Bring music with large headphones that drown out the sounds of the people and machines to help you escape mentally. In a situation where you may feel out of control or overwhelmed it helps to create a safe space. I wore my favorite hooded sweatshirt, a good head-set and slept through my treatments.
You get cold during chemotherapy. Even though the hospital will provide blankets, you may feel more comfort if you bring your favorite sweatshirt or special blanket.
For me having an upbeat attitude day of worked wonders. I came to infusion day dressed comfortable in bright clothing which got more outragious with each infusion. Started with my hair, then a blond wig when I am red heat, later I had a pink wig, then fake tattooes on my head and finally I added a pink boa. I had fluffy pink slippers and a big pink blanket. I brought jelly beans because the colors made me happy. I had a dozen things with me for entertainment and usually did not get to do any of them because I was approachable so people came over to chat.
I recently found two books- “AntiCancer, a new way of life” and “Life over Cancer” and I wish I had had them during treatment. They are full of advise on what to eat and not eat to up your odds of beating cancer. They are by doctors and backed up by lots and lots of research. There is good evidence that your diet can really effect how well the chemo works but doctors don’t tend to tell you this stuff. At best most with agree, when you ask, that it might help and can’t hurt. The Anti Cancer one is very very readable and I have been pushing it on everyone. The other I just found and have only skimmed but the information is very helpful.
The week after chemo I was a wreak. I went shopping the day before treatment, planned my meals in advance, had a stack of good books, DVD’s and pampered myself.
My friend had so little energy after treatment. I wanted to spend time with her, but all she did was nap. So when I felt the need for a nap, I would head over and we would nap in her comfortable easy chairs. She said she liked the company. Hey, whatever works.
Visiting my daughter in Boston allowed me to feel part of the process, not a helpless observer. I arrived a few days before chemotherapy and spent sometime having fun before the treatment. I left some pre-cooked meals and a full fridge.
I read that you need between 60-80 ounces of fluid during chemotherapy and radiation. I drank Propel sports beverage which is low in calories and contains electrolytes. When I finished one, I lined up the bottles or drink mix packets on he counter so I could see at a glance how much I had finished. The Propel powered drink mix, found in the fruit juice aisle neat the Kool Aide powder, was easier to use. I got a large Bht free plastic bottle, found at good outdoor stores, filled it with lot’s of ice and water, gave it a few good shakes and was ready to go!
My boyfriend must have really disliked my old hair style, when it started to grow back he commented on how cute I looked bald. I never knew I looked good in short hair.
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Bring music with large headphones that drown out the sounds of the people and machines to help you escape mentally. In a situation where you may feel out of control or overwhelmed it helps to create a safe space. I wore my favorite hooded sweatshirt, a good head-set and slept through my treatments.
You get cold during chemotherapy. Even though the hospital will provide blankets, you may feel more comfort if you bring your favorite sweatshirt or special blanket.
For me having an upbeat attitude day of worked wonders. I came to infusion day dressed comfortable in bright clothing which got more outragious with each infusion. Started with my hair, then a blond wig when I am red heat, later I had a pink wig, then fake tattooes on my head and finally I added a pink boa. I had fluffy pink slippers and a big pink blanket. I brought jelly beans because the colors made me happy. I had a dozen things with me for entertainment and usually did not get to do any of them because I was approachable so people came over to chat.
I recently found two books- “AntiCancer, a new way of life” and “Life over Cancer” and I wish I had had them during treatment. They are full of advise on what to eat and not eat to up your odds of beating cancer. They are by doctors and backed up by lots and lots of research. There is good evidence that your diet can really effect how well the chemo works but doctors don’t tend to tell you this stuff. At best most with agree, when you ask, that it might help and can’t hurt. The Anti Cancer one is very very readable and I have been pushing it on everyone. The other I just found and have only skimmed but the information is very helpful.
The week after chemo I was a wreak. I went shopping the day before treatment, planned my meals in advance, had a stack of good books, DVD’s and pampered myself.
My friend had so little energy after treatment. I wanted to spend time with her, but all she did was nap. So when I felt the need for a nap, I would head over and we would nap in her comfortable easy chairs. She said she liked the company. Hey, whatever works.
In the morning, I washed my face and scalp in one motion, dried as quickly and was out the door in minutes.
Retail therapy! Never had so much fun buying new earrings!
Visiting my daughter in Boston allowed me to feel part of the process, not a helpless observer. I arrived a few days before chemotherapy and spent sometime having fun before the treatment. I left some pre-cooked meals and a full fridge.
I read that you need between 60-80 ounces of fluid during chemotherapy and radiation. I drank Propel sports beverage which is low in calories and contains electrolytes. When I finished one, I lined up the bottles or drink mix packets on he counter so I could see at a glance how much I had finished. The Propel powered drink mix, found in the fruit juice aisle neat the Kool Aide powder, was easier to use. I got a large Bht free plastic bottle, found at good outdoor stores, filled it with lot’s of ice and water, gave it a few good shakes and was ready to go!
Once I lost my hair I purchased so many hats! Each day it was just another fashion choice. Fancy pins made the hats more festive.
My family came to treatment with me, it made the time go by quickly.
My boyfriend must have really disliked my old hair style, when it started to grow back he commented on how cute I looked bald. I never knew I looked good in short hair.
I didn’t miss my hair dryer or curling iron!