The Meeting Place for Survivors: Re: Newly diagnosed IDC

Actually take the anti-nausia meds 30 minutes before your chemo starts. Head it off at the pass!! When you get home for chemo take another anti-nausea pill. That should hold you until the next day - if not repeat the pill.

Drink 1/2 ounce of fluid (mostly water) for each pound of your weight. For example - you weight 100 pounds so you drink 50 ounces. Since your body is 3/4 fluid (water) you will be providing yourself with proper hydration. That will make the chemo side-effects less uncomfortable.

Exercise every day - even on the bad days. Walking is a great exercise. A 30 minute walk will keep your muscles in good shape, brighten your attitude, make you breathe better, keep your skin healthy, and improve your digestion. You don't have to walk fast. Just move those muscles. If you have access to a pool gentle swimming is also good. You get exercise without having to bear weight on your legs. On your worst chemo days taking short trips from the bed or sofa to the front porch may be all you can do but doing it is the important part.

Eat a balanced diet. Lots of veggies. Food might not taste right and some foods might upset your stomach. Won't take long to figure out which food to avoid and which don't bother you. Try eating 4 or 5 small meals a day instead of the standard 3. Small meals is more gentle on your GI tract. When I did chemo the first time everything tasted like foil - very tin flavored. I ended up putting hot sauce on everything (yes - even my oatmeal). That helped me taste something that was not metal flavored and improved my appetite. Experiment and find what works for you.

Get plenty of rest. Naps are good and are not just for kids!!

Let your friends and loved ones help you out any way they want to. You will wear out more then usual. Loved ones and friends often are at a loss for what to say or how to act. Be gentle with them. If they don't know how to help you can suggest things you know they enjoy or are good at. Let the one who loves cooking fit a casserole. Let the ones who loves to visit sit and talk with you. Let the ones who love to shop take you on short shopping trips. Just let them show you how much they really care without setting too many rules. That will make them for more comfortable.

Pray a lot, even if you are not religious. God can steer to car you just have to get aboard for the ride.

Come here to ask questions, complain, grip, say anything you want. Nothing is out of bounds except disrespect for those already here. We have been there and have many many helpful hints so you can deal with this easier.

Keep smiling. Find one thing (at a minimum) to laugh about every day. Even if it is yourself.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Yes, most likely your hair will disappear but it will come back before you know it. You might even discover a new do that you never would have tried before but looks great on you. Be positive!

Hope that helps.
Take GOoD care
Zoe