Chemo shopping list?

Never connected that! Constant runny nose is quite annoying.

 ricki Same. Im not through yet but considering that I have a reasonable amount of hair on my head and none anywhere else I’d say the cold cap was a good decision. 

Definitely the Polybalm. Aveeno is useful if your toes become itchy. I would have meds for constipation and diarrhoea in before you start, also acid reflux (eg omeprazole which the hospital will probably supply)

Thanks - yes I've said I will try the cold cap.  I have also already decided on a port and have the insertion scheduled.

Think port is probably more discreet than picc line. If I had had choice would of done that. 

Hi Brian69.
Love this idea! I’m 3mths post chemo (yay…party, party (well, sort of)) & looking back, I always kicked off my shoes to settle in for ‘the main event’, as chemo nurse called it. An outrageous pair of cozy socks would have been a brill & smile raising addition to all the ‘necessary’ stuff. A little something just ‘cause YOU fancy it is a great suggestion. A little of ‘you’ when you feel least like yourself. I found it quite difficult to even think like me, so ask a friend for suggestions - mine rocked up with a massive cream bun that I didn’t know I fancied but…surprise…YUM!
Best wishes to MrsP2003. You sound wonderfully organised & practical at what can seem a such an out of the ordinary time. I would also add indigestion medicine (generic brands of Gaviscon, much cheaper & did the job just as well) to your prep list. Reflux & heartburn were a distressing & painful issue for me with the EC/Cyclophosphamide but not during the 12 rounds of weekly Paclitaxel (so a small, but big win). As ricki said, constipation too is not fun, so drink loads. I changed from Metoclopramide to Domperidone anti sickness (sounds like champagne, so going to go with that) as had motion sickness after the first chemo (no actual vomiting just like being drunk, wobbly walk & all, with none of the great night out) & constipation wasn’t an issue after the change.
Good luck…& my top tip is ‘one day at a time’ & tissues.

Jo

Lol I nicknamed my Dom peridone dom perignon too! I had to change anti sickness meds as a precaution as I was given antibiotics that could of interacted with Dom perignon and caused heart palpitations. Not that it was picked up by breast nurses. I happened to check NHS website as a precaution and called red card when I found out.

Hi F1 petrolhead,

Definitely a game changer getting the right champagne cocktail. Mind you, bar the obs scarey stuff that was going on, it must have been quite entertaining seeing me falling asleep against any wall that offered itself up, slurring my words &, probably for the first time ever, genuinely not caring about anything but the potential for sleep. I couldn’t go into the bedroom without practically drooling at the sight of the bed (omg imagine me in a Benson’s for Beds ).

On a practical level, all the above.

Definitely hydrate well before during and after. Eat well if you can - the usual healthy food advice follows but sometimes you just can't eat certain things as taste wierd. If water tastes horrid try different bottled brands. You will need good SLS free, paraben free moisturiser for all your skin as chemo is really drying. You will need vaseline for your lips. A good sunscreen. Nail strengthener (I Used OPI) and a dark nail polish for paclitaxel. Polybalm is good as is greasy neutrogena hand care cream for your nails. Industrial rubber gloves to avoid your nails getting wet.

I used faith in nature shampoo and conditioner and shower gel - all unscented. I also used ice glove and mitts with a replacement ice pack per hour of treatment and a freezer bag with ice blocks to keep frozen (or use freezer on chemo unit if allowed)- I think you would need 3 sets of ice packs like I did. Buy an industrial pair of rubber gloves for household cleaning and for washing up.

 I agree cold cap is worth a go too. Take an alice band or similar to protect your forehead. Also good sunglasses as eyes get dry - use hypomellose eye drops as much as you need - ask chemo unit for them at first chemo or buy from pharmacy. Ask for laxatives and antisickness if not automatically given at first chemo to take home with you. And if you get side effects ring the chemo unit before your next chemo and get advice/treatment.

Exercise every day improves outcomes in cancer, even if just a short walk. Try to get some cardio in if you can on your better days. I found some special classes online for cancer patients. 

I think that is all - sorry to be so wordy and good luck with it all x

Lol hilarious re bed shop. Need to find the lighter side where we can during all the nastiness of chemo. 

Thank you so much everyone for the really useful ideas & tips.  Feels a bit better not going into this blind. It's a lot to take in.