Supporting mam through chemo help

[Ms Merton]

Hello - the cold cap tends to be more effective with paclitaxel than with FEC. I would say do try it - the first 10 minutes are unpleasant but after that you get used to it and it didn't really bother me. The main issue is that it will increase significantly the length of time in the chemo unit which is a pain if you have to go every week.  Paclitaxel also has somewhat different side effects from traditional FEC chemo. They administer it with steroids and anti-histamine so when you have the infusion it usually knocks you out for about an hour - i used to just sleep through it!  You should take a magazine to read because she may be out for the count! And your mum may feel drowsy for the rest of the day. But it doesn't usually make you feel sick and many people taking paclitaxel feel absolutely fine following an infusion.  Over the weeks, it makes you more tired as your blood count goes down.  It can give you an upset tummy.  You can get some bleeding in your nose and gums. The main problem is nail damage - which grows out eventually - and the risk of nerve damage in the hands and feet. She needs to avoid extreme temperature changes - no washing up in hot water, wear gloves if it is cold outside etc. The chemo can make your skin drier and more sensitive. Use plenty of hand cream, a plain unscented brand is usually best. Best thing is to come home from chemo to a bowl of home-cooked soup or similar. And lots of love makes the biggest difference.  Take care xx

[Lollie79]

Thank you so much and good luck xx

[Jay68]

From someone whose just about to complete 7 rounds of chemo my suggestions would be:- Epsom bath salts - for bath time to ease the aches and pains! Starbursts for making the mouth feel better. Udderly smooth cream for hands and feet! Good luck for your Mam x

[Lollie79]

Thanks so much for your reply this is great information to get me going. Good luck with your Journey xx

[Anniej]

Hello lovely daughter, what a very thoughtful idea. Im not on what your mam is going to have, but these are my experiences. I found I had to buy new toiletries when I started treatment - paraban free, aroma free - so that might be a good start. Aveeno cream is a nice one. My favourite present my friend sent were a handful of baby face cloths. Very soothing on my poor skin. Mints to help with sickness, mint tea, ginger snaps will be helpful. Fruit drops, Skittles and similar sweeties help when the taste buds go and the mouth gets dry and fuzzy. Not sugar coated as that hurts. Nails tend to get brittle so I ended up buying Defiant nail oil from Live Well with cancer web site. A manicure and hand massage would be lovely. I upped my visits, especially as I didn't need hair cuts! Dark nail varnish is a help. Hair loss is a bit of an issue. I've used scarfs and hats and actually feel quite glam. Macmillan do a good Fairtrade range and will show you and mam how to do fancy little bits to look smart. I pop a straw hat over the cotton scarf as sun is a big no no. Roll on deodorant is a must, again paraban free. Get mam booked on a Look Good Feel Well course as this provides suitable makeup for cancer sufferers plus a lesson. Good fun. She'll get a prescription for a wig if she loses her hair. If you're in NE this covers the whole cost. This is going on a bit isn't? Last thought, good little recipe book. Macmillan do one for free. Wishing you and mam all the best. X

[Lollie79]

Hi
My mam is about to start chemo (paclitaxel) weekly for 12 weeks then 3 weekly for 3months and will be having herceptin along side. I was wanting to make her a little sort of survival kit to help her through her treatment days but really don't know where to start!! So thought I would ask for some help with what sort of things to put in it. She may try the cold cap to help with hair loss but is undecided and not sure she can cope with the discomfort aswell as everything else she is going through. I will be with her during her treatments as much as I can and have attended every appointment thus far, I know she is really scared and is really upset she will lose her hair and want to do all I can to make this whole process as easy to deal with as I can.