Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy Infusions
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Donate Hair
If you have long enough hair, consider donating it! I donated to Locks of Love. They require a 10-inch donation… or more! Most people don’t know this, but they accept colored and/or permed hair!!! Layered hair needs to be donated in multiple ponytails (I did not know this…eh well, I hardly had any layers anyway). I learned it actually takes 2-3 heads of hair to make 1 wig. So, put your luscious locks to good use!
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Wigs
Check with your hospital to see if they offer free wigs. Many of them do across the United States. You can get one free wig (covered by insurance, anyway)!
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Cryo cap
This is an effort to help you avoid losing your hair during chemo, or at least minimize it significantly! I did not do this, but I understand that it is intense and placement is key! It may help with some emotional trauma of losing your hair and for some, part of your identity. Talk to your oncologist in advance about this to be all set up and ready to go with your first chemo treatment.
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Probiotics and Nutrition
Please see the "Mastectomy" section for probiotic information.
Fuel your body!...with nutrient dense foods. Eat high protein, low carb/sugar, veggies, and fruits! I frequented Malt-o-Meal and added a scoop of a veggie protein powder in the mornings! This simple and easy meal was great for me to make on my own and is packed with nutrients! You may want to add a little splash of vanilla or drizzle a small amount of agave on top. Another simple, easy meal is eggs and toast. My energy majorly lacks with eating cereals.
I use this veggie protein powder:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FD2U4GU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Rest
Immediately following, and even during, your chemo session get plenty of rest. This is a game-changer! If I tried to push and ignore my tiredness, the fatigue would drag…on…for…days! It’s okay and necessary to rest! Please learn from my stubbornness.
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Nausea
Your doctor will, of course, help you with this. I fortunately never needed additional medications after receiving chemo. I thought that I was going to be nauseated for sure because of being pregnant and receiving chemo at the same time. I surprisingly never was! I attribute this to the fact that I was trying to provide my baby with the best possible environment, which also means, I was providing myself with the nutrition I needed! Win-win!
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Nausea from the pregnancy standpoint, these things can help, so maybe they help with chemo, too?
Supplementing with Vitamin B6
Smelling peppermint and/or lemon oil
Consuming ginger
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Energy
The only way to treat fatigue is through exercise! It doesn't need to be intense. Any amount of extra movement helps! Get up and down off the couch/bed a few extra times before you get going. Go for walks, preferably outside...around the yard, to the mailbox, down the street. If it helps, I remember being very winded walking on the treadmill at 0.8mph, 0% incline and needing a nap afterward! The point is, if you have a spark of energy, use it! Just move.
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Arm Sleeves
I started using these to help protect my skin from the sun. These were great because I didn't want to sweat in a long sleeve shirt during the summer and these did the trick! I also plan on using them whenever I fly in an airplane as an added protection from lymphedema. I, also, purchased a sun hat to keep my whole face and neck covered. https://www.amazon.com/SHINYMOD-Sleeves-Protection-Cooling-Driving/dp/B07VVCBRKG
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Infant scrubby brush
When your hair starts to return this is so helpful! It felt stimulating to my scalp. I suggested this to one of my friends undergoing treatment for acute leukemia. She said it helped with the itchiness she was experiencing. You can order them here:
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Nails
After a while, it kind of hurt to make the bed because my nails became very flimsy. My oncologist checked my nails at every follow-up visit with her. I never painted them during treatment because of this. However, after treatment, I tried the Zoya manicure set and I swear it made my nails feel instantly more fortified after a few hours.
See my "Health and Beauty" section for more information.
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Attitude
Every healthcare professional commented on this! Patients with an overall good attitude were the ones that did well. This doesn't mean that you have to be positive all the time, just do your best. As my husband reminded every so often, my cancer doesn't define me, it's what I do with it. When I notice the blessings in my life, both large, small, and even fleeting moments of hope, I hold on to those. Looking back, I was more blessed than anything.
Maybe I would have considered…
Brow Fairy – I heard of her here:
Here is her contact info, but ask your oncologist first:
https://www.instagram.com/fairybrowmother/?hl=en
If you are concerned about needles, an alternative is the Crunchi brow pomade applied with a No. 10 brush. The link is available in the "Health and Beauty" section.
