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grandma713
grandma713 Member Posts: 105
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My sister-in-law recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had her breast removed and lymph nodes and the lymph nodes were clear. However because it is a very "nasty" type of breast cancer they are starting her on chemo, ACT, I believe. One is Taxol and the other two I cant be sure of the names. My question is, do you have any "tricks of the trade" to help her get through this treatment as easily as possible? Any suggestions I can give her? She does not have a computer and cant post for herself but I am a frequent visitor of the "semi-colons" because of my own cancer battle. I know from there what help all of you can be by sharing your experiences. So, thank you in advance...
Franny

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  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #2
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    Hi Franny, it is so great that you are supportive of your sister in law. The other two concoctions are more than likely adrimycin and cytoxan. Have your sister drink alot of water. Before, during, and after chemo. This will help it flush through her system better. Try not to have her eat anything before. This will help with the nausea end of the deal. Have her also get anti nausea meds and take them religously before hand. Even if she doesnt feel sick. By the time she feels sick and then takes them its too late and they wont do any good. Attitude is 98 percent of the deal. The better attitude she has, the better it will be. Laugh as often as possible. The old adage that laughter is the best medicine is certainly a true one. Rest as much as she can. If she is going to lose her hair.. which is inevitable with most chemos, have her get fitted for a wig is being bald is a real issue for her. When hair starts falling out it is almost easier to take if you control it in a way and get a crew cut. Then the "bald" is not such a shock. Tell her to hang in there and take things one day and step at a time. Chemotherapy does come to an end. If she has any other questions, email me. I know from whence I came as I am a three time breast cancer survivor and have been there and done that and that and that. We are all here for her every step of the way. Hugs to you and your sister in law. I am proud to wear the same moccasins.

    God Bless you both, and all you travel down this road...

    Sassy
  • Kathy1108
    Kathy1108 Member Posts: 62
    #3
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    Hi Franny, My treatment was A&C and Taxol. Like what Sassy said, drinking a lot of water is the best thing she can do. Even if she isn't thirsty keep her drinking. Also she should have little snacks throughout the day. When I had my treatments I brought in a cooler that had water, cookies, crackers etc. When she get the taxol treatment her toes and fingers are going to be a little numb and tingly but unfortunately that will last for 1 year. My toes are still a little numb and my treatments were in 10/03. I too took the nausea medicine and it helped me get through the treatments. When I noticed that my hair was starting to fall out I had my hair cut very short and then I had my husband shaved the rest off. That did made it easier for me. I did wear wigs and hats because I could not (and never did) look at myself when I was bald. That was too hard for me to do. If you have anymore questions you can also email me too. Good Luck.

    Kathy
  • Kathy1108
    Kathy1108 Member Posts: 62
    #4
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    Hi Franny, My treatment was A&C and Taxol. Like what Sassy said, drinking a lot of water is the best thing she can do. Even if she isn't thirsty keep her drinking. Also she should have little snacks throughout the day. When I had my treatments I brought in a cooler that had water, cookies, crackers etc. When she get the taxol treatment her toes and fingers are going to be a little numb and tingly but unfortunately that will last for 1 year. My toes are still a little numb and my treatments were in 10/03. I too took the nausea medicine and it helped me get through the treatments. When I noticed that my hair was starting to fall out I had my hair cut very short and then I had my husband shaved the rest off. That did made it easier for me. I did wear wigs and hats because I could not (and never did) look at myself when I was bald. That was too hard for me to do. If you have anymore questions you can also email me too. Good Luck.

    Kathy

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