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
I listen to music ALL the time when I am playing on my computer. There are wonderful online jukeboxes so you don't have to have to massive files of your own, or CD collections.
Grooveshark is one, and UWall TV is another of my favourites. Grooveshark you just search for the artists you like and then pick the tunes, UWall has artists faces all over the screen and you pick the ones you want and the music plays - it's amazing !
I'm an internet junkie too - if you have Google and haven't tried Stumble then DO !! It's wonderful.
:)
KeithaI can add that with the waitiing between all your tests, surgery, pathology results etc. to keep yourself as busy as possible and keep you mind off things as best as you can. It helps the time go faster as well. I was so busy I didn't have time to dwell on things which I think is good.
I love to listen to Celtic Music (Celtic Spirit as not all the music is the same) especially when I am irritated cause it will calm me and then I can listen to some meditation after that which will often send me off to sleep. I listen to Letting Go but my favourite is Sacred Flame but there is also Louise Hay, Dawn in the Daintree music, Armchair Journeys and so on. I have quite a few and depends on what my mood is like as to which one I can get in to on that day. I also use them to send me to sleep, especially Sacred Flame.
I also love to have my bath, sit in my massage chair as ways of relaxing myself.
I have also found that Bowen Therapy is a complementary therapy which helps align your body (gently) and also helps with healing. Reflexology and hand massage are also wonderful if you can get a good therapist.
Mich xo
Oh my gosh.. I have been very complacent with my 'fibre/water' over the last few days and have paid for it big time....
So... fruit..water..benefibre.. nuts.. etc.. little bits often is my 'reminder'.... otherwise it's the horrible stuff from the chemist... not pleasant!!!
Audio books - when you cant read or watch the television audio books are wonderful. I downloaded some georgette heyer romance novels and listened to them pre/post surgery and post chemo. Just the softness of someone reading to you as you drift off, and if you miss it you can always go back. Have some stronger audio books for when I am knitting etc, just to keep me company when the radio is not capturing my attention. Again just the pleasure of someone reading to me is relaxing.
Meditation/relaxation cd's - I have found some that really work for me. Took a few goes but there is a definant difference when I use them. One is a "boost your immune system" and I feel it is helping me. I am not sure if it is anicdotal but my bloods are always good when I use the meditation. Mind over matter perhaps. Also help me to relax when I am waiting for stuff to happen. Just when I am alone and feel I need to zone out abit from the cancer worry world.
Looking for a form of massage that will help me later. Not sure what will be too harsh and what is good? Also looking for resolution to the early menopause symptoms that just barrel on in. Any thoughts?
Audio books - when you cant read or watch the television audio books are wonderful. I downloaded some georgette heyer romance novels and listened to them pre/post surgery and post chemo. Just the softness of someone reading to you as you drift off, and if you miss it you can always go back. Have some stronger audio books for when I am knitting etc, just to keep me company when the radio is not capturing my attention. Again just the pleasure of someone reading to me is relaxing.
Meditation/relaxation cd's - I have found some that really work for me. Took a few goes but there is a definant difference when I use them. One is a "boost your immune system" and I feel it is helping me. I am not sure if it is anicdotal but my bloods are always good when I use the meditation. Mind over matter perhaps. Also help me to relax when I am waiting for stuff to happen. Just when I am alone and feel I need to zone out abit from the cancer worry world.
Looking for a form of massage that will help me later. Not sure what will be too harsh and what is good? Also looking for resolution to the early menopause symptoms that just barrel on in. Any thoughts?
These are ALL Great ideas...
Anyone got any other things that have helped them through their journey - from diagnosis, waiting, surgery, waiting, scans, waiting, reslutls, waiting, chemotherapy, radiations, hormone therapy, complementary therapies, ANYTHING to do with ANYTHING that has help you and might help someone else (EVEN one person) to make their journey even a Teeny Tiny bit easier.
That is just not fair that the weed killer can do that to us. BUT if it kills all the bad cells I guess that is all that matters. Frustrating though when we do everything in our power to save us from getting neutropenia and then you get sick anyway. I hope you are well now Shaz and definitely on the improve. I have been lucky so far and I like to think the Neulasta has helped.
Take care sweety
Mich xo
Just the luck of the draw Mich.
There was no specific cause found for my neutropenic septecemia, so there was nighting I could have done to prevent it, it is just waht can happen when you immune system tanks and your neutrophils drop to zero adn all your other white cells drop low too, any germ then can be bad, something your breath or soemthing that has been in your blood or urine etc for year, could just flare up as your system can't hold it in check anylonger.
Hi Shaz
It is amazing when you think how particular you are about cleanliness/infections etc. and you still get carted off to hospital you poor thing. That isn't fair really is it?
Mich xo
Family and friends
My 2 dogs who have become my shadows when I am not well, I can tell when I am getting better as they no longer velcro themselves to me.
My sense of humour
My journal, diary and computer
My juicer - if I cant eat I can drink the juice of all the veges.
Apple cider vinegar, honey, green tea, ginger, coconut rice, fruit and anything stir fry.
Organic home delivery - works out to be no more expensive than the supermarket and delivers to my door weekly.
PJ's - I now live in them. Have lots of bright colours and multiple sets (10 I think) they are just so comfy when I am at home.
Slippers and slipper sox ( I wear the sox at chemo when my feet get cold)
Caps, night caps, skull caps, beanies etc etc - all colours and styles. The more the merrier.
Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash, Baby toothbrush, Sorbolene and glycerine cream. Cetaphyl soap
My medical support team at HOCA Mater in Brisbane - super ladies and men
BCNA and all the wonderful people who are expressing their thoughts.
Oh and dare I say, all inane computer games that keep the chemo fog in check, whilst driving me crazy.
