Managing Symptoms + Side Effects
Learn from patients and survivors the tips + tricks that worked for them to manage side effects like chemo brain.
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5 CommentsHello, thanks for writing this article, unfortunately, you are incorrect about the Patches bandages being adhesive free. They are not. I used your link to look them up and it says right in their product description that they use non toxic adhesive, which while great, is still not always a solution for those with adhesive allergy. Tegaderm, mentioned in your article, usually not an issue for MOST people, also has non toxic adhesive, but for some, like myself, still are allergic to it unfortunately.
0 RepliesThis is really interesting. I have also heard that Aloe Vera has plenty of advantages. I will definitely share this article with my Family and Friends.
0 RepliesCoconut oil is a lifesaver. My skin breaks out over everything!
0 RepliesMy skin is so sensitive. Thanks for sharing!
0 RepliesThis is so helpful- I've had some annoying reactions to adhesives.
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3 CommentsI think it vary person to person but there is nothing wrong in trying.
0 RepliesWhat works for one person may not work for you but it's always worth trying.
0 RepliesIt helps to get as much knowledge as possible. It worked for me
0 Replies2 CommentsVery interesting article.
0 RepliesAwesome story Caitlin!
0 Replies2 CommentsI've been looking for something like this- thanks for sharing
0 RepliesTracking daily symptoms was really helpful for my family to stay organized!
0 Replies3 CommentsSharing with my friend who struggles with this, she's getting tests soon and hopefully the results aren't too bad.
0 RepliesIt's embarassing but so painful to go through this, I understand from my own experience. I have had a long road with colorectal cancer and I don't even know where the end is at because itts stage IV. Being comfortable is really important and a lot of these options are great, I would say also talking directly with your doctor about other palliative care options of medication cause that can help too, worth the conversation.
0 RepliesGlad I found this resource, I've never seen a list with solutions like this in one place. I definetly recommend using a bidet and cooling pads
0 Replies1 CommentI've loved using essential oils!
0 Replies1 CommentDidn't know this was a thing before reading this article. Interesting to learn about this new information, will definitely keep these tips in mind.
0 Replies1 CommentAmazing to see all this information here in this article instead of me having to research for hours to find this same stuff. Really helpful, thank you!
0 Replies3 CommentsI really appreciate these kind of articles because it shows both sides of story. Thank you for sharing.
0 RepliesI started using medical marijuana when I went through chemo, but. I found that it is very helpful with my anxiety in general. Definitely want to make sure that everyone has access to education about this!
0 RepliesThanks for sharing both the pros and the potential cons with side effects as well! Haven't tried medical cannabis but I know many who swear by it!
0 Replies7 CommentsMy hormones have been OUT OF CONTROL, and I have been having trouble sleeping due to terrible hot flashes in months. Would love to read more content on this topic, and get a little deeper into what kind of program I should put myself on.
0 RepliesThanks for sharing, I have started to notice pounds creeping on and it's good to know that a) this is normal and b) it sounds like I don't have much choice other than to change my habits a bit to fit the new way my body is processing energy.
0 RepliesThis is a great read for any of my pink sisters on hormone therapy (or also endometrial and prostate cancers too!). It's unfortunate that at least in my case there wasn't a lot of great education on this part of the side effects I'd face so super excited to have Sarah Kown and Sarah Flowers contributing pieces like this one!
0 RepliesI work in the medical field and I can assure you that probiotics are absolutely an essential part of gut health and keeping hormonal weight gain at bay. A lot of times the quality of the supplement matters, so make sure you're using a high quality supplement and also keep in mind that it takes about 3 weeks to start seeing any results at all. They have to get into your system so that they can increase good bacteria, reduce bad bacteria, and cut down on inflammation in the gut.
0 RepliesI've got 5-10 years on tamoxifen, I have heard there are a ton of side effects, has anyone tried the probiotics? I'm not so sure what I think of whether they work.
0 RepliesWait, 30% of your diet is supposed to be protein? I hadn't heard that before, but the explanation makes sense. Guess I need to go buy some protein powder or something!
0 RepliesThanks for sharing, a lot of times people think it's only women who have the hormone issues, but us guys have it too!
0 Replies11 CommentsI just got to know right now that this was a problem. Happy that I read this article. Would love to hear more about this......
0 RepliesI have found that exactly to Wendy's point, sexual side effects are something that aren't talked about nearly enough. I have a close group of women friends who have all had cancer as well, and they are the ones that I can talk to about it. Wish there were more resources.
