What was your experience with Chemotherapy?

Question

My aunt has Stage 4 Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. She will start Chemo in a few days. This is her 4th reoccurance. She has already had radiation treatment therefore Chemo is her only option. Our concern is that she's had MANY prior surgeries (removed appendix, most of her small and large intestine, total hysteroectomy) and now has a colostmy. She has trouble gaining weight because her intestine is so small and with the colostomy she doesn't keep her food very long.

Nausea is our main concern with the Chemo, as she tends to dehydrate very easily.
Mouth sores too.

Luckily we don't know anyone who's undergone Chemo to compare notes with, so your comments on your experiences would be appreciated!

Thank you and good luck to all of you!

Many Blessings!

Answer 1

I suggest trying Shaklee Meal Shakee for your aunt. Folks have found that they are able to keep this down much more successfully than other foods.

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Also, Shaklee Performance is very good for eliminating dehydration. Many use this instead of the typical sports drinks on the market. All-natural flavors, natural vegetable colors and no added preservatives. Has optimum balance of ectrolytes important in the maintenance of body fluids including potassium 50 mg., calcium 40 mg., sodium 115 mg., phosphorus 20 mg., chloride 45 mg., & magnesium 5 mg. Comes in orange or lime and simply mix with water.

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Answer 2

I underwent chemo last year for breast cancer and attend many support groups. What i have learned is that every type of chemo has different effects for different people. Everyone reacts to the treatments differently. But what I can tell you is that there are so many different drugs that will help with the symptoms. There are so many different anti-nausea medications and also medications for the mouth sores. No one needs to live with the effects of the chemo if they do not have to. Make sure the oncologist knows every single thing that your aunt is feeling. Not only will the doctor try to relieve her pain and discomfort, but it helps the cancer research also. The only way to improve drugs and what they cause is if the doctors know about it. My best of luck to you and your aunt.

Answer 3

First off, prayers for your aunt and all your family...
I have chemo 2x, the 1st time it was really hard on me, heavy doses, 2nd itme not so bad.
I had the mouth sores, and I am sorry I can not remember the name of the meds for the mouth sores. My dr had samples he gave me, you had to mix it with water and kind of use it like you do mouth wash. I went to buy this, but they didn't know if my insurance would pay for it or not. It was going to cost like $700. I don't know about you, but i certainly don't have that laying around. But the samples were good and helped.
Also I had to get the right anti nausea pill for me, it took a couple, but it finally worked.
I used to Ativan at times too.
I wish your aunt the best
God Bless

Answer 4

The anti-nausea meds are so much better than they used to be. I only got sick once.

Talk to her doctor about nutritional shakes they really help when mouth sores are an issue.

Chemo wasn't even half as bad as I thought it would be. It's no picnic, but with good communication with the oncologist to address any problem no matter how small, good nutrition, plenty of rest and the support of her family I'm sure your aunt will get through it just fine. I will keep her in my prayers. Best wishes.

Answer 5

Well it depends on the kind of chemotherapy i know there are ones strongest than other ones.
My mom went on chemo four years ago with platinum, and after every cycle she felts terrible, nausea and vomiting, these stands for three weeks, on week fourth she felts better so she begins to eat the best she can, we have the support of a nutriologist and he gave my mom a diet with great ammounts of proteins, and all kind of nutrients.
So for me the clue here is the kind and the quality of your aunts meals.
Good luck and i'll be pray for your aunt, said her to be strongest till the end.

Answer 6

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