A heating pad is helpful when the Neulasta or Neupogen make you sore or during Taxol or Taxotere. Vicodin is also helpful when getting these meds.
Avoid spicy foods, unless you crave them. Eat what you crave.
Nutella is a chocolate hazelnut spread that you can dip or spread on a sandwich. It’s good with fruit or graham crackers. It is made by the same people who make the Ferrero Rochelle hazelnut candies. The great thing is even on chemo it still tastes pretty much the same and seems to stay down. They do not use preservatives and something about the hazelnut itself seems to ease the stomach a bit, plus they are what is called a clean food product as they use no chemicals and reduced minerals in their recipe, so that helps in the taste. From Tai who dearly loves this treat.
Here's a good solution from Mainsailset.
My oncologist told me that we should all be having 5 small servings of fruit a day. Years ago I discovered 'power pudding' which is the gift of the gods. I found out about this when I was caring for my Mom and Dad, and was a recommendation from the Hospice nurses.
Simply put: buy up all your favorite dried fruits (try to get unsulfured apricots) pour them all into a kettle. Cover with distilled water. Simmer until water has evaporated. You may need to add extra water. Cool. Put into blender, again add more water if blender starts to moan. I put the fruit into the refrigerator & freezer for storage.
Every day put 1-2 tablespoons on morning cereal, and then throughout the day, every day, use on meat, potatoes, ice cream. Goes with everything and is nice to find something that actually works, and is not one more chemical to add to our bodies.
One other thing that they recommended for someone experiencing constipation, was to put a piece of bread in your mouth and chew it till the cows come home, as it would stimulate the saliva and help digestion.
Avoid sugar to lessen mouth sores (and a good idea in general).
Day of chemo have a light meal. Some have suggested to carb starve the day of chemo, and as soon as they start administering the meds, carb load.
Luv2sing's oncologist recommended/
prescribed that she have a small drink before her treatments, and while you may have to check with your oncologist before doing this, perhaps you may want to travel to Virginia and use Luv's onc
To lessen dry mouth, suck on hard candies, popsicles, or ice chips. CarynRose has recommended fudgesicles as she said the ice chips made her feel nauseated. Do the ice chips during infusion. Start this before chemo, continue during chemo treatments. There has been a problem from some that the ice chips have caused the mouth sores. Everyone reacts differently to the chemo.
Use magic mouthwash to prevent mouth sores.
This is one of the prescriptions you should have filled before you start chemo.
When they speak of Mary's Magic Mouthwash in the States - it could be made up of a combination of things.
Mylanta or Maalox - reduces acid.
Liquid Benadryl - (takes out any inflammation, allergic response)
Lidocaine - (freezing agent)- some places have it over-the-counter - others have prescription.
Liquid Tetracycline or Erythromycin - to prevent bacterial infection of sores in the mouth
Nystatin - to prevent thrush (white tongue and spots in mouth, tongue, thraoat)
sometimes glucocosteroid - reduces inflammation and swelling.
USE BIOTENE products of toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, toothbrushes, etc - the BEST for chemotherapy mouth
From Sammielily
I also was told to use a mild tooth paste, soft toothbrush, change toothbrushes every month, brush my teeth 6x a day minimum, and gargle with club soda every day. And I didn't get any mouth sores. But if you have mouth sores break open a cap. of Vitamin E and rub on and they will be gone in a couple of days!
Do not look when they shoot the nasty red one (Adriamyicin) in your vein!
One gal says that instead of thinking of the Adriamyicin as the “red devil”…she told the chemo nurse that the chemo was “liquid gold” coursing through her body getting rid of the cancer cells. Try to imagine the chemo as the allies in the war you are waging against triple negative breast cancer.
Drink 3 liters (quarts) of water a day at least while on chemo, and start a day or two before chemo. Drink lots and lots of water before chemo, during chemo and continue to do so every day after chemo. Water detoxifies the kidneys.
From Debs....dmayes
And maybe add some ginger to your water - helps with the tummy feelings. I add a decent few chunks of a night to my water jar (already measured out in 2L - so I know that is what I drink the next day) and it adds a great taste to plain old boring water. All these tricks learnt here mind you - such a great bunch of ladies sharing these ideas!
Drink more fluids clear in color such as apple juice, ginger ale, tea, broth, Jello, Gatorade, High-C.
Note: Some people found that they could not tolerate fruit juices as they can cause diarrhea
This tip is from our sister Toyoko from Japan:
I drink a lot of water and organic tea everyday. This is my small chemo tip. The tea I often drink is a kind of green tea, so called "coarse tea (Ban-cha)" which is cheaper than green tea but has lower caffeine and higher cathechins. High grade green tea needs to use lower temperature hot water, but coarse tea needs boiled water like black tea and higher temperature hot water can make higher density cathechin which is good for preventing cancer.
Cauliflower/radishes help with bad taste in the mouth.
You may notice a chemical smell on your clothing and bed linens. This is from the chemo. You will also notice this smell after using the toilet. You are excreting the chemicals from your body. Again, stay hydrated as it flushes all those chemicals out of your body.
