My 1st Chemo is scheduled for June3rd

stox4bux said:

Young Chicas???
Sorry Dee to burst your bubble - I am 62. One thing is for sure, we never know how we react ourselves so I am keeping my hopes up that you are one of the lucky ones.

Gitta

1st chemo
Dee,

I just finished 4 cycles of AC and all of them were tough. I had nausea and vomitting for about 3 days afterward. I took zofran and ativan and still did not get any relief. I didn't eat for two days after AC but I found that I could keep down ice chips and popsicles. Water tasted pretty nasty so I drank flat 7up. Of course everyone is different and you may not have any side effects. I hope that you sail through it with out any harm. I will be thinkihg of you. Love Surf

so many different reactions to chemo
Dee, after reading all these posts, it is amazing how different (and how similar) all the reactions are. I had the adriamycin/cytoxin every 3 weeks for 4 sessions, the taxol 3weeks/4sessions. Not puking sick, but always felt queasy with the first group. The only problem I had with the Taxol was the bone pain, thought it was still continuing until I finally read the side effects of Arimidex! hah! No matter how you react, you will do great, as they say: this too shall pass. (just differently for all). I am not as eloquent as others on this board, but....Good luck and take care!
=^..^=

cats_toy said:

other remedies
So I see our smart Claudia picked up on my reference of "Go ask Alice". I actually did go that route, my only problem being how to find it???? A friend who has teenagers was the logical choice, I was hooked up, then found out buying papers was a shock to the system in itself!! Boy oh boy did the prices go up!!. Anyway, did it in high school, did it through chemo, and yes, it helped, sat out on my front porch and dared anyone to come by and complain (boo hoo, no one did).

Dee, do whatever helps, no questions no recriminations, we go through enough already, if you can find relief, use it.

best of luck to you

=^..^=

Cat is so right...
And I'll just add: NO JUDGMENT! NO CRITICISMS! Not within THIS group, not around here. Not allowed! This is our "safe zone" (I admit, I'm borrowing that from another member because I think it's a perfect description).

Yeah, exactly, whatever works for ya...

Kind regards, Susan

P.S.: I did not indulge in the herb. However, was amazed by how many folks offered it...

outdoorgirl said:

pot seeds
One of my chemo nurses actually told me that many years ago my cancer center actually prescibed pot seeds for nausea! I couldn't believe that!

Yeah, seeds...
Someone offered me seeds. When I asked: "What the HECK am I supposed to do with SEEDS? Plant 'em and wait for them to grow?" The response was: grind 'em up in a coffee been grinder and add to beverages/food. An option if the user doesn't want to smoke.

Kind regards, Susan

Dee... Oral Care...
My onc told me to use the Biotene line of oral care products - toothpaste, mouthwash, even chewing gum to carry in your purse while out & about - all throughout chemo, beginning day one. Someone else within the thread mentioned chemo-induced mouth sores. These happen because of "dry mouth" - which is why many suggested ice chips, popsicles, etc.

Biotene is also for prevention/treatment of "dry mouth" (which is caused by many drugs, not just chemo). Easy to use, just replace your "everyday" products with these. When I did chemo, 5+ years ago, Biotene could only be found at drug stores. Now, you can find the line in the "big box" discounts like Wal-Mart and Target - where it's a couple dollars cheaper.

My onc's instructions were "seconded" by my dentist. When I went for my first cleaning AFTER chemo, my dentist was amazed that my mouth was in really good shape. He credited my faithful use of Biotene.

So, I highly recommend. In fact, I still use just the mouthwash - because it's alcohol-free and not too strongly flavored.

Kind regards, Susan

outdoorgirl said:

Get your teeth cleaned
Dee,
I know this might sound funny,but it's true. Chemo is going to give you dry mouth(and I know Susan(aka Christmas Girl)below mentioned Biotene-great products! They definately won't let you get your teeth cleaned while you're going through treatment(chemo will make you anemic),so try to set up a teeth cleaning with your dentist before you start. I did,and I think it helped after the fact.

Dee - Yeah, outdoorgirl's advice is a solid...
Thanks for chiming in, outdoorgirl! It's been so long ago for me now, sometimes I forget stuff...

So, Dee - get your teeth cleaned. No dental work during chemo!

Kind regards, Susan

outdoorgirl said:

Are you a night owl too?
Susan,
Are you a night owl too? Isn't this discussion board addicting? Kind of like Ebay,only better!

Cat, too...
... recently called me a night owl. WHAT'S UP WITH YOU TWO?

:-)

Kind regards, Susan

CHEMO TIMES
Dee, I will have you in my thoughts and prayer on that day. I recall my first time as if it was yesterday, the unknown is always scary but you will get through this and we will be here for you!

My first chemo I slept a lot for the first three days, after that I started to come around and feel more like my self. For me it seemed the more sessions of chemo I had the more symptoms and the more tired I became. It's important that you get the rest your body tells you that you need. We always did all the house cleaning a few days before chemo day. I also would prepare a few meals and freeze them so that all we needed to do was thaw them and reheat. It gave me peace of mind and made things a bit easier.

Please be sure to drink a lot of fluids after you chemo, it will help to flush your system. It is great that you will have someone to attend you first chemo and be able to stay with you for a few days afterward's as it will surely be comforting for you.

Be kind to yourself during this battle and know that this is just a moment in time to work towards a lifetime of living. Sending many hugs your way and wishing you well!

RE