack is a really good alternative and so much cheaper.  I think neuropathy is the biggest fear as a side effect of chemo because it can be permanent and there really isn't anything available to treat the pain of it effectively. Prevention is key, so the hassle of icing is really worth it.

Your husband sounds like a treasure! Hang in there!

Feelingalone74

MAbound said:

side effects

It's like tv commercials for drugs...the list of possible side effects is seemingly endless and scary, but that doesn't mean that everyone gets all of them. They are just possible.

If you have any side effects, remember you should call and tell your chemo nurse(s) or doctor that you are having them. They have many tricks in their bag to help you cope. You do not have to to suffer through them just because you were told they were a possibility. 

Icing isn't offered everywhere. I think the problem is that there isn't money in studying its efficacy, so most of the support for it is from testimonials of others who've done it as you see on this board. The slippers I used were forced to be taken off of the market by the FDA because they advertized being used for chemo without study to back them up. It's a shame because they were very well made and easy to use, but Armywife's hack is a really good alternative and so much cheaper.  I think neuropathy is the biggest fear as a side effect of chemo because it can be permanent and there really isn't anything available to treat the pain of it effectively. Prevention is key, so the hassle of icing is really worth it.

Your husband sounds like a treasure! Hang in there!

Thank you Mabound he

Thank you Mabound he definitely is a treasure.  I'd be lost without him for sure!

I was told like u suggested to get B12 or B complex. Any differences? 

Yes , you're right about the side effects with all drugs/meds. The TV commercials definitely depict that.

I have to remember like u said POSSIBLE. 

I will definitely keep a close eye on my body and call right away if something doesnt feel right.

Thank you again.

Warmly, Michelle 

Feelingalone74

Ribbons said:

Infusion places

They are all somewhat differant. Mine had ice paks they offered me. I kept my feet on them more than my hands but i do get cold easily, maybe that helps? lol. I have very mild numbness in 3 of my toes but it is getting better. My place had snacks and drinks and hot water for tea all available for the patients. They instruct you to be sure to eat breakfast and also bring a lunch or have your helper person go get something. The infusion bags were on one of those holders with wheels so it was easy to get up and walk around and go to the bathroom. Warmed blankets are always available. It is kind of odd that infusion day is kind of pleasant, and I always felt real good the day after, then icky for 2 or 3 days.Everyone is differant and all places are differant, so it is good to have the information on here from other people. [Content removed by CSN Support Team] I agree on the watermelon, I also liked V-8 juice, ginger ale, and my lifesaver was zoi brand greek yogurt in the honey flavor. On the days I felt icky, I could still eat soup. Also, constipation is real!! I did have a port, it is not a big deal to get it put in, most people don't have much trouble with it. The anticipation of it is much worse than actually having it. Lots of people then keep it for a long time, but I was so done with it when chemo was finished, my Gyn/Onc/surgeon said I could get it out, she did that in her office at the cancer center.

 

Thanks Ribbons for all the

Thanks Ribbons for all the suggestions on food and constipation. The center that I am going to sounds much like yours where they provide snacks warm blankets , said to eat breakfast but they'll provide lunch for my husband and I. And anything else to make you as comfortable as possible.  They will give me ice paks per my request. Should I just rest my hands and feet on them?

Not looking forward to those icky days but hoping I can be strong! 

Relieved that the port isnt as bad as I anticipate!

Hugs, Michelle 

MAbound

Feelingalone74 said:

Thank you Mabound he

Thank you Mabound he definitely is a treasure.  I'd be lost without him for sure!

I was told like u suggested to get B12 or B complex. Any differences? 

Yes , you're right about the side effects with all drugs/meds. The TV commercials definitely depict that.

I have to remember like u said POSSIBLE. 

I will definitely keep a close eye on my body and call right away if something doesnt feel right.

Thank you again.

Warmly, Michelle 

B Vitamins

My gyn oncologist told me to take a B complex vitamin but gave me no suggestions regarding dosages or brands. I looked into it some more and decided to just go with B12 rather than a complex that also contained Folate and B6.

I had a subscription to consumerlab.com at the time which is like Consumer Reports, but tests supplements instead. It's the best source for unbiased information because they are supported by subscriptions rather than manufacturerers. I went with B12 because there is no upper tolerable limit taking it whereas it's possible to take too much Folate and B6. Too much can actually cause neuropathy and you need to include what you get in foods you eat in how much you are taking.

B12 comes in two forms in the body: active and inactive. Cancer, surgery, age, chemo, certain drugs like Metformin or antacids either reduce the amount of B12 we can absorb from food or convert as much as 80% of active B12 into its inactive form. Current laboratory tests measure both together without differentiating between them, so testing won't really tell you if you have a deficit or not. You probably do and hence the need to supplement. It doesn't prevent neuropathy by itself, but it is important to the myelin sheath that protects your nerves. 

What dose to take? I get into trouble with the censors when I say what I took because they consider that giving medical advice. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist what he suggests as a dosage to aim for or subscribe to consumerlab.com and they'll tell you dosages there. You are going to be reading a lot about supplements as you go along, so you may find that very helpful for at least a year.  Your body (if your kidneys are working right) gets rid of whatever B12 it can't use, so it's relatively safe to take. The sublingual tablets are the best absorbed form, so always look for those.

