Breast cancer HER2 +

Hello, I don't know if I can be of any help but I have been dealing with my side effects from chemo for the last 4 months. I don't like drugs (haha) so I try to find alternative solutions to some of the side effects. I had AC (3 rounds) and am on week 8 (of 12, Paclitaxel or Taxol). If you think I might be useful to you, please just say, I'd be happy to discuss. 

Yes that would be very helpful. Thank you 

Hi Vienna263

Sorry that you have to go through this.  Chemo can be hard at times but it is doable. Your oncology team are just at the end of a phone if you need them and they will adjust your chemo if you feel too sick. If I needed to I took the anti-sickness tablets that they gave me.  I found however that I didn't need to take them often.

Best of luck with your treatment and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you don't suffer too many side effects.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Vienna263, I did find that I had nausea and acid reflux on my first rounds of chemo (AC). I found the advice confusing because it wasn't always easy to differentiate between nausea and reflux. I was doing all the things recommended for nausea but it didn't really help considering I had acid reflux. When I learnt the difference then I knew what to do. For example, fizzy water is good for nausea but not good for reflux. Bottom line is, the anti emetic drugs you'll be given are useful for nausea, try to take them before things develop. If for any reason they are not suitable for you, they will be able to offer you an alternative. For reflux, the best thing I tried was taking small sips of warm water - I found it really worked. I also made the mistake of eating a rich meal before my first chemo - not a good idea. I'd suggest keeping your meals simple and quite plain. I made myself a lot of chicken consomme and put it in the freezer in meal size portions. Also, eat slowly and don't lie down for at least 3 hours after eating. This can be a conundrum if you are eating little snacks instead of bigger meals. I spent a whole 2 weeks not lying down just to prevent the effects of reflux. I also recommend drinking plenty of clear fluids as this will help your kidney function and help with everything generally. Some people are very tired when they have chemo but I've had a different reaction (as far as I can tell no 2 people experience it in the same way), I've suffered insomnia for the entire time (I hope you don't get this), I can offer no solution apart from sleeping tablets (which I won't take). The other thing I highly recommend is that you walk everyday, even on the more difficult days. There might be difficult days but that means there will be days that aren't so bad. Keep nails short and keep your skin well moisturised. Use a very soft toothbrush (in case your mouth becomes sore). I did something called Oil Pulling, (swishing a teaspoon of organic cocoanut oil around your mouth for at least 5 minutes twice a day) I've not had ANY mouth sores and I put it down to this. You'll be advised to also rinse with salt water to keep your mouth clean. I must be honest and say that I spend an inordinate about of time trying to counteract the side effects and it takes half of my day. Will you be on Taxol after your EC? If so I have lots of tips for that. 

... also, chemo IS scary, it's the unknown that's hard. But they won't let you get too bad, they can alter your dose if needs be. Have you been offered any counselling? I took everything that was offered to me. Counselling, psychiatry, acupuncture, reflexology. Your mental well being is just as important as how it will affect you physically. I'd suggest that you continue to do what you are doing and ask for help where you think you might need it. If I can be of any help then I'm here. I wish you the mildest of journeys through this crappy time. 

Hi first take a breath your imagination is running wild . Chemo is not pleasant but it is doable honest . Have a read of my profile just click on my name and you'll see my treatment plan . I also was diagnosed Her 2 + 

I had mastectomy ,EC x6  ,then herceptin x 18 now zoledronic acid infusion til next year . 3 years of treatment ....2 done still here hair back .

This waiting time for you is the worst time we all tend to feel better once treatment has started .

yes there will be SE but hopefully you will find them manageable have a look on the April /May Chemo thread lots of info and support on there . With a group of ladies going through chemo now . There is also a link to a list of hints to help with SE .

E C does come with a long list of SE but I promise it would be very rare for you to get them all especially all at once that would be greedy .

Have a look around the threads some interesting ones Awake is full of chat with a lot of ladies who like me have been around for a few years . Always ready to offer advice and support feel free to jump in any conversation to say hello you will be welcomed 

Ask any questions someone will always answer 

Hi ,I have had 1 EC chemo so far .I was very sick first day ,but they sorted that . I had 1 tired week because of it and ate little bits like toast . Drink lots of water .then had 2 wks good been at work normal life .2nd tomorrow.I have other allergies and are always sick 

Hi, 

thank you so much for the tips.

yes I will be on Taxel after EC, so if you have tips about that, that would be great. 

Hi Vienna263. I'm going to presume that you are starting your chemo today - I wish you well. I forgot to mention that you may suffer from constipation (all the side effects are doable right?) I used glycerine suppositories because they are not a drug and they worked. Use them exactly as directed. I only needed to resort to Senokot (mildest version) a couple of times. Re Taxol. I have not felt any nausea and only the very mildest acid reflux on it. Mostly it's aching bones and a tingling feeling around my body. I use paracetamol and not the harsh drug they gave me and I find that very often, just taking one works. You may find changes to taste which is upsetting because food can be a comfort but you can try things to awaken your taste buds. Lots of people recommend fresh pineapple, it didn't work for me but after some trial and error I've found that sharp lemony things work. so sherbet, lemon sorbet etc. Triyoga does classes for free for cancer patients - go to Vicky Fox. If anything pops up and you want to ask, I'm here. xx

Hi LadyP sorry I jumped in your conversation from nowhere. I would like to ask about Taxol chemo , iam on week 4 this week Friday will be session  5, my hair its coming off in lumps for very last two days. Did you loose all your hair with Taxol? Iam using cold cap but seems its not really helps.X