Forum Discussion
What has helped you through your journey?
I thought I would start a post to see what has helped people through their journey, so that maybe something might help others.
I will start with:
- Ahh Bra Type tops - I found these great post op and still now, they are comfortable, and great.
- Calypo Icy poles (the mini ones) - I have found these great for my VERY sore tongue.
- Mini spray perfume - I got one of these for my Mum who was VERY self conscious after her chemo made going to the toilet smelly, She used it as a toilet spray when out. As was recommened on another post - (DO NOT use your favourite perfume smell, just buy a cheap one you can stand the smell of. If needed).
- Waterless Hand Sanitiser - I use this all the time when out. I try to keep my hands as clean as possible.
- Vitamin E liquid capsules - I use these on my scars, simply pierce one capsule and rub the contents on yuor scars (once they have healed of course), it works great, and is VERY low allergy.
So there is my first couple of contributions, I hope one or more helps somebody else, and I hope other will add too.
107 Replies
- Hi Sam, I haven't seen the ahhhh bra's that do up at the front, where do you buy them from? Love Vicki
- Hi Mich, I haven't had chemo yet but once I do I will be rereading all that good information you have shared thank you. Love vicki
Hi Julie, I found drinking through a straw solved the issue of flushing out the chemo with water. I would fill my water bottle and "suck" away making sure that I had at least 6 containers a day. XLeonie
Hi Neece
I love the idea of a 'Pre Chemo Treat Day'... looks like Pizza for tea tomorrow night!
thanks for the suggestion
Trina
Hi Neece
I love the idea of a 'Pre Chemo Treat Day'... looks like Pizza for tea tomorrow night!
thanks for the suggestion
Trina
Hi Neece
The sparkling mineral water sounds like a good idea, will definately try it. As me to... the taste buds are horrible. Plain water to me tastes like salty water.
Julie XX
- 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