Feelingalone74

Getting overly anxious as my

Getting overly anxious as my treatment will begin one week from tomorrow . I dont know how I'm ever going to do it and also contemplating whether or not even want to go through it with all the possible side effects. I know that there's no way of knowing which if any that I'll get but wondering how or if I'll have any quality of life if it does such a number on my body. I know of I want to live longer and have a change at life I must do the treatment.  Just really scared! 

I don't want to give up because I cant think to bare the loss my son and husband as well as many others will endure but wondering how I  can survive such an aggressive treatment. My treatment is going to be soooooo long 

2 rounds of carboplatin and taxol 3 weeks apart 

Followed by 5 weeks of 5 days a week radiation combined with 1 day cisplatin. 

Followed by 2 more rounds of carboplatin and taxol.

Also I'm extremely sad by my 45th my beautiful long blonde hair will be gone.  I suffered low self esteem most of my life and this is so devastating to me that finally I'm in a good spot and it's all going to change drastically.  My husband tells me I will be beautiful to him no matter what but I know that unless I feel beautiful it won't matter what he or anyone else says. Ugh this is so hard! It just friggin sucks!!!

Fridays Child

It's easier once it starts

Sounds crazy to say but the apprehension leading up to it is hard because you don't know how you're going to feel. You've had so much good advice here and are better prepared than many are.

I had five weeks of concurrent radiation and low dose Carboplatin and Taxol, then a couple of weeks off and six more treatments of full dose Carbo/Taxol, three weeks apart.  During that time I was able to keep my 2 year old grandbaby twice a week and keep up with the laundry and most of the housework and cooking, as well as my volunteer work at church.  My husband was great about picking up something if I didn't want to cook. 

Some things were a pain to eat with plastic utensils so I might make it into a sandwich so I could eat with my hands.  (Did they advise you to eat with plastic utensils to help avoid the metallic taste that some people get from the platinum drugs?)  There may be things you absolutely crave and other things you just don't want to eat for a while.

The Neulasta gave me a lot of bone pain the first time and I said I wasn't sure if I was going to do that again.  I meant the Neulasta but my  husband thought I meant the chemo and got kind of agitated.  But I did and it was better the rest of the time.  I added Benadryl to the Claritin and that helped a lot.

Hang in there!

janaes

As i read this today it made

As i read this today it made me think about what i did. I remember thinking about loosing my hair before i started chemo. This of course would be my second time loosing my hair. I remember that i loved my wig i got during my first cancer. Some people did this different but i went out before treatment and bought me a wig that i liked. I took my sister and dad and step mom. I found one i liked. The lady there let me try a few on and that was great.  When i finally got it it i would put it on every once in a while just to get used to it. That really helped me to get motivated. I knew i could still be beatiful. Just an idea. Some people like to wait tell after they loose their hair to buy the wig but i needrd motivation. Try to enjoy your week before you start. I know thats easier said than done. I will be thinking about you

janae

barnyardgal

It is hard to see the hair go

It is hard to see the hair go. I was sure once my hair started to grow I would go for my long hair again. But I found I look really good with shorter hair. I had long hair since high school and never would have tried a shorter cut. But I love it! 

Due to allergies I had a different chemo. I was scared, but it all worked out fine . Chemo isn't fun but it's very doable. 

Feelingalone74

barnyardgal said:

It is hard to see the hair go

It is hard to see the hair go. I was sure once my hair started to grow I would go for my long hair again. But I found I look really good with shorter hair. I had long hair since high school and never would have tried a shorter cut. But I love it! 

Due to allergies I had a different chemo. I was scared, but it all worked out fine . Chemo isn't fun but it's very doable. 

Barnyardgal, I bet you u look

Barnyardgal, I bet you u look great with your shorter hairstyle!

Thanks for reminding me like others that chemo is doable!

Feelingalone74

janaes said:

As i read this today it made

As i read this today it made me think about what i did. I remember thinking about loosing my hair before i started chemo. This of course would be my second time loosing my hair. I remember that i loved my wig i got during my first cancer. Some people did this different but i went out before treatment and bought me a wig that i liked. I took my sister and dad and step mom. I found one i liked. The lady there let me try a few on and that was great.  When i finally got it it i would put it on every once in a while just to get used to it. That really helped me to get motivated. I knew i could still be beatiful. Just an idea. Some people like to wait tell after they loose their hair to buy the wig but i needrd motivation. Try to enjoy your week before you start. I know thats easier said than done. I will be thinking about you

janae

Thank you Janae! 

Thank you Janae! 

I too was proactive in who shopping like you. I'm so grateful to  say the Center I'm going to this wonderful local salon owner that looks closely with patients  I have been with me and she helps me try on  several weeks in match my hair color  she's very uplifting and made it a positive experience. She's a true angel! I picked it up last week. It's been in the closet since then. However I will take your suggestion to put it on around the house to get use to it.

Michelle