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Sister's avatar
Sister
Member
8 years ago

What to expect from chemo

I was just reading Mer's post and was going to drop in on it but decided to start another discussion so I can find it when I need the info!

I saw the oncologist yesterday for the first time and now know where I'm going.  I start chemo on 5 February with 4 x 3 weekly cycles of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide, followed by 12 weekly cycles of Paclitaxel.  I will be trying the cold caps in the hope of keeping my hair.

The oncologist discussed the side effects and the breast care nurses have given me information sheets about the drugs.  However, I would be interested to know about actual products or foods that anyone has found really useful to manage side effects.  There are no 24 hour pharmacies anywhere close to me and it can difficult to get to shops so I would like to have things on hand if possible in case I need them.



23 Replies

  • Oh...and as I wore makeup so I looked well, I also bought makeup wipes  (cheap as chips) and used dental floss religiously.
  • I haven't been on that particular combination but my main issues that required medication was reflux, bloating and constipation. Pain was an issue a few days later and panadol was enough until taxol then I required something stronger.

    Trouble is its impossible to know which problems we will get but here's a suggestion list.

    Zantac or ranitadine...you can buy over the counter...unless you are on a reflux medication but it is still good for additional issues.
    Double strength mylanta...again for reflux but it has simethicone in it so it assisted with the severe gas.
    Coloxyl with senna for constipation and or
    Movichol (this was a godsend for me)
    Gastrostop (in case you have opposite issue)
    Amosan mouth wash in case of mouth ulcers...o there's a tiny bit of salt or bicarb in water.
    A very very soft toothbrush.
    Saline nasal spray for when on taxol as mucous membranes either dry up or drip.
    Sunscreen and a fold up summer hat as you become very sun sensitive.
    A hand fan...as the chemo can cause hot flushes.
    A medication dispensing box (dosette)...as its really easy to get mixed up if you have taken meds or not.
    Bubbly water. ..maybe some lightly flavoured ones like infused with lemon or berry.
    Portable chuck bags (never needed them but having them when nauseated was a godsend)
    Packets of tiny tissues.
    Herbal teas...peppermint etc
    Portable hand cleaner.
    Toilet wipes...to clean a public loo or even your own if you share with many people like I do.
    Bottom wipes...in case you get tender.
    Sorbolene for moisturising skin and even washing it if it becomes delicate, i buy in big tubs with a pump.
    Now if your hair falls out your head gets very dry. ..so wash with a sirbolene product.

    I needed 3 different anti nausea medications none of which you can buy over the countet. But ondasetron wafers taste awful...so I sucked a sugerless mint at same time which stopped me gagging.

    It sounds awful. But a lot of these things I only required occasionally but it helped.

    I'm sure others have ideas.

    No hi dose vitamin C etc...don't use any vitamibs and herbal things without speaking with oncologist as we don't want to protect the cancer cells from chemo. 



  • I mercifully had no nausea but I did get peripheral neuropathy when on taxol -  usually starts with pins and needles sensations in the finger tips. Vitamin B finally helped a bit and just might have helped more if I had taken it earlier. Always check with your oncologist about supplements. It was mine that recommended vitamin B, but it also depends on what else you may be taking. Best of luck with your treatment.