What has helped you through your journey?

• Nail hardener - I got a bottle of manicure Intensive Nail Hardener in my "taxotere" goody bag from my chemo clinic when I went in for my pre-chemo education session, and I apply it as recommended (every day for 3 days, then remove and reapply for a total of 14 days and then repeat). I do this beginning about 3-5 days before chemo and continue until the 14 days are up. This is supposef to help stop the taxotere from damaging the nails (and so far so good - no sign of nail damage).
• Biotene Toothpaste & mouthwash - For the dry mouth and sore tongue - so far no ulcers (Thank goodness)
• Homemade Mouthwash - bicarb and salt mixed together in hot water and then rinsed and gargled up to 4+ times a day (especially before bed/ sleep) - For dry mouth, sore mouth, ulcers, and to help prevent oral infections etc.
• Soft toothbrush - I bought a large packet of about 6 for about $10 and I throw them out after each chemo cycle - to keep them clean and fresh, and to help prevent infection,so a new one every 21 days (so far 1/2 way through chemo and no mouth ulcers) toothbrushes can harbour a LOT of germs.
• ANY food that takes my fancy - no matter how "unhealthy", if my body wants it and I can tolerate eating it, then I will buy it and try it (I am having a LOT of issues with lack of appetite, total uninterest in food, and smells of foods etc (Not so much nausea) - I have decided that ANY calories and nutrition have to be better than none and I can deal with any added weight gain (if this occurs) after I finish chemo etc. So If my body wants KFC or McDonalds, or chocolate custard then that is what it will get. (I am awaiting an appointment with a nutritionist though, to make sure this is OK :-) ).

• Nail hardener - I got a bottle of manicure Intensive Nail Hardener in my "taxotere" goody bag from my chemo clinic when I went in for my pre-chemo education session, and I apply it as recommended (every day for 3 days, then remove and reapply for a total of 14 days and then repeat). I do this beginning about 3-5 days before chemo and continue until the 14 days are up. This is supposef to help stop the taxotere from damaging the nails (and so far so good - no sign of nail damage).
• Biotene Toothpaste & mouthwash - For the dry mouth and sore tongue - so far no ulcers (Thank goodness)
• Homemade Mouthwash - bicarb and salt mixed together in hot water and then rinsed and gargled up to 4+ times a day (especially before bed/ sleep) - For dry mouth, sore mouth, ulcers, and to help prevent oral infections etc.
• Soft toothbrush - I bought a large packet of about 6 for about $10 and I throw them out after each chemo cycle - to keep them clean and fresh, and to help prevent infection,so a new one every 21 days (so far 1/2 way through chemo and no mouth ulcers) toothbrushes can harbour a LOT of germs.
• ANY food that takes my fancy - no matter how "unhealthy", if my body wants it and I can tolerate eating it, then I will buy it and try it (I am having a LOT of issues with lack of appetite, total uninterest in food, and smells of foods etc (Not so much nausea) - I have decided that ANY calories and nutrition have to be better than none and I can deal with any added weight gain (if this occurs) after I finish chemo etc. So If my body wants KFC or McDonalds, or chocolate custard then that is what it will get. (I am awaiting an appointment with a nutritionist though, to make sure this is OK :-) ).

what got me through...

my husband and a sense of humour. He made me laugh every single day no matter what.

BCNA's My Journey Kit - so much in there that was invaluable.

Connecting with other bc patients

Pre-chemo 'treat days' - the day or evening before each dreaded chemo day, we would go out... for a meal, a movie, whatever. really helped.

Sparkling plain mineral water with lemon or lime and ice, for when I could not tolerate the 'taste' of tap water due to wacky taste buds

Ditto the hand sanitiser, bicarb mouth rinse, dark nail polish to reduce nail damage, and many of the other practical tips

Something that is helping me through at the moment is my bath.  I have a bath with epsom salts to try and help with the pain.  I also use it as a destressing time.  I make sure water is high enough so when I am laying out flat my ears are under the water.  It blocks out all sounds or muffles them to be a nice sound and then I just chill, totally relax, concentrate on my breathing and I feel wonderfully refreshed and renewed after my bath.

Mich xo

Something that is helping me through at the moment is my bath.  I have a bath with epsom salts to try and help with the pain.  I also use it as a destressing time.  I make sure water is high enough so when I am laying out flat my ears are under the water.  It blocks out all sounds or muffles them to be a nice sound and then I just chill, totally relax, concentrate on my breathing and I feel wonderfully refreshed and renewed after my bath.

Mich xo

Ditto to the Bio-oil. It's been a month since my surgery and I've had one chemo treatment... I use the Bio-oil on my scars, the dry tissue on my breast and then I rub it into my hands and finger nails.. what a difference.

I'm also using Billie Goat Soap Moisturiser on my arms and legs.. it's light and has a pleasant but does not have an overpowering smell.

Most things have been covered already so my only additions are things I still do 6 years post surgery:

• Bio-oil which I stll use occasionally  and
• Extra chewing gum to help with that dry metallic mouth while on chemo and had made my teeth so nice with lack of plaque that my dentist now makes favourable comments - it means I get both a clean mouth & sweet hit to my mouth
• company of a dog (at the moment Mum & Dad plus 6 Japanese pups I need to sell) becoming a fluffy grandma has been great - now for the real human ones in a few years!
• exercise be it a short walk, post BC class or anything to keep you fit & healthy. Just take it easy while on chemo ecpecially if you lose feeling in feet and hands like so many of us did on taxol or taxotere

Probiotics for tummy problems and thrush.  I found yoghurt every day wasn't enough, especially as I have been on antibiotics for so long doesn't help.

There is a probiotic that doesn't need to be in the fridge now which is great so you can take it with you if travelling and having to stay over somewhere for treatments etc.  or just to have it on your bench for when you take your other meds in the morning.. I just take one a day.

Mich xo

Donna

Here! Here! perfectly said in your blog... :)

Love to you Julie XX