0 RepliesI think this is one of the hardest parts about cancer. When people think about breast cancer I think they think the sexual concerns pertain to what one looks like after surgery. But this issue is nothing compared to the sexual side effects of aromatase inhibitors - they are awful and there is little they can do for them-- but no one discusses this issue and treatment options are not good. I have had amazing treatment from my cancer center but this is one area where they have offered few solutions
0 RepliesI think the best advice about this, the 'elephant in the room', was to be the most open about how you feel in all things. Once you feel anything, share it. Share it openly. And this opens up more mental intimacy which then I believe can change the direction across the board
0 RepliesOne of the hardest parts of my diagnosis and treatment was returning to just being a normal wife after my husband had been my caregiver for so long. We are just starting to get our rhythm back but it hasn't been easy.
0 RepliesI never knew this was a problem, glad I was able to read about this and like many others wish this was a more talked about issue.
0 RepliesI wish there was more information like this out there
0 RepliesI don't think that intimacy is talked about nearly enough in the cancer community, so I'm always excited to see when badass women like Kirsty Oldyroyd help break stereotypes of how we should or should not feel about our bodies.
0 RepliesThis is a great read thanks
0 RepliesThis is such an important reminder to make sure that you are standing up for your health and that includes your sexual health too! Just because you have had cancer doesn't mean that you can't enjoy intimacy.
0 RepliesThank you so much for posting this. I was feeling like I was unique in how I was feeling but I think a lot more people have problems with intimacy than you would think.
0 Replies7 CommentsThis article was very useful for me, thank you!!
0 RepliesThis was very helpful and will share with my MIL and our support group
0 RepliesI got the Innovo shorts and I have to tell you that it's literally been life changing. I was having minor bladder leaks every time I sneezed or coughed, but in just 6 weeks or so I now don't have that problem anymore!!! We shouldn't have to suffer. Definitely check those out.
0 RepliesTart cherry gummies are my new must have for my bedtime routine. I love that it's totally natural AND my oncologist said it doesn't have any drug interactions or hormone interactions .... Always be sure to check w/ your doc before taking anything of course, but this is really great for me and has improved my quality of life significantly. It's not pretty what lack of sleep can do to me!!
0 RepliesI definitely did not expect to find myself in menopause under the age of 40!! I have a problem with dryness, not from being intimate, but just everyday dryness. My oncologist recommended Relazin and it's been working really well for me for hot flashes. Have been taking it now for probably 4-5 months, it took a month or two to kick in
0 RepliesThis is so spot on, it is great to know that Innovo is working to others but in the meantime it's panty liners for me. I have had a ton of hair thinning and loss so looking to find a multivitamin that works for me as well.
0 RepliesI had no idea but being on a number of hormone medicines that a lot of us are on could weaken pelvic floor muscles to the point of incontinence. Wasn't that a nice little side effect surprise. I have been using the Innovo shorts and they honestly have been a miracle product. A friend of mine who also is on hormone medications is using it too, also with great results. Highly recommend you check out!
0 Replies4 CommentsVery informative. Everything elaborated perfectly. I am happy to be the part of this beautiful community. Thank you Kirsty.
0 RepliesIt's unbelievable the stages that you go through with you partner after something like this. You love them more, you hate them more, nobody told me this would be such a family affair!!
0 RepliesLove this, thank you for making me feel like I'm not the only one having to deal with this!!!!
0 RepliesGreat article, Kirsty! Thanks for being such a great contributor to the OneVillage community!
0 Replies3 CommentsVery informative. This will definitely help people suffering from thyroid cancer. I must say stay strong and never lose hope.
0 RepliesThis is great! My friend has just had surgery and will find this useful. Thanks!
0 RepliesGrateful for this article. I saw it just at the right time. Hope to see more like this. Thank you!
0 Replies1 CommentThank you Lindsay Modglin. Good concise information, wish there was more detail around the specific treatment that are offered as part of this
0 Replies7 CommentsGreat read. This article is full of information. I will share it with my friends.
0 RepliesMy wife's father is not doing well and there has been a lot of talk about hospice. We're not exactly sure what to expect, thanks to all who have shared their story.
