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JanetH's avatar
JanetH
Member
12 years ago

Products that I found helpful during chemotherapy

I had my final chemo session yesterday and wanted to let you know that I have been using the following products to avoid a number of side-effects that chemo brings.  They are:

 Lucas Paw Paw cream for avoiding cracked lips and blisters.  I used this throughout the day and night.

Redwin Sensitive Skin Sorbolene moisturiser with 10 plant derived glycerine.  This keeps your face refreshed and soft.  Although I did have face redness and swelling from day 3 - 5 following chemo, my skin bounced back and stayed soft.

Vaseline total moisture dry skin.  This was very hepful using it on my nails and hands and body.  My nails did not split or crack and have stayed strong and intact.  I used this throughtout the day and any toilet trip during the night.

Biotene Dry Mouth Mouth Wash.  Helped with dry mouth and avoided any mouth blisters.

I used all of these products from day one and they really helped me.  If you decide to try them I hope they work as well for you.

Best wishes to you all going forward during this difficult time.

 

 

6 Replies

  • JanetH's avatar
    JanetH
    Member
    12 years ago

    You will need to ask your Oncologist about the order of chemo.  With the ladies I was with we always had the icegloves, icy poles and ice for the second cycle.  As far as the aches and pains, I just took panadol and nurofen and a lot of bed and couch rest.  I am day 3 of my last cycle and am feeling unwell today.  For me that usually goes on for about 7-10 days and then you start feeling better, but you may not be unwell for that long.  As far as the hair loss, as soon as my hair started to fall out I had my hairdresser give me a number 4 razor cut.  You have a couple of weeks after your first cycle before your hair loss which gives you some time to buy some scarfs and a wig, if you go down that track.  I have been lucky enough to find a wig that is the same as my natural hair, only a bit better.  Your head does get cold in the cooler months (I live in Melbourne) so a bed hat is a good idea too.  You sound like me, very organised, so you will be fine.  My sister was diagnosed with the same Breast Cancer 2 months prior to me, so she gave me lots of tips which was really helpful so that when I started my treatment I was able to tell them what I wanted and they were happy to oblige.  "Good Luck"  I will be thinking of you.

    JanetH

  • MLE59's avatar
    MLE59
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi JanetH- thanks for your reply, extra info and wishes.

    Could I ask you is the chemo always given in a certain order- will my second lot be the same as yours? Which one damages the nails or is it both of them? I have acrylic nails -I wonder what will happen with them...

    My docs also mentioned muscle aches and pains, and hair loss- any tips for managing those?

    Cheers MLE59

  • JanetH's avatar
    JanetH
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi MLE59,  You are most welcome.  So you are having the same treatment that I completed yesterday, TCx4x21 days.  The oncologists are really good at making sure that they prepare the treatments really well.  Mine gave me a lot of premeds before the chemo started ie. anti nausea tablet and drip, fenergen, steroids and of course saline to make sure that to the best of their ability they avoid the side effects that can occur during chemo.  Make sure that you use the ice gloves to preserve your nails and ask for an icypole and a cup of ice during the second lot of chemo each time which will help you avoid nail damage and mouth ulcers.  Good Luck and best wishes for a positive outcome.  Being prepared is important and it sounds like you're on the right track. 

    All the Best, JanetH

  • JanetH's avatar
    JanetH
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thank you Robyn for the extra tip.  I haven't heard of moo goo cream but it sounds good too.  Good luck going forward xox

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    I used Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste too.You get it from the chemist.A bit pricey but definitely worth it.I also found moo goo cream really good for moisturising too.Cheers Robyn xox