sue-g

Hi Sue

Here are a few ideas for dealing with chemo:

(1) The ice is really important. Eat it as the chemo is being given to you, trying to keep your mouth cold and therefore restricting circulation of the chemo drugs in your mouth area. At home, use bicarbonate of soda as a mouth wash before cleaning your teeth three times a day. Keep a bottle of bicarb with water in the bathroom so you don't forget. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

(2) Keep your finger nails cold, also as you are getting the chemo drugs. You may be given cold mittens (I was) but if not, use ice in a plastic bag or freezer blocks. Use a nail hardener and dark nail polish to protect your nails. Mine survived pretty well.

(3) Ginger capsules can be used as a substitute for the anti-nausia drugs for some people. They worked for me.

(4) Be prepared for the likelihood that you will suffer constipation in the 2-5 days after chemo. Remember all the old tricks, not just medication ie prune juice, a simple healthy diet of food that is easy to digest, light exercise. You may need to resort to simple enimas, available from the chemist. Constipation can then turn to diahorria - a diet of boiled rice, no dairy etc should do the trick.

As others said, take one day at a time and don't expect too much of yourself. Know that each day you will get better and the after effects don't last.

All the best. Jo

 

Hi Sue

Here are a few ideas for dealing with chemo:

(1) The ice is really important. Eat it as the chemo is being given to you, trying to keep your mouth cold and therefore restricting circulation of the chemo drugs in your mouth area. At home, use bicarbonate of soda as a mouth wash before cleaning your teeth three times a day. Keep a bottle of bicarb with water in the bathroom so you don't forget. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

(2) Keep your finger nails cold, also as you are getting the chemo drugs. You may be given cold mittens (I was) but if not, use ice in a plastic bag or freezer blocks. Use a nail hardener and dark nail polish to protect your nails. Mine survived pretty well.

(3) Ginger capsules can be used as a substitute for the anti-nausia drugs for some people. They worked for me.

(4) Be prepared for the likelihood that you will suffer constipation in the 2-5 days after chemo. Remember all the old tricks, not just medication ie prune juice, a simple healthy diet of food that is easy to digest, light exercise. You may need to resort to simple enimas, available from the chemist. Constipation can then turn to diahorria - a diet of boiled rice, no dairy etc should do the trick.

As others said, take one day at a time and don't expect too much of yourself. Know that each day you will get better and the after effects don't last.

All the best. Jo

 

Hi Sue-g,

I have just finished six treatments of FEC100 chemotherapy.  I found that I got mouth ulcers during the treatment, but when I spoke to the Oncologist she told me to suck ice cubes during the second phase of the chemo treatment.  This worked really well but didn't do anything for the oesophageal ulcers....but when I drank iced water straight after the ice cubes...no ulcers anywhere!

Hope this helps, feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Jayne x

Hi Olga,

Thanks for your reply and encouragement. I've just got to take it one day at a time!

sue-g

Hi Sue I am also triple negative stage 3 and will be having my second round of chemo on Tuesday. I know exactly how you feel. It's very scary and unknown but be strong and try to stay positive. You will read a lot of stories on here which are great and everyone is fantastic here. I can say dont be too anxious as everyone reacts differently. Take all the meds they give you and dont push yourself. Good luck with everything i'll be thinking of you. Olga