0 RepliesThanks for sharing, I will save this to read later.
0 RepliesGood concise information, wish there was more detail around the specific therapies that are offered as part of this, I am not sure I still know what to expect
0 RepliesIt's always interesting to me how people don't talk more about death even though it's something we will all experience
0 RepliesThanks for sharing, I had a lot of these questions as we were going through the death of my mother about a year ago. I wish there were more resources out there which talked more openly about what to do in this awful circumstance.
0 RepliesThis is such a difficult topic for many families, it was an honor to write about this, please include your questions and comments here, I will try to answer as many as I can!
0 Replies2 CommentsTalk to as many patients or survivors if you need to, but you should be the one to decide if you want to continue with the treatment.
0 RepliesPost treatment, the best advice I could share is be open about your fears with friends and family members. Knowing that your feelings are valid goes a long way.
0 Replies4 CommentsAppreciate this article. I didn't know that there's a condition for this, I'll do my best to be more understanding with my Auntie who's like a second mom to me, knowing that she might have suffered from this side-effect.
0 RepliesI did not have chemo or radiation and didn't experience chemo brain personally, but I know many friends and family members who have been through cancer treatment and have shared with me how frustrating and scary this side effect can be. Thanks for the helpful info!
0 RepliesSo how long it lasts is different for every person. Thanks for sharing!!
0 RepliesInteresting! I didn't know that there's a term for this until today! Thanks for sharing!
0 Replies2 CommentsTo have been through 6 different cancers and still be leading such a full and productive life - very inspiring!
0 RepliesWhat an incredible story - to have been through six different cancers! And as an oncologist, he has obviously seen so many patients who have been through cancer too. He understands what it's like to be both the doctor and the patient.
0 Replies3 CommentsAcupuncture is really helpful. My cousin always got health issues and then someone recommended this. Now he's fine. Highly recommended..
0 RepliesI have heard a lot of Acupuncture but never got a proper details of it. Thank you for sharing this article.
0 RepliesAcupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine and it helps improving health.
0 Replies4 CommentsVery good piece!
0 RepliesHopefully so many new cancer therapies involve with this change in thinking. These types of gene based therapies and research will help so much!
0 RepliesThat would be awesome if we have the opportunity to access such life changing treatments.
0 RepliesThis is wonderful. Hopefully many other cancer therapies are likely to follow this path.Science is making huge progress on cancer under our noses.
0 Replies8 CommentsI was so lost in my cancer I didn’t even realize I was under Palliative care until I felt joy of wanting to live again. I would have to say my palliative team brought me back to life emotionally! My social worker Amanda has been life altering for me. I didn’t know how to see life after cancer…. But now I see so much more.
0 RepliesPalliative care gets a bad rap, I don't know why people don't talk about this more.
0 RepliesThanks for the info everyone! I didn't realize the difference in hospice and palliative care either!
0 RepliesWe used palliative care for my grandpa years ago. They were so kind and a great resource to take advantage of. They're not hospice!
0 RepliesIt's a common misconception that hospice is the same thing as palliative care. Palliative care is available to anyone and they can help you manage your side effects from headaches to constipation to nausea and everything in between. Ask your doctor for a referral.
0 RepliesYes a lot has changed with palliative care over time. I get really exhausted and have found that my palliative care team has been helpful to me in a number of ways. They even helped me get my medical marijuana license too! :)
0 RepliesYes, palliative care is available to anyone even if you're not at end of life stages, whereas hospice is only for people who are at the end of their lives. Both help provide pain medications and keep you comfortable if you're having any sort of side effects
0 RepliesWe used palliative care with my mom when she was in the hospital, they were amazing, kept her completely comfortable. If I could do it over again I would have started her with palliative care from day 1.
0 Replies4 CommentsScared to start this because I've heard the same stories about some crazy side effects!
0 RepliesI am hear some pretty wild side effects from tamoxifen ! Please listen to your body and consult your doctor if you start feeling some of them!! Weight gain, brittle bones, and hot flashes more than normal!
0 RepliesI use to be on lupron but it didn’t seem to help me. I found I was irritable also. I notice my moods have been changing a lot on the tamoxifen but I’ve only been on it since March 9th. I was told I might get my menstrual cycle on the tamoxifen but I haven’t (which I’m glad). I also have endometriosis so I’ve had a laparoscopy, d&c and an ablation. My oncologist talked about taking out my ovaries to put me in menopause but I’d like to go through it naturally if I can.
0 RepliesI’m on it. My bigger issues come from lupron. I have noticed I am slightly more irritable but I’m also super stressed so I’m hoping that goes down. I haven’t had any hair loss.