You may feel a burning sensation in the bladder and in the vaginal area, and some gals have reported that they felt this as soon as the meds were being administered. You may experience a burning sensation when you void. There is a possibility that the vagina and the urethra will become dry, due to the chemo.
While you are having the meds administered, you will probably have to use the bathroom. If you happen to look in the mirror, do not be alarmed at your skin color. It will have changed to a grayish color. That is also from the chemo meds.
If one of your meds is Adriamyicin, do not be alarmed if your urine is red. That is why you must continue to drink the water.
Eat a low fat, high fiber diet. Constipation can present a problem during chemo treatments.
Prepare for constipation by taking prescribed medications in a timely fashion.
From KSCASO......
Hello All. Currently I am "anemic" meaning my HGB (Hemoglobulin) is low
(currently around 9). Have them check your iron levels rather than just start another shot (Procrit which stimulates Red blood cell production).
If you don't have enough iron stored, the shots won't work.
I am also iron deficient, so have been taking good ole GERITOL. Two secrets to Iron absorption: the liquid is better absorbed and less constipatiing AND a 1/2 cup of Orange juice with the iron supplement will improve absorbtion as well. The pharmacist recommended the Geritol.
For nausea eat raw almonds and crystallized ginger together.
Green Smoothie Recipe!! From Susan....user name sydonashe
1 scoop green powder (you can buy at healthfood stores)
1 scoop whey protein (vanilla)
1/4 cup ground flaxseeds (brand - spectrum)
1 tsp probiotic powder
1 cup blueberries (frozen)
I use either a little organic fat free milk or cold water to make it smoother and I sometimes play around with ingredients to make it taste better. The first four ingredients are a must though. I have even replaced the whey protein with an EAS AdvantEGE low carb vanilla shake - yum. You can always add a banana or strawberries. A regular household blender works great - no need to go buy a juicer or anything!! Let me know how you like it!
Susan
Also from Susan...supplements recommended for TNBC...from her naturopath. Make sure that you consult with your oncologist before adding these.
1. Fish oil -4000/day
2. D3 - 2000/day
3. Multivitamin (quality one such as "Thorne") 3 2x/day
4. Mushroom extract pill (1 am 1 pm)
5. Turmeric (1 am 1 pm)
6. Resverterol (1 am)
7. Indole 3 Carbinole
Here is the protocol listed out by her (Susan's) Natural Doctor: Please check with your oncologist
Benefits of the Daily Green Smoothie:
Concentrated green powders contain numerous phytochemicals to support optimal nutrition. One of these phytochemicals, proanthocyanidins are found in grape skins and seeds, and fruits and vegetables which kill breast cancer cells in studies.
Whey induces phase II of your liver's detoxification pathway and can help clear toxins from your body.
Probiotics support estrogen clearing in the gastrointestinal system and keep your bowel ecology healthy. Healthy intestinal flora metabolize nutrients needed for immune function and are associated with anticarcinogenic effects, particularly via the detoxification of compounds in the gut that cause genetic damage.
The linigans in ground flaxseeds (not present in the oil) have been shown in several animal studies to reduce tumor growth and help prevent metastasis. Also the fiber in ground flax binds estrogen in the gut and impedes reabsorption.
Fractionated pectin powder also called modified citrus pectin works to inhibit the spread of cancer and prevents the body's immune system from becoming overwhelmed by an increasing cancer cell load. MCP molecules bind to receptors on cancerous cells, thereby preventing these cells from penetrating into nearby healthy tissues. Once this has occured, the cancer cells cirulate in the blood stream until they die or are eliminated.
Basic Meals - Whole Food, anti inflammatory diet
Always eat a protein based breakfast
Eat a "rainbow" assortment of fruits and vegetables
Reduce exposure to pesticides by using organic foods
Avoid partially hydrogenated oils and eat olive oil and organic butter
Avoid high calorie, low nutrient foods. Eat a low fat, high fiber diet
Stay away from sugar - it feeds cancer cells
Eat a lot of garlic
Eat a lot of cruciferous vegetables - a cup a day is a good goal
Exercise
The Journal of Clinical Oncology reports that exercise evokes a drop in relapse rate of breast cancer of 50-60%.
You must exercise! Physical activity improves fatigue and mood, increases the rate of cirulation of antibodies and white blood cells, flushes carcinogens, and slows the release of stress related hormones which increase risk of illness, including cancer. If you are still experiencing fatigue from your therapy, start slow. It is best to do both cardiovascular and weight bearing exercises.
Mental/Emotional/Spiritual Care
Now that conventional treatment is over, take stock of your emotions. There is no right way to have breast cancer and no right way to come out at the end of conventional treatment. From a holistic perspective, transformation must happen beyond the physical level - encompassing emotional, energetic and spiritual change. If stress or emotional issues are factors that led to the original development of cancer, it is time to focus on true healing in these areas.
Consider joining a support group or look into counseling to help deal with the stress you have going on now.
Detoxification and Cleansing
At least twice a year, you need a detoxification program. This usually involves a medical food shake, at home detoxification protocols such as dry brushing, support for the digestive tract, possible colon hydrotherapy and dietary modifications.
