Last edited Wed Mar 2, 2016, 03:38 AM - Edit history (1)
Buy some Eucerin and/or Aloe lotion (real aloe, nothing added). I used one after treatments and one for while I was sleeping.
You can ask for silvadene when the burns get bad. I blistered up and it was painful. The silvadene helps a lot.
Your hats need to have a large enough brim to shade your entire head. Wear them when you're outside, even in cloudy weather.
Your chest will also get red from the radiation, so use the Eucerin or aloe on it.
The Cancer Society will send you a care package of products. They did me. Your Cancer Center should have the sign up for it, and they will send for it, addressed to your house. Mine did.
Lip Balm! Medicated and regular. Unscented. Make it the highest SPF you can find.
Biotene products!!
Your taste buds...well, everyone is different but the taste of food will be diminished. You have a tube already, so that shouldn't be a problem..taste, that is.
Swallowing can become hard. I'm assuming you'll still take some liquids by mouth, such as water.
Drink lots of water!!! Helps the skin and makes it easier for the needle during chemo. (to find the veins)
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Use a warming blanket during chemo - feels wonderful. Your center should have them available.
If you're nervous, ask them about liquid benadryl - helps take the edge off during chemo. It can also help with reactions to the chemo - the skin reactions, that is.
Don't hesitate to ask for something for nausea. If the skin reactions become too bad, they can give you something in your IV to help with that...usually a steroid.
Keep your mouth rinsed. A warm salt water solution with a touch of baking soda will ease the soreness in the mouth from the radiation. The baking soda can neutralize the burn. The salt water helps reduce the swelling.
All of this comes for my experience, and everyone is different.
I'm so sorry you have to go through this, alfredo.
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