Chemo Teaching

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Luensmann4
Luensmann4 CSN Member Posts: 14 Member

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.

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer CSN Member Posts: 3,587 Member

    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
    Luensmann4 CSN Member Posts: 14 Member

    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
    NoTimeForCancer CSN Member Posts: 3,587 Member

    Hope today goes ok!!

  • Luensmann4
    Luensmann4 CSN Member Posts: 14 Member

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

  • anne609
    anne609 CSN Member Posts: 10 Member

    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
    Luensmann4 CSN Member Posts: 14 Member

    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
    anne609 CSN Member Posts: 10 Member

    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
    Luensmann4 CSN Member Posts: 14 Member

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

  • Luensmann4
    Luensmann4 CSN Member Posts: 14 Member
  • anne609
    anne609 CSN Member Posts: 10 Member

    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
    Luensmann4 CSN Member Posts: 14 Member

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

  • anne609
    anne609 CSN Member Posts: 10 Member

    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
    NoTimeForCancer CSN Member Posts: 3,587 Member

    Good tip to call the office and check with them