Chemo shopping list?

Trip to Ikea during chemo proved interesting. Made it through the bed dept  awake but fell at the rug section - was only going to lean for a moment…oops, too long…and she’s asleep.

I can laugh now but if anyone thinks my comments flippant, my apologies. Be assured that they are very much the lighter side of what has been & still is a difficult year.

I’ve only just felt able to post on here & am often in awe of how strong, supportive & kind you all are. 

A silk or satin pillowcase is lovely and is supposed to help with keeping hair on head.  Also mints as everything seems to taste awful for me at the moment.  And the mouthwash I was given is for dry mouth.  I was told not to use ordinary dental. Mouthwash as it’s too astringent.  A really nice hand cream and maybe some oil for the nails.  It’s great you’re going to be so prepared.  You’ll be fine x

Lol I wouldn't of been brave enough to try IKEA too worried about crowds and catching something. Esp with the narco.lepsy as well 

I’m further ahead as I have had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. I’m now on hormone tablets and Phesgo every 3 weeks. I bought Polybalm for my nails, and faith in nature shampoo and Aveeno for skin care (which I only used during and after radiotherapy). I showered with Aveeno shower cream which I found was enough to keep my skin from drying. I kept well hydrated which also helps the skin. I didn’t used lip balm only lipstick as normal as for me that worked well. Other than that I haven’t used gloves for washing up or cleaning and my nails haven’t faired too badly but then I’m not one for using rubber gloves. I had EC and Docetaxel both of which are harsh on skin and hair. I had lanzaprozole for indigestion and heartburn which my oncologist prescribed but gaviscon did the same and helped. I did avoid certain foods like soft cheeses, unpasteurised items and raw meats/fish and grapefruit. I also did avoid marmalade due to the Seville oranges but I have now been able to start all of those again bar the grapefruit as that can interact with different meds. 
Everyone is very different on how they react with their treatments and it’s great to have all the advice on what people did for their journey. 
Wishing everyone well for their journeys

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

I too avoided soft cheese and rare meat etc during chemo but looking forward to having again. Grapefruit was the one thing I was told to avoid. 

To be honest, what works for one may not work for another. I’m due to have my 4th round soon and I’m fast learning that I just need to ‘do me’. Mints are great if your taste goes like mine has, alsolavoured water. My hair went and I’m loving the bald look but it’s not for everyone. Get a lovely hat and some scarves. Oh - an arm cover for the shower if you’ve got a Picc line - life saver for me! I use Body Shop for body care. And nice PJs if you have to be admitted - I’ve been admitted twice now. I use a prescribed antiseptic mouthwash from the hospital as I was getting a sore mouth - very helpful. Having the chemo is never an issue for me - you actually end up having some really nice conversations with the people around you and the staff. Last time we were talking about Cornwall and favourite takeaways!

Also, if you have issues with diarrhoea or constipation they will tell you what to have, and then the next time you go in they usually prescribe something anyway. So don’t waste your money. I don’t pay for the mouthwash. They will help you. 

For EC we called the infusions white wine and red wine. It gave a laugh to us all.  I also put on red lipstick to come home. 

Hope all goes well

Love that. Thank goodness I was warned about red pee too with ec

Drinking straws. I found them such a help to stay hydrated when everything, even water, tasted awful. Helps bypass most of the taste buds on your tongue. Best of luck with your treatment.