Osmosis

There are some things we learn when we are not seeking knowledge, rather, we find them through the unconscious - it just seems to happen. Much of this I've learned after speaking to those in the know or questioning as I go through treatment. I thought to write about what I've learned that is not told in the printed material handed out at the Huntsman like Halloween Candy. Although "Every patient is different" - and "Every cancer is different", I've thought to help those who want to cut that learning curve.

Hair:

On keeping it longer: Wear a beanie to bed so that you don't get that balding spot across the back due to rubbing, which would stretch ear to ear. Wash your hair by "patting it", not rubbing, and use icy cold water to keep the follicles closed.

It hurts to lose your hair. It feels as if someone hit your head hard, and the resulting stinging is what it feels like. The hair follicles are inflamed and the weight of the hair leaning on that little follicle is too much. And, it itches. Solution: shave the head.

Eyebrows:

Since one will lose all hair (fast dividing cells are killed off), the eyebrows grow sparse and disappear.

Solution: Get them micro-bladed BEFORE they go so that the person doing the work knows where your brows grow.

Face:

Acne anyone? Due to hormonal changes from chemo, you may break out, even if you didn't as a teenager. And I thought I avoided this...but hey, maybe with acne, people will think I'm younger than I really am?

Solution: Get facials. Don't pick. Take care of your skin.

Mouth:

The cells inside of the mouth are fast dividing as well. It is imperative that the mouth be kept clean! My dentist, Michael Knight, provided two different mouthwashes: one to kill all bacteria;the other to seal teeth and prevent cavities from occurring in the all too dry mouths chemo patients wind up with.

I've since met several chemo patients who need thousands of dollars of work in their mouths due to not having a dentist aware of what just three months of chemo can do. Solution: speak to your dentist!

Nose: Chemo nose - aka chemo "buggies". Tiny little nose hairs called cilia are annihilated (fast reproducing cells) by chemo. And, since a blood thinner is given post chemo to "prevent blood clots in the port line", the nose is more susceptible to bleeding. Solution: Bring tissues everywhere.

Calcium:

You need it. Take supplements, drink milk, etc. Many chemo patients complain of bone aches. Calcium, a mineral, is stored in the bones. Thankfully, I've avoided bone aches. Solution: Chewable calcium supplements. Take them at night.

Skin:

Oh, the dryness is unbelievable! From my doctor: "Moisturize FOUR TIMES what you were doing before!" Seriously, I have never seen skin so dry, and dry skin equals painful micro cracks. I have tried a variety of salves and lotions to moisturize and have even purchased gloves to keep the moisture locked in and on longer. Solution: Buy a variety of moisturizers. Find what words best for you. Keep moisturizer in your purse, in your car, etc.

Muscle fitness:

Taxol and Herceptin both cause muscle weakness. I've found the best way to combat this is to keep working out and keeping the muscles strong. Beat atrophy! Solution: Work out with weights.

Weight gain:

This is presented to you as "You may gain or lose weight. We are more concerned with weight loss." Think of this: If the drug dexamethasone causes a weight gain of two pounds a week, where will you be at 12 weeks? This is a HUGE weight gain. Ask if the dose can be reduced. You'll sleep better, too.

Some of this gain is due to: water retention, an increased appetite, and lack of exercise.

Solution: flood your body with water, record your macros, and get moving.

Sleep:

Elusive. Sleep is necessary, and with the stress of cancer, the chemo drugs, and the dexamethasone, it is important to find a way to get much needed rest.

Melatonin did not work for me.

Benadryl does. Solution: Address this concern with your doctor and inquire about sleep aids that won't interfere with your chemo treatment.

Fatigue:

The brochures and flyers will tell you that you will become more fatigued as time goes on.

What they don't tell you is that you really should figure out what is important to use your limited energy on: cleaning the kitchen or working out? (I'm going to choose what will keep my body strong!) Doing laundry or writing thank you notes? Seriously, I never had to think about energy stores before, and just a day packed with simple things is enough to wipe me out. Solution: Plan your day. Allow others to help. Ask for help.

Chemo Brain:

Oh, this is real. Remember "baby brain"? This is worse. Solution: Write everything down. Then try to remember where you wrote it!

Note: Info here is from my non-medical point of view. Check with your doctor(s) about anything and everything you have a question about.

#breastcancer #bald #hair #infusion #breastcancer #chemobrain #Chemotherapy