0 Replies7 CommentsI am happy to see so many suggestions and recommendations.
0 RepliesSamantha, yup!
0 RepliesThere are 'spring loaded' bikes that are even easier on the feet and nerves that i've tried but they seem to be so much more expensive. Let me know if you have any luck with any other stationary bikes.
0 RepliesI agree- try Peloton or an off brand version stationary bike to get started!
0 RepliesA number of our users have found that the Peloton bike or the Hydrow are both great options. Shoot us a message at support@onevillage.io and we'd be happy to share some recommendations!
0 RepliesI used to love running, and can't anymore. My best recommendation to you is to invest in a rowing machine if you can, or find a gym that offers one. That has been the only activity that isn't painful for me
0 RepliesYou should definitely check out the Miko foot massagers. They sell them here on OneVillage but you can also buy them on Amazon as well. Seriously, they're a little pricey but they are worth every penny.
0 Replies9 CommentsThank you this was super helpful, I have had the hardest time trying to eat, and will try some of these suggestions
0 RepliesThanks everyone for the great comments! I will definitely check these out, heading over to CVS today so will ask pharmacist there what she reccomends!
0 RepliesNice, thanks IC, that is a great tip!
0 RepliesIt’s this new mouthwash I used that’s only $15 and worked great for me. It’s with the sensitive mouthwashes and toothpastes. Ask the pharmacist at CVS 0r Walgreens. I forgot the name 🤔
0 RepliesDrinking from a straw if you have mouth sores can be helpful as well if you're not already doing that! Keeps the liquid away from the sore spots.
0 RepliesAshley- thanks for that suggestion. I will do that.
0 Repliesbiotene was most helpful for me
0 RepliesMagic mouthwash!
0 RepliesAsk your dentist about some special foam swabs they can give you to use instead of a toothbrush, that can be super helpful with making sure you're not irritating your mouth even further while trying to keep it clean from infection.
0 Replies12 CommentsWas there anything pre chemo that you used to eat to settle your stomach? Not probably doctor recommended but salty chips helped settle my stomach and ironically anything, literally anything, that had mint in it. The smell of it, the taste of it, I almost thought that if I looked at it I felt better.
0 RepliesYou should give ginger chews and ginger ale a shot. I don't know why or how they are effective, but they seem to be the best at being a solution to the nausea.
0 RepliesSaltine crackers have always been my go to. There is a specific brand at Chik Fil A which is the only thing I could keep down during my last surgery. The woman at the drive through gave me a whole bag of them when I told her I had another surgery coming up. It's the small things! ❤️
0 RepliesHard candy- sour stuff! Give it a try!
0 RepliesI found that for some reason if I had lemon drops during the time I was getting treated it helped to settle my stomach. Lots of gingerale obviously too!
0 RepliesI've always found that aromatherapy was very helpful, there are a few options listed here on OneVillage in the group here that you can buy right off of Amazon. Love that it is a totally natural remedy and is super effective, at least for me.
0 RepliesI'm not sure how scientific this is but I have heard that if you start humming it will help with your immediate nausea. I learned this in sailing club, so not sure whether it applies to chemotherapy or not!
0 RepliesThis might sound crazy but Lemonheads- they really help curb nausea!
0 RepliesGinger drops were a lifesaver for me during treatment. I used them all during my chemo and found that they helped with the bad taste in my mouth as well.
0 RepliesQueasy Drops makes a wristband for nausea that my hubby has had some good luck with. You can get this on the OneVillage site or they also sell it (same price) on Amazon and Target as well.
0 RepliesMake sure you are sipping something like gingerale or sprite during your infusions, also helps with staying hydrated.
0 RepliesHave you tried Queasy Drops? There is also a new Queasy band that is out now as well.
0 Replies9 CommentsHey everyone! My name is Danielle and I live in Rochester! Beautiful mama to two boys and my FIL right now is battling cancer but the good news is the outlook is great. I am overwhelmed right now and finding a community that supports one another like this has been super inspiring!
0 RepliesWelcome everyone! I'm Dan, new here. Joined the group thinking that there could probably be some things I'd learn about how to be healthier, and manage some of the side effects I'm experiencing (neuropathy in particular). Look forward to getting to know you all!
0 RepliesI think it's really important to be able to share hacks and tips with each other. I'm not sure how much I will be able to contribute but I am glad to have this group of people here and glad that I have the chance to learn from you!
