New to Cancer, New to the Site

Puffin2014 said:

Welcome to the Forum

It was good talking to you in the chat room last night, I'm glad to see you found the Discussion Forum too. The prune juice suggestion is a good one, it works for me too, sorry I forgot to mention that last night. Hopefully when you get that problem straightened out you'll feel better able to handle the other issues.

 

I know what you mean about not having a good side to lay on, same here, incisions on the left and sore port on the right, and my left shoulder is still sore from my rotator cuff surgery 5 weeks prior to my breast surgery. That means lying on my back, which means big time snoring. Small throw pillows from the couch have helped, sometimes just to rest my arms on, and with their support I can sometimes rotate a bit onto my port side.

A friend suggested I try sipping on gingerale, as well as water, it doesn't have caffeine so won't be dehydrating. I'm sending Lew off to the grocery store to get some, along with some vanilla ice cream. Hoping an ice cream smoothie will taste better than one with plain milk.

See you in the chat room.

 

I loved talking to you also.  Actually, I think you kept me from having an all-out anxiety attack during my first totally sleepless night.  I drink the gingerale too and it really helps.  It's not too sweet like other soft drinks or even juice.  I have also done peppermint tea which seems to help.  I am overwhelmed at just hearing that you had rotator cuff surgery along with the other.  You are one tough momma and inspirational!

CypressCynthia said:

You are not complaining - you

You are not complaining - you have been put through a lot!!!

First, I can guess why you can't have the port on the cancer side.  Radiation can really do a number on circulation an it is much, much safer to have the port on the unaffected side.  You need that port and this will ensure less complications.

Below are a couple of references about side effects and how to handle them.  The blood pressure issue sounds as if it may have been preexisting?  It is crucial that you take care of it now, as you certainly don't want to risk having a stroke while getting these powerful medications. 

As to constipation...sigh.  I think we all have that problem with the drugs, etc.  For me, 8 oz of prune juice helps a lot.  Sometimes I also take those metamucil capsules but my problem seems more related to motility and bulking the stool can make that worse.  Hydration is so important.  I was just released from the hospital and one benefit is that I realized that I have been dehydrated.  By having a "keep open" rate of just 75 ml/hr (equivalent to one 8 oz cup of water every 3 hrs), I had a much easier time with stools and my BUN (test to analyze kidney function) was normal for the first time in awhile.  I have also taken miralax and it also helps, but prune juice works best for me.  Dulcolax gives me horrible cramps. 

Here is MB's famous Power Pudding recipe, which is also awesome:

2 cups pitted prunes
1 cup applesauce
1 cup Bran Cereal
enough prune juice to make pudding consistency

My chemo nurse suggested tylenol arthritis to give longer coverage with the neulasta pain.  I didn't have that pain.  I did have the "serum sickness" type reaction: flushing, nausea, vomiting, edema (but no headache).  I have treated this by adding an antihsitamine (claritin) a few days before and after.  I also use the ativan for a couple of days and just stay knocked out to get through it (suggested by my onc and chemo nurse).

I had no appetite for quite a few days after chemo and the dietician read me the riot act.  She said I had to now view food as medicine and at least drink 2 Ensures a day.  As much as I detest them, I think they really helped because it was an easy way to get protein so I didn't get so debilitated and the potassium, etc in them kept me from being soooo weak.

Remember all of this is temporary and try and stick with it by managing these side effects by discussing them often with your healthcare team.  The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Lastly, just so you know, I had Stage 3 IDC with 4 nodes.  I have been religious about treatments and I am here to say that being adherent has kept me alive.  I have been 27 years!  I have been Stage 4 for 9 years now, but, I stick with the treatments and I believe that that is part of why I have been here so long!

Good luck and gentle (((hugs)))!!!  And welcome!!!!

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Taxotere.aspx#.U8v5bFJOWP8

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/adriamycin.aspx#.U8v5uVJOWP8

Thank you so much for all the good advice.  I don't have a dietician and I have been at a loss as to what to eat and when to eat it.  Yesterday's problem was thrush in my mouth and throat.  Am taking fluconazole and it has helped a little, as well as rinses with baking soda and salt.  I also developed a low grade fever yesterday which made me feel as if i had the flu when combined with the Neulasta aches, which have been epic.  Didn't get to the 100.5 mark which would have signaled hospital visit, but I could barely get out of bed yesterday.  My temp tends to be low (97.1) and I was at 99.5 most of the day.  Please tell me your body adjusts.  That you have survived so long with this evil disease brings me hope. 

Puffin2014 said:

Foods for a sore mouth

Missed you in the chat room last night, now I know why.

It does get better. I ran a temp of 99.4 all day yesterday too and I'm sure I was dehydrated from the diarrhea. feeling much better this morning, head feels clearer, so far no diarrhea. I tried a hard boiled egg and a slice of white toast and am sipping my gingerale - need to get my fluid intake back up there. Someone suggested watermelon so Lew went and bought me a chunk to try midmorning.

My chemo book from my onc has an index of side effects and what to do for them. Sorry about the thrush, here's what the page says to do when your mouth is sore:

choose foods that are moist, soft and easy to chew or swallow: cooked cereal, mashed potatoes, scrambed eggs

Use blender to puree cooked foods so they're easier to eat, To help avoid infection, be sure to wash all blender parts b4 and after using them

Take small bites of food, chew slowly, sip liquids while you eat

soften food with gravy, sauces, broth, yogurt or other liquids

eat foods that are cool or at room temp, You may find that warm and hot foods hurt your mouth or throat

suck on ice chips or popsicles, these can relieve mouth pain

Foods That are Easy on a Sore Mouth

Main meals: baby food, cooked refined cereals, cottage cheese, boiled or scrambled eggs, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, pureed cooked foods, soups

Sweets: custards, pureedor baby food fruits, gelatin, ice cream, milkshakes, puddings, smoothies, bananas, applesauce, vanilla or plain yogurt

 

Hang in there, this too shall pass

Did manage to eat today.  had a frozen entree with meat loaf and mashed potatoes cooled all the way down.  Still was rough going but i think all the liquid diet wasnt sustaining me somehow.  So now I'm digesting and hoping for the best.  So sorry about your temp.  Don't know about you but just a degree or two makes me feel as if I've been run over by a train.  My onc nurse told me to take Tylenol and that kept it down.  No fever so far today and I hope the same for you.  Yes, hydrate!! I have been doing good with that part, it's the solids i need some help on.  Still have the flu-like pains from my friend, Neulasta but i think i can endure that.  Just need my digestive system to settle down.  Have been going frequently today i believe due to being stopped up previously.  Wish I had a shopper who could run out for me, but husband is working.  Am more glad than ever to have human contact on this website.  You are a champion, Puffin!