Supplements:
Morning green smoothie
Green Tea (40 oz a day) - yogi is good - no lipton-no decaf!_________________________________________________
Eat bananas, potatoes and meats to maintain a normal potassium level. Potassium is needed for muscles to function properly.
A change in diet may occur since your taste for foods that were your favorites may not taste as good now. Some have said that they went back to the “comfort foods” of their childhood, such as soups and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Eat what you want and when you want. You must eat!!
Eat small meals. Some have suggested as many as 6 meals a day
Make an effort to exercise even if it is just for a little while each day.
Don’t overdo it with exercising but also do not believe them when they tell you “if you get lymphedema it never goes away”.
From Pam….do not overdo. Be flexible. If you are feeling better, plan an outing or chores. Please do them in small frames of time, until you know what you can handle. You may think you have the energy, but may not. This cannot only set you back physically, but it is emotionally frustrating.
Do not attempt to walk long distances. The hills (especially in Seattle), will still be there when you are feeling better. You will tire easily. Gauge yourself. Or, you can have someone drive the car right along where you are walking, and they can take you home when you start to feel ill. Otherwise, you may have to call someone to come and get you.
This tip is from ziggyo:
As for tips, ladies, I believe it is very important to remain as active as you can. There were some days during the A-C that I had to practically whip myself out the door to walk as briskly as I could for at least a half an hour but I did so, and overall I seem to be tolerating the chemical abuse to my body fairly well.
Whatever you do, do not attempt to ride your horses even a few days after chemo. You will as one gal said she did….create the “perfect storm”.
Do sleep as much as possible. Some say it is like sleeping off a hangover.
Some have reported becoming very dizzy when trying to shower the day of, or even a few days after chemo. Make sure that someone is nearby when you shower, in case you need help.
Have something to do at night when the steroids keep you awake. Don’t try to fight it, and sleep when you can.
If you need a sleeping aid, in a study, Unisom was found to be the one to use when you are on chemo. It is not habit forming. This was recommended by a brother-in-law who is a Registered Nurse.
Do things for yourself. Take a bubble bath, go out to lunch or do a little bit of shopping on the days you feel up to it. Go to see funny movie or rent them to watch at home. Read a funny book.
Go topless (bald) often. With some great earrings and makeup, you’ll look fabulous! Do the “Look Good…Feel Better” class.
This is from Kirby:
She teaches classes for ACS for the "Look Good, Feel Better" program. It is free to anyone going thru treatment. It takes about 2 hours but you get instruction in make-up along with a kit valued at $400.00 and up. All is done by donation. Call your local ACS to see if it is offered
For those with no eyelashes or barely any, use eyeliner. My preference is the cake kind that you mix with a bit of water. I use Chanel. Yes, pricey but will last forever and has good color, texture and staying power. Besides you are all worth it !
1. Dip the brush in water, maybe several times, then work the cake being careful to use the brush in the direction it was made. This keeps the hairs nice so you can continue to form a nice thin line.
2. Work the brush to a nice point. Use relatively quickly so the moisture doesn't dry out.
3. Pull the outer corner of your eye to make a flatter surface of your eyelid.
4. Start with the brush about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way in and trying to get a continuous line, draw thinly right at the base where your eyelashes were. Having dark pigmentation around your eyes, will give the illusion of lashes. You can do the same with the bottom lash area but only going on the outer 2/3 to 1/2 of the lash area.
5. By not taking it along the entire lash area, it keeps your eye more open looking and not over done. I like a charcoal color. That would be suitable for pretty much all colorings. Practice drawing the line on the back of your hand until you think you have control of the brush and the pressure to create the thinness of line you would like.
1. Eyebrows…I like a pencil. The better quality pencil generally the better color smoothness and they last longer. Some of the inexpensive pencils will feel like they are tearing up your face! Your skin is more delicate during chemo. Always have a good eyebrow pencil sharpener. Use it before each use. It keeps the line better and cleans the oils off so it will draw more accurate. I have everyone practice drawing on their hand to emulate the little strokes necessary to create a natural look.
2. Use very small, what will look like little brush strokes to create your eyebrow.
Make many small strokes.
3. If necessary, use an eyebrow brush afterwards to soften the look. If the color is a bit too intense, very lightly dust powder over.
4. To get the angles of a natural brow, use the pencil setting it beside your nose, facing up. At that angle it should go from the widest part of your nose, past the inside corner of your eye.
5. Make a dot at that point, where your brow should start.
6, Next, looking directly in the mirror, place a dot, brow area, above your pupil. This is where the brow arches.
7. 3rd and last, use your pencil again against your nose but swing it to the outer corner of your eye. Place a dot at the end of the imaginary line created from the angle of pencil running thru the outside corner. That is where your brow should end. Use small strokes to connect the dots.
Good luck!
Make plans for the future, such as preparations for planting a garden, or planning a weekend get-a-way. One bit of advice from someone was that even after a year, you feel like you are in a dream. Listen to your body. When you are tired, rest.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. THE WOMEN ON THE TNBC SITE ARE HERE FOR YOU EVERY DAY!