Just Beginning

OMG 1012 said:

Silvadene is prescription, my

Silvadene is prescription, my pharmacist gave me the BIG jar, I too used the aquaphor in the beginning but found the Silvadene at the middle/end of treatment provided much more relief.  AND the Domboro was wonderful, I mixed 1 packet in a bottle of water and kept it in the fridge, I would pour some out into a bowl and put the washcloth piece in and apply the cold solution to my area.  The itching I am not so sure what caused it I am assuming the radiation, it was so intense that I dont know what I would have done with out the Benadryl.  You menitoned getting your port in --ya know, that is the one things that really bothered me the most about the whole treatment too, but it is worth it for ease of treatment.  (Mine has now been removed)  You are almost 1 year exactly from when I started my treatment, (Nov 19) I wish you well and want you to know it does get better, I am doing very well after completion of treatment 10 months ago.  I also wanted to add that my mouth started to hurt about 3 days after the 1st round of chemo. And the worse days of the whole treatment was 3 days after last round of chemo and that lasted about a week--we all are different, some things work for some and not others, I too found this board before I started and I don't know how I would have made it without all the wonderful people here and their support and recommendations--I wish you well!

Thank you so much makes me feel better about the port, I just really don't like needles but then most people don't.  At my age you wouldn't think they would still make me break a sweat but they do.  Wow amazing the similarities.  I am so thankful I found this site can't say thank you enough to everyone for the info and kindness and support they have shown.  It is helping me feel like I am gathering the right tools for this war and that everything will be ok.  The mouth sores don't sound very exciting either but then none of it is.  Glad you are doing well that is inspiration enough for me as I enter this journey.  Thanks for the well wishes!!

Marynb said:

Pain pills
Faith, everyone is different and you need to do what works for you. Pain pills make me sick. I get nauseous and dizzy and I cannot function on them. I have a high threshold for pain. Because I was a divorced Mom, I had to function. I did not take pain any pain pills at all, and I did fine without them. It was painful the last few treatments and the week following treatment, but not too bad at all. I didn't want to add to my problems by taking pain pills. I used prayer when things got bad.

Do what works for you. Don't expect the worst, expect that you will do fine and be rid of this awful cancer. It was very doable!

I understand I am a single grandmother raising two kids and I have to function.  I don't really have family here and haven't lived where I do long enough for many relationships but it will be ok, I can do this and the kids will help.  Don't really want pain med but if necessary will take them just have to be careful.  we just finished football and soccer so that is over and nothing should start until my treatment is over God's perfect timing. Kicking cancers butt that is my mission.  Thanks Mary

mxperry220 said:

Items I Used

I was treated for anal cancer at Baylor Plano in 2008-2009.  I used Aquaphor(over the counter).  I found this worked better than any of the other ointments (rescription or over the counter).  I drank Ensure for vitamin/mineral supplement.  I found toasted cheese sanwiches on white bread and dill pickles agreed with me.  I also ate chicken noodle soup, ice cream and Jello.  I also took a one a day vitamin as I have done for years.

You may want to have a waterproof pad to put under you at night.  I found this worked best as I did not have to change my bed if their was any leakage or accidents before I could get to the commode.  It was much easier to just wash to pad.

 I used Dove soap on my privates as it is a mild bath soap.  I found Advil worked best for me for pain.  The nacotic pain killers did nothing for me.  I did and still take Immodium.  Sam's has  their brand and it is cheaper and works just as well. 

Make certain to not have any ointment on when you have radiation treatments. 

Hope some of this helps.

Mike

Another good idea I had not thought about...........waterproof pad will check into where to get those but that would be great.  yeah narcotics usually just make me sick and I don't need that happening,  blessings!

horsepad said:

I am a single grandmother

I am a single grandmother raising 2 grandchildren, ages 8 and 10.  My grandchildren were a blessing during treatment.  Gave me strength and helped by getting this or that for me.  I didn't have it bad during most of treatment but the 2 or 3 weeks after treatment finished were the worst. I needed help with kids at end of treatment because I couldn't sit so therefore couldn't drive to take kids to school etc.  Best of luck to you, sending prayers your way.

Many blessings to you.  Thank you for your words, I have been really worried since I don't have family here and having not lived here long not too many friends.  I guess the good thing is that the end of my treatment I think will be around Christmas and they are out of school.  They are very self sufficient and I figure the worst will be preparing meals but sandwiches will get them through the day .  They are a blessing everyday and keep me going for sure nothing like doing it the second time around.  Thank you and blessings!