Request for tips

[jolene]

So I'm still pretty new to this and would love to see more tips on here. I had my first chemo session last week and would like to know what worked best for you on the following:

What to drink? Everything tastes horrible - lemon in water is a bit better (still bad) and I actually like water - carbonation burns so thats out - I had sweet tea the other day and it was horrible as well as gatorade - milk is okay but I don't want to just drink milk- and I haven't tired juice (not a big juice fan)- What did you find tasted the best to keep you hydrated

Pimples? My chest and face broke out (and my nose is also peeling) Moisturizer?

Diet changes? - did you make any changes to your diet - for health reasons or just taste wise?

Any other words of wisdom to get thru this

Thanks
~Jolene

[Mary]

Hi Jolene,
Hopefully more people who've been through chemo. recently will see your post and answer your questions here... it's been a while for me, but from what I remember, I stuck with water and milk during that time. Couldn't drink sodas at all.

I did not break out, but since you're peeling, I'd say to use moisturizer on your face, and maybe bathe with an antibacterial body wash for the pimples...

As far as diet goes, you really just have to experiment until you find what you can tolerate. My taste changed so much that about all I could eat was chicken pot pie. That got me through the chemo period. Since then I've tried more to avoid processed foods, and eat more fresh veggies and fruits, less meat.

All I can say is try to listen to your body and eat and drink what works for you for now....

Hopefully more people will see and respond here--
Best wishes and hugs,
Mary

[Ruth]

Jolene,

Please read the post here titled "Our Tips from our MSN Site"

One of my favorites to pass along is the one from one of our original members Kathleen that helps greatly with Chemo Tummy:

12/31/2001 1:14 AM Posted by Kathleen
Terrific Tip:
For chemo tummy, loss of appetite, for you just don't feel like cooking a meal for yourself....I used the following recipe for Instant Potato Soup. It is easy, nutritious and very soothing for the queasiness and nausea some of us have experienced.

Potato Soup Mix

1-3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes
1-1/2 cups dry milk
2 Tb. instant chicken boullion
2 tsp. dried minced onion
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/8 tsp. turmeric (optional...it adds little flavor but gives the soup a nice color)
1-1/2 tsp. seasoning salt

Combine all ingredients. in a bowl and mix. Makes 6 servings.
Place in 1 quart canning jars to store.

Instructions to attach to jar: To serve: place 1/2 cup mix in soup
bowl and add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until smooth.

I made up a batch of this mix when I first started chemo and it was a lifesaver for me.

A lot of our members have found this one to be useful.....but Please read all of the other Tips under this title.......

Hugs,
Ruth[/b][/size][/color]

[Grits]

Hi Jolene...I remember when going through Chemo everything had a metalic taste to me, i wasn't really interested in eating...but when I did, i ate a lot of bland foods like baked potatoes and baked chicken breast...also my mom made me lots of different soups...there's a "healthy" water at the store, forget right now what it's called but it has triclyserides (Sp?)and thingys to keep you hydrated...like you, I drank alot of water with lemon. My Onc did tell me that the fluids were even more important than the food...you have to keep your body hydrated so that it will absorb the Chemo better...so please keep drinking fluids! You are so brave sweetie...going through this chemo, being a wife and mother...it has to feel overwhelming most times...I admire you so much...you continue in my prayers! Hugs, Jane

[jolene]

Thank you everyone for you replies. I did read thru all the other tips that were transfered from the other site.

I think the breaking out may be due to the steroids - I know anytime you mess with my hormones I magically become a teenager again - One of the first signs of being pregnant for me - LOL

I've heard a lot about people who have gone away from processed foods and incorporate more of a vegan type diet - I'll have to ask my dr's about this - but was curious if anyone did and if you feel better / think it makes a difference.

As for the beverages. Tried juice - apple tasted exactly like cardboard - so weird! I also found that drinking from a straw was much better - I can place the straw toward the back of my mouth and minimize the amount that actually touches my tongue so the taste isnt so bad.

Grits - thank you for you kind words and prayers. Its actually not too overwhelming most the time - the first 4 days after my first treatment were bad and that was hard with the kids - they don't get that mommy feels bad and just wants to lay in bed and cry. They make it easier to deal with because I'm stronger for them and don't give in to the poor me attitude. I just deal with it and make the best out of it that I can.

[sherrie]

Hi Jolene, it's been awhile since I took the chemo too, but I do remember my chemo nurse telling me to drink lots of water as it was good for the veins and to get the chemo on through your body. I was also told to eat foods like pinto beans, dried beans or peas of any kind and also baked potatoes and sweet potatoes too. This helps to keep the blood count good....never had one bad blood count the entire 6 months I took chemo. I was also told not to eat off a public salad bar to buy my own veggies and wash them well before making salads. I tried to do all that I could to stay as healthy as possible so I could get the chemo over with!
Praying for you,
love,
Sherrie

[cara3]

Jolene,
They told my father to drinks LOTS of water and to eat PROTEIN. I think he ran into trouble because he did not drink enough water. However, the doctors still keep telling him to concentrate on protein and water.

Good luck.
Kitty

[nikib51708]

This is really late for you, Jolene, but maybe might help others. I have been going through chemo for just over a year now (ovarian cancer, stage 3-c). I found that sherberts (particularly orange) went down well, others like lime, but I'm not a fan of lime. I also learned to not partake in my normal favorite foods because of the chemo altering the taste. Now that it has been over a year on the stuff, I am back to liking my old favorites, eg Diet Pepsi. I did, and continue now, start drinking Carnation Instant Breakfast. I also got a craving for Wheat Thins and cheese cubes. But basically, I would just keep trying different things until I found something that I liked and would "pig" out on that! My diet continues to be a daily challenge because not only was I diagnosed with the cancer, but at the same time, I was also diagnosed with Type II diabetes, and because of blood clot issues brought on by the cancer, I was also placed on Coumidin. All three combined makes for some interesting dietary choices.