0 RepliesHi everyone I'm Carlee, I'm new here and just joined the group to see if there are ways I can learn from the survivors among us!
0 Replieswelcome everyone 🙌
0 RepliesHi Tanya! Welcome to OneVillage! I'm so sorry you're having to go through this! I'd love to chat more and see what we can do to help you through this. You can reach me at ashley@onevillage.io or on our support hotline 1 646-600-5518. Sending you lots of warm wishes.
0 RepliesHi there, I actually live in British Columbia Canada. I was first diagnosed in2019 with stage 2/3 breast cancer, I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction, however a few weeks later the reconstruction fell apart which lead to emergency surgery and then two more to be what I thought was finished in April 2021. However I felt like a grain of sand and it grew and I just kept growing, I had asked my doctor to remove it in April but she didn't, I returned to her when it had grown more and she took it out. No one thought it could be, but it was, in the same spot. I had dutifully taken my tamoxifen but screw the 3% chances, it's back. I am getting radiation starting on the 14th of February. However with the shot I am now taking and the new medication that all can have heart issues, I am terrified as the radiation is above my heart.... yeah that's me
0 RepliesHi, Luke here, helping my dad through a recent lung cancer diagnosis. Great to have this community.
0 RepliesHi everyone! I'm Ashley, and I'm a 4 year survivor based in Washington DC!
0 Replies4 CommentsHave you tried ice or cold presses?
0 RepliesI struggle with dry skin! I agree with above comments. Moisturizer is key! I always keep a small travel size bottle of lotion on me. Mederma would probably be a good option as well.
0 RepliesI'm finding that constant moisture is critical. There are also some silicon adhesive patches that have been really helpful for me. Feel better!
0 RepliesHave you tried using Mederma?
0 Replies7 CommentsI definitely considered this but was talked out of it by my adult children. It was a really complicated situation for me, but in the end I'm glad I stuck it out. I don't want "what ifs" running through my mind, or worse my kids minds, for the rest of my life.
0 RepliesI had a recurrance and definitely thought about it. I ended up completing my treatment and have been doing well health wise, but I completely understand where you are mentally. Hang in there if you can, your body will let you know when it's time to stop
0 RepliesMy stepfather went through treatment and it was difficult to see how hard it is on a person's body. He was very strong through it but I know it must have been really hard on him
0 RepliesSo this post really hit home for me today because I have been having a hard time watching my father in law who is in treatment at the moment for metastatic lung cancer. He is in so much pain and I think it would be better for him to be peaceful and comfortable with palliative care, but nobody seems to listen to me about it. Sorry you're going through this, I hope you're doing better!
0 RepliesThere were definitely times when I thought about it, and then I looked over and saw my two beautiful children, and realized I have to keep fighting. One of the things that I found useful during this really difficult time was remembering that my story had a beginning, a middle and and end. My treatments and my cancer will not define who I am. I want to live to see another day!
0 RepliesDad is being treated for lung cancer and has been really struggling lately. I worry that this is going to happen with us. I just want him to feel better, the chemo has really take a toll on his body.
0 RepliesYes, I have. It's great to have a community like this to let you know that you aren't alone. Are you sure that you won't be able to get through them? It's always important to remember that treatment is only a finite period in time, but you are the only one who knows your own body! You need to go with whatever feels right to you.
0 Replies5 CommentsYes for me the same thing
0 RepliesI'm sorry you're going through this too. It gets worse before it gets better unfortuantely.
0 RepliesA lot of cancer treatments are cumulative so yes, they will get worse as you take more! It totally sucks but if it's doing it's job, that build up should be fighting the cancer off too.
0 RepliesNo you're not alone with that, mine got worse too. What treatment are you on?
0 RepliesFor sure, that happened to me. My side effects were way worse by the end of treatment cause all of that stuff is building up in your body, so it does make sense for it to feel worse and worse.
