#chemotips

[chalida-dk]

Chemo 2: Bikram 16

Sixteen yoga classes between my first and second infusions. Not bad. There were days when I just didn’t have the energy to go, but I did it anyway. I don’t know, don’t ask. Obsessive? Maybe.

I must admit, it is the hardest thing to come back and face the floor again and again when I’d rather be lying prone and knitting perhaps. But the exercise thing under chemo makes good sense. I’m still getting used to me practicing sans cheveux. Sometimes I shock myself. At one time in a position, I thought I saw a bald guy in front of me in the mirror, only to realize it was actually me. I was in child’s pose if you can imagine with me. I know, I shouldn’t have been looking forward, but I was in transition.

Can I still do my poses like before? How much do I compensate, you may ask. When I first returned to the studio, I thought I would have to compensate a lot, as in all positions requiring arm movements above my head. But turned out it wasn’t that bad. My standing positions remained pretty awesome if I must pat myself on the back. The overhead stretches will take time before I can perform them with straight elbows where appropriate but it doesn’t mean I can’t do them altogether.

I think another photo montage is in order. Need to seek a partner in crime with a quick and steady hand.

[chalida-dk]

Note to self

You know those little hangnails and bits of skin that come loose around your nail beds? Do you just pick them off without thinking? Don’t do that. Especially a few days before chemo.

When all the literature mentions that the immune system is obliterated by chemo drugs, this is true. What is just a harmless bit of skin picked off without thinking has become a nuisance infection. I’ve had to resort to antibiotic cream on that little bit of skin, hoping it won’t turn into something more serious.

Just saying. Keep your skin intact before chemo, okay?

[bumpintheboob]

#chemo #sideeffect Fingernails almost 2 months post chemo, the peeling started in the middle of the nails. Thumbs are the worst. I painted glitter polish on my nails during treatment and then had to remove it before surgery! I don't typically see patients during this post-surgery recovery time, so a lot of this is a mystery to me. 

Yesterday, I met with the surgical oncologist. I'm still on weight and range of motion restrictions, but otherwise, everything else looks good. I wake up with all of the energy in the world and then crash around 2 PM. My husband and mom constantly remind me to conserve my energy. 

After my appointments yesterday, we stopped at Target where I picked up new bras. The plastic surgeon told me not to wear underwires right now. Before my diagnosis, I ripped out most of the wires; I find them annoying and unnecessary for my size. I picked up some seamless, tank style bras that feel very soft. Just like during chemo, I only want to be surrounded by soft things. 

On the not-so-soft-side, at REI I bought a Foot Rubz foot massager. I thought it might help with increasing circulation in my feet. My feet always feel better after a foot rub. The neuropathy isn't that bad during the day, it's in the evening and at night when I most notice it. I take a low dose of gabapentin (more for night sweats than neuropathy, but maybe it helps) and apply Topricin to my feet. The sudden electric jolts are the most bothersome; they start in the evening after supper and continue until I fall asleep. They are a constant reminder of that awful, shearing bone pain from my last cycles of chemo. So glad that part of my treatment is behind me.

[sorrymombutfuckcancer]

What the doctors don't tell you about how to get through Chemo

The doctors are very compassionate and working towards healing your cancer in every way that they can. They may help you with these little things that could help the process, your stress, and your comfort level...but if they don't you have to be your own advocate and ask questions.

1.)  Get your teeth cleaned before starting treatment: If you have the time and it's possible... you will get mouth sores that are painful and could be an entry for an infection. Your immune system will be very low so you want to make sure to eliminate any potential risks.

2.) Get your wigs now: It will be easiest for you to go and buy a wig now before or first starting your treatment so that the wig store can match your natural hair color. You also will not be as emotional and stressed if you wait until you are losing your hair to get your wig. You don't know how the chemo will affect you or if you will feel energized enough to go buy a wig once you have already started.

3.) Take care of your skin:  Your skin will begin to dry out so its important to buy a nice lotion to keep your skin hydrated. Your lips will also get chapped. I found it's best to buy a more expensive lotion that helps tremendously.  Shikai Borage Therapy Advanced Therapy Lotion, Alba Maximum strength lotion, and Organix TheraNeem Lip Balm from Sprouts or Whole foods. (Each body responds differently, just try and go to a natural health food store and buy products with No:  Artificial Colors, Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Myreth Sulfate

4.)  Get your comfo chemo clothes : My mom has a chemo port surgically inserted into her and she carries her chemo pack bag with her 24/7. We went out and bought sweaters and those cool hippie looking flowy sweaters because she was self conscious about her bag. They worked wonderfully. Some people have to go in to a facility to get their chemo pumped through their arm vein so I have heard its helpful for them to buy yoga pants, sweats, sweaters, and comfy clothes to sit around in.

5.) Water, water, and more water: Your body and your liver will need enough water to filter the excess toxins in your body. Drink AT LEAST 64 ounces of water each day. This will help with constipation, dry skin, and toxin removal. You will not always want to drink water and your tastebuds may change to make things taste metallic so I heard about this water brand specifically for chemo patients called Water Delight.

6.) Take your medicine, don't put it off: Quoted from But Doctor I hate Pink: "I learned after surgery that it is a lot harder to control pain or nausea once it starts than to prevent it in the first place. So, no waiting on the meds. No being brave. No saying, "Oh, it's only a little queasiness, I can take it." No, don't take it. Be a wimp and slam the drugs. You get no points for bringing yourself to the point of a three hour puke. You probably won't need them after five or six days anyway - if that long."

7.)  Mouthwash: Chemo kills off the fast growing cells in your mouth. Causing you to get mouth sores. I hear that Biotene Mouthwash and Biotene toothpaste are the best. It's better to splurge than to suffer. Buy the expensive mouthwash and prevent the painful mouthsores.

Quoted from Karries Chemo Tips -"Dry mouth and mouth sores are a common problem with chemo patients. I watched a video at MD Anderson for my pre-chemo instruction. A patient on the video was this rough and tough man and he said "Brush your teeth 4 times a day and you will never get a mouth sore" So, I brushed my teeth 3-4 times a day and he was right… I never got a mouth sore. Regular toothpaste and mouthwashes are too harsh. My dentist recommended Biotene products. I loved them so much, I continue to use them today. I used the mouthwash several times a day to keep my mouth moist. Dilute the mouthwash with a little water if the peppermint taste is too strong."

The most important thing is to listen to your body during this time. Do things to lower stress level and keep you as comfortable as possible. The journey is hard enough, pamper yourself, take care of your needs. Rest when you want. Relax, and focus on your positive healing.