What helped you manage chemo and radiation side effects during breast cancer tre...

Hi Everyone. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer in my right breast last September after faithfully/annually getting mammograms. It was Stage 1 and very small, which I attribute to annual mamms. But it was grade 3. The radiologist said it wasn’t there the year before based on my previous mam. Anyway, I had a lumpectomy, and 4 sessions of preventative chemo, and 9 sessions of radiation because of the grade 3. I am deemed cancer-free at this moment praise God, but will know for sure in May when I have my 1st diagnostic mammogram after treatment. The reason for my long comments are to share with anyone who needs it information/suggestions I was given during my journey. I honestly feel I was given great care and want to help anyone else along the way who wants it. Please receive this in a positive way because that is my intent, and consult your oncologists on these suggestions for you: Chemotherapy side effects suggestions: -Miralax if constipated -Imodium for diarrhea -Biotene for dry mouth -Nasal Gel for dry nose -If temp goes to 100.4 or higher go to ER -Tums/pepto Bismol for stomach upset -Heating pad/Epsom Salt Baths for aches and pains -Soft bristle toothbrush to prevent gum irritation -Thick moisturizer (Cerve or Udder Butter) for dry skin -Ice Gloves and Ice Booties to prevent neuropathy caused by chemo - can get them via Amazon. It really worked. I did not develop neuropathy. I used the gloves/booties for the Docetaxel chemo administered. Did not have to use them when receiving Cyclophosphamide chemo. Both of them were administered each chemo cycle. -Zyquil to help with sleeplessness caused by steroid pill given before chemo session -Chemo induced Indigestion - was prescribed prescription strength Pepsid -Use plastic utensils instead of silverware. Taste will be off due to chemo and silveware will make the taste worse. -Received a growth factor shot 24-72hr after each chemo treatment (to stimulate the white blood cells) - this resulted in aches and bone pain. Use 1 Claritin daily to reduce the pain. It works, but so did Tylenol..😀. -I also use the Coldcap by Paxman to prevent hair loss during chemo (50% reduction in hair loss, but no guarantee ). Cost me $1400 for the system. You buy the cap/system and it is used during the chemo session. The cap has a hose that is attached to a machine (available at the cancer center) that cycles a cold fluid thru to the cap. It is jarring the first 5 minutes but you get use to it. Well I still lost my hair and had to shave it all off. But I still used it for all the sessions, even bald. I believe it helped with the hair regrowth. Your hair falls out because the hair follicle changes shape during chemo releasing the hair. Radiation - had 9 sessions. - Had some skin burn - I used Vitamin E oil, and Dermavitality Radiation Cream and Spray (sold online) daily on the affected area. The vitE was recommended by my cousin who is a RN and also experienced breast cancer. Had the armpit and side darkening then peeling, but it is getting back to the original color now. Quite frankly my Radiologist said - any thick cream will do - $10 or $100. But it has to be cream, lotion is too thin. Finally, I received PT/OT before and after chemo. Before to prepare me for the fatigue. I started to experience intense fatigue around the 3rd chemo treatment. Something I had NEVER felt in my life. It was terrible but the worse thing to do is stay in the bed. Walk even if its just around the house. And stay hydrated. They measured my arm before chemo also to determine if Lymphedema was occurring after surgery since a lymph node was removed. They also gave me exercises to prevent tightness in the armpit, and ways to massage the breast to reduce or prevent fibrosis(tight fibers in the breast from radiation). I apologize for the length of this, but I wanted to help anyone who has some of these side effects, or need some of these therapies and they are not mentioned by their health care providers. Prayers up for all of us. We have to advocate for ourselves and others because we know there is bias in medicine like in other areas. I know I was totally lost when I was diagnosed, but my GP pointed me in the right direction and me/God did the rest. Breast cancer is also not just in women. My father had breast cancer 40 yrs ago. He complained of a small lump in his breast and was told that as long as its sore, it wasnt anything 🙄🙄. A year later it was breast cancer. He had only a lumpectomy and lived another 40 years. He was blessed and covered…. Take care everyone! If you have any questions about my note and my journey, don’t hesitate to comment. Once again, one size does not fit all, but I wanted to share my experience if it could help.