0 Replies8 CommentsThanks for the great tip Helen!! I am going to look into that today, I have terrible lymphedema.
0 RepliesHi Elizabeth, This leg swelling is not fun especially in the humidity. So sorry you are dealing with that. I use Accu-Therm reusable hot/cold Ice packs sold by Medline at 1-800-Medline RH18RPA. Very reasonably priced about $10 for 2 coldpacks. I got them from my Medicare Company that helps me with getting supplies. These are so easy to put in the freezer and I re-use them everyday and they last for months! I really hope that helps. Best wishes to you ~
0 RepliesWhat kind of ice packs did you use Helen? I'm trying to get my own leg swelling under control as we speak too!! :)
0 RepliesHi Johna, I am icing my knees as I type this. Leg swelling is the worst! I can tell you that I use Ice on my legs at least 2-3x a day. Sometimes the pain is so bad I sleep with my legs up on a giant pillow or 2 pillows to elevate them with the ice packs on tops. At times I wish I had some xtra large iced leg wraps. Ice helps my legs more than anything else. The warm water therapy did help the inside arthritis pain too. If you have access to warm water pool therapy to just walk or stretch your legs. I try very hard to take a long walk every day but sometimes my legs won't let me. Elevate your legs like, always put them up as much as you can. I always do that and it helps me so much. Lots of Water--Vitamin Water with Coconut Water in it helps me A LOT! It is Pricey so I can't always afford it. This might sound wierd but Old Navy sells cheap Soft Compression Leggings that help my legs so much. You can usually find them On Sale for around $10-15 a major deal otherwise usually $20-30. I wear them all the time. As a leg pain and leg swelling sufferer those are my tips for you. I feel your pain. I truly hope something helps yours Johna.
0 RepliesCompression is good, I'd talk to your doctor about how often to do it because the timing can be important too!
0 RepliesI tried pool therapy and it helped for awhile, I'd talk to your doctor about it again if it doesn't feel better.
0 RepliesThanks Tessa!
0 RepliesI went through the same thing... try massaging the area with lotion or oil, which can be painful, but start gentle. This can help circulation so worth a try!
0 Replies4 CommentsCool worked best for me. Warm only made it worse.
0 RepliesIf it is a radiation burn, I tried warm water. That didn't work. The prescription cream also didn't work. So I tried bag balm and it was the best decision I ever made.
0 RepliesI got a bidet attachment on Amazon that I found on here, it was around $30 from amazon and was worth its weight in gold! Highly recommend.
0 RepliesWarm to slightly hot helped me - also had a bidet installed into my toilet.
0 Replies2 CommentsI find mine feels better when I have clean hair. When I wash it feels so much better. Not sure when or how it goes away. My surgery was in December 21, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in Jan 22 , Chemo cycles ongoing
0 RepliesI put a cold pack on top my head. Helps a little.
0 Replies5 CommentsMy God,,, yeah it sucks, I remember thinking, oh it can't be that bad, well it is, short term memory, especially when I was going through chemo was/is real terrible, I still have to tell my guys that they have to remind me of things all the time, nothing helped, writing things down was my only option, I'm near 7 years later and it is only a little better, many prayers to you! 🙏🙏😇😇💙💙
0 RepliesMy God,,, yeah it sucks, I remember thinking, oh it can't be that bad, well it is, short term memory, especially when I was going through chemo was/is real terrible, I still have to tell my guys that they have to remind me of things all the time, nothing helped, writing things down was my only option, I'm near 7 years later and it is only a little better, many prayers to you! 🙏🙏😇😇💙💙
0 RepliesFirst rounds 9 years ago with Mets to lung 5 years ago. My memory is in the toilet but I have come to terms with the fact that being forgetful is a small price to pay for getting to laugh about it every single day!!! And I laugh a lot!!!😊
0 RepliesI have been off chemo for six months now and it is a little better but definitely still there.
0 RepliesWrite everything down. Be patient with yourself. Celebrate every little accomplishment, making that phone call, getting that one small task done.
0 Replies6 CommentsI had the same problem... nothing tasted good. I ended up having bland home made chicken noodle soup...a good friend kept me supplied with it over my 6 treatments. I also drank grape propel because even water tasted and smelled funny to me! Eggs and mashed potatoes were ok too! I couldn't stand a lot of smells either... fragrances I used to love made me sick on my stomach. I never got physically sick but had to be careful about what I ate. Try some foods and if they go down and stay down, eat these foods! God bless you through this journey...you will have bad days and good days... hoping your good days will outnumber the bad!🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤
0 RepliesI’m on the same boat everything taste is so disgusting and the problem is that the steroids are making me eat more and I keep on trying foods and eating different things to satisfy my appetite that is compromised because no flavor and I’m just gaining weight I have gained probably 8 pounds 🤦♀️
0 Replieshere's how I did it .... I used plastic forks, knives, and spoons. I did not cook my foods in my cast iron pans ... [the chemo changes your taste buds and everything that I cooked in my cast iron pan tasted like cast iron] ... I tried to eat a lot of protein because my body needed the protein to heal. I was able to eat eggs ... cottage cheese ... cucumbers ... tomatoes ... [just eat what you can but make sure you eat] ... I made soups from chicken and veggies I could tolerate ... I also made sure if I felt like I had not eaten enough ... I would drink protein shakes [sometimes twice a day]. I cooked my eggs in the microwave ..... eat whatever you can tolerate .... and another thing you need to do ... is rest ... your body is going through a lot .... take care of YOU. God Bless.
