Chemo Teaching

Luensmann4

Had my chemo teaching today…and of course one of the most important things is to eat… Any suggestions that worked well for y’all?

I’m extremely overwhelmed!!

How about mouth sores?

Anyone prescribed Letrozole? This was something that my doctor may want to add to my plan.

NoTimeForCancer

Luensmann4,

Try to take a breath. It is overwhelming but I am sure you are armed with a lot of information.

I would agree that eating during it all is very important, and they probably mentioned they do not want you losing weight. I don't know if they have a dietician on the team who can talk to you, but protein is important. Is there anything they told you not to eat? For example I was told no on fruits and vegetables that were on the ground - watermelon/melons, mushrooms. Pre-washed lettuce and carrots were ok - but I was told not to wash those things. (or do gardening - no hands in any kind of dirt I guess) It was all about the protecting myself from any kind of infection. I think that is a little more extreme than others have been told as I never saw that here.

Really, anything other than what I was told NOT to eat, I ate. Your appetite might change, so there is that fun as well.

I never had mouth sores, but everyone is different and I don't know what the side effects are of Letrozole or what was shared with you.

In the end, do not be afraid to call the office if you have questions. I promise you - you will surprise yourself.

NoTime

Luensmann4

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723242#Comment_1723242

Port was installed yesterday and 1st treatment tomorrow…This is all getting REAL!!!

As far as foods not to eat she just said stay away from greasy, spicy…and did mention to eat lean meats, like chicken, fish and turkey… other than that, just to eat. That is why I was looking for suggestions, she did not offer up much…but in the paperwork I picked up from the doctor's office yesterday, it did have a few more suggestions. Guess I'm just going to have to see what I feel like day to day.

NoTimeForCancer

Hope today goes ok!!

Luensmann4

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723296#Comment_1723296

Thank you! I had a few hiccups but made it through! 🙏❤️

anne609

Hope round one went ok for you — since the predominant side-effect of several of the chemo drugs is nausea, advice to stay away from the spicy and rich is probably good.

On mouth sores, I haven't had any — but have worked with a dentist for several years and any dentist — or your oncology team — can prescribe "magic mouthwash" which has various formulations but all include Lidocaine, an antacid, and benadryl.

Items I have found always edible include skinless boneless chicken breasts which I bake with some olive oil and lemon (Or Springer Farms frozen grilled chicken breasts are good to have on hand if cooking isn't on your agenda for an evening), Greek yogurt (high in protein), oatmeal, plain breadsticks or other plain bread of some kind, etc.

Anne

Luensmann4

Had a few hiccups but was able to complete round one. On day 4 now and these body aches are still sooo bad! Gosh!!!

anne609

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723341#Comment_1723341

Interestingly, my oncologist recommends 1 Claritin tablet (generic is lortatidine) and 2 extra strength Tylenol tablets (500mg each). It works. If you search for Claritin on this site, it confirms that lortatidine and tylenol address chemo-related aches.

Luensmann4

Really!! I'm going to take some now…Thank you sooo much!!!

Luensmann4

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723343#Comment_1723343

How often do you take it?

anne609

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723351#Comment_1723351

The Claritin (or generic) is one small tablet every 24 hours and the Tylenol is the usual dosing instructions. So far, I have only had to take it once after Chemo 1 and after Chemo 2. It is effective although, I must say, I thought it was some kind of mistake but talked with the Chemo coordinator and then consulted with Dr. Google!

Luensmann4

I had both in my medicine cabinet and already took one Claritin and 2 Tylenol. Praying for fast results. Thank you again!

anne609

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723353#Comment_1723353

I hope it works for you — let me know! If it doesn't, call the chemo coordinator at your oncologist's office and ask what can be done. None of the doctors or the nursing staffs want patients to experience negative effects — and will do their best to solve the problem

NoTimeForCancer

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723354#Comment_1723354

Good tip to call the office and check with them

Mercorby

The thing I remember about chemo (8 years ago) was not eat my favorite things. So, I found that eating Thai fried rice without onions had chicken, scrambled egg, and veggies. I add a tiny amount of low salt soy sauce and it worked out great. Not sure if drinking ginger tea is still ok, but check with your doctor. It helped with nausea.

As far as body aches and fatigue, I walked or swam as much as I could (not fast) and that seemed to help. As NoTimeForCancer says, always check this all out with your doctor. Also, if your cancer center has a cancer nutritionist, I highly recommend seeing one.

sailingalong

Hi, I had a laundry list of chemo effects, and mouth sores was one of those that really bothered me. A friend that had gone through the same thing recommended Colgate Peroxyl mouth wash. It really helped a lot. Hope this helps.