Getting ready for chemo

[cynnalia]

Today I had my chemo education class at the cancer center. The nurse went over all the basics, as well as specifics regarding my actual chemo cocktail (ABVD). There's a lot of stuff you have to keep in mind and some things you can't do. I had to cancel my dental cleaning in December and I can't floss any more because they don't want your mouth to

Comments

[selinafenech]

Oh yeah, don't eat any of your favourite foods around chemo, or it will completely turn you off them. For me that was only while I was actually experiencing nausea, any other time during your cycle is fine (eg, I was probably nauseas for 1-2 weeks after each treatment, then fine for a week before I went again, when I could eat whatever

[cynnalia]

*HUGS BACK* They didn't mention a heightened sense of smell, but bringing a scented hankie is a great idea! What they did talk about was one of my chemo drugs might make any food eaten with metallic utensils taste metallic so I might have to use plastic utensils if that happens.

They also said that my finger nails and toe nails may darken and fall off. >.< They recommended using a nail strengthener, so that's something else I'll have to go out and get.

Good advice on the spicy foods - thanks! I love hot and spicy foods, so it's good to know I should give them a wide berth after the treatment. Bland it is, baby! lol

Oh, and happy birthday, Selina! ^_^ *throws confetti*

[selinafenech]

Oh, on the nails thing, it didn't apply to me, but the chemo nurses were on this big black nail polish kick... something about the colour stopping the light activating chemicals from the chemo in the nails or something... I have no idea... anyhow, they were pushing black nail polish, lol. Might be something to find out more about.
And thank you!

[ellenmillion]

You're going to do great! Kick that chemo's ass! Rah rah!

[cynnalia]

Damn straight!!! *puts on GRRRRRR face* Chemo ain't gonna knock me down!

[cynnalia]

My first day is tomorrow... *is nervous* I will definitely bring a warm sweater!

The dehydrator is working great! I haven't done anything too exciting in it yet - just some dried fruit and jerky - but everything has turned out very yum! I definitely plan on getting into the more involved stuff soon. :)

[jenelycam]

It's nice that they have these education classes so you know what to expect. Good luck with your first treatment sweetie!!! *HUGS*

[cynnalia]

Thanks so much, Dawn! *HUGS BACK* Only 24 hours away - eeeeeek!

[cynnalia]

*HUGS BACK*