0 RepliesMy husband didnt skip a meal during chemo.. he said it tasted awful but he knew he needed the nutrients. What about shakes, juiced fruits/veggies, popsicles, anything you can tolerate. Big hugs to you!!!
0 RepliesYes try anything that doesn't smell I couldn't stand the smell of something cooking
0 RepliesBiotene mouthwash. Run don't walk to get this, it's the only thing that would allow me to eat. Swish around for a few minutes directly before a meal, I usually had a good 30 minutes where I felt ok to eat.
0 Replies6 CommentsI tried one to help with equilibrium after a stroke. It helped but then I found out I can’t take them because I’m on a blood thinner. If. Could, I would❤️
0 RepliesI use CBG, and Delta 8. I like edibles, but I prefer tinctures (drops) for under the tongue or I have a cartridge pen. With edibles, if you eat too much no going back lol. I like the control I have with the tinctures or inhalation, which is actually the quickest way to experience the effects. I love Delta 8 products because they are not a psychosomatic high, but more of a body high meaning great for pain, relaxation, sleep nausea etc. I buy from one company, and every thing I purchase comes with a chemical compound breakdown from a licensed chemist.
0 RepliesBeen using it since before diagnoses. But I use edibles now and smoke it. It helps so much with nausea, and with appetite. If it wasn't for weed I wouldn't be able to eat. It helps relieve my neurophaty. I refuse to go on meds for it till I truly need it, but bud def gives me relief. Helps me sleep and helps when nothing else does after my wbc booster shot. Only bad thing is you can't use it anytime of the day, unless youre ok being high all day.
0 Repliesyes it has helped. I was surprised by how effective it is. If you get your medial license they will help you thru every step to find what will work best for your symptoms.
0 RepliesYes . CBD oil has been amazing for me .
0 RepliesYes! Definitely a tool in my toolbox that I use along with chemo. I use edibles ( gummies , chocolate) I also use Tincture. I'm a true believer in this.
0 Replies5 CommentsCeraVe is definitely a game changer. I have been using it for years, actually, under the recommendation of my dermatologist. I've been sucked into some of the much higher priced lotions over time but I really don't feel like any of them work as well or are as cost effective as CereVe! Glad to know we are all part of the fan club here :)
0 RepliesThank you so much for sharing this! I just bought it for the same reason, in anticipation of the skin issues. So great to hear that it works! Yes thank you to whomever posted the tip! 🥰🥰🥰
0 RepliesYes! My dermatologist suggested it. I also use on in a small jar for my face. Really helps!
0 RepliesTry the sugar scrubs for the shower too. Not Cerave but life changing
0 RepliesI made a post about it last week I think. I'm so happy it's helping you!!
0 Replies7 CommentsTHANK YOU FOR POSTING!
0 RepliesMine didn’t stat until my last 2 treatments but I didn’t realize that my fingernails would turn color and they eventually lifted to where I had to cut them down drastically. It looks crazy and not cute by any means. I wish I would have known this was a possibility then the shock wouldn’t have been so rough. So not only did I lose my hair I lost part of my fingernails and toenails. Not trying to be negative Nancy at all just trying to provide some insight.
0 RepliesI used gloves and socks with ice packs. Bought on Amazon. No neuropathy.
0 RepliesIce packs on your hands and feet during chemo… that’s what worked for me.
0 RepliesI’m cold capping my hands and feet. Tomorrow is my 4th round out of 12. So far no neuropathy issues 🤞
0 RepliesI kept my hands and feet on those ice blocks like it was my job. I gritted my teeth and withstood it when it hurt. I listened to podcasts to distract me. I had type 1 diabetes even before starting treatment. 12 full taxol treatments and no neuropathy. Also took vitamin b6
0 RepliesIce as much as you can during infusions (my infusion room nurses were super helpful and brought me a step stool to reach the foot bucket easier). I had 12 infusions and no neuropathy. Best wishes!
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