Julie can't eat cheese

I really won’t know how chemo will impact me until I get started and it may even take a few rounds before things really start to happen. But as I’ve shared – I hate surprises, so I am trying to plan ahead for side effects as best as I can. I feel as ready as I possibly can to start – anxious as hell, but ready to keep it moving.

Nails – chemo can turn them black, brittle or they can fall off. I am using tea tree oil to prevent nail issues and biotin nail strengthening polish.

Hair loss – I’m not cold capping so am just hoping my hair will grow back quickly. I’m taking vegan hair and nail vitamins and have a hair growth serum from The Ordinary that I’ll start using when I’m done with chemo.

Mouth sores/dryness – I plan to eat ice chips during chemo, then have a salt water rinse ready to go. My dentist prescribed a tooth paste and prescription mouth wash if needed. I also got Xylitol mints and gum.

Fatigue – this is where moving comes in. I need to keep moving! BUT rest if my body is calling for it. I have read walking/exercise also helps with the bone pain from the Nivestym shots.

Staying hydrated – it’s super important to stay hydrated to prevent bladder issues and UTIs – so will continue with smoothies, green tea, water and I also got electrolyte powder. Awesome smoothie recipe below!

Nausea/vomiting – I have 2 prescription medications I am to take daily for 3 days, plan to eat often (the nurse said it helps to keep food in your stomach), continue acupuncture (the practitioner is focusing on digestion to prevent nausea and I’ll go 2 days after chemo), and I got the RSO oil if needed. Chemo can also change how food tastes… I am not sure what to do about this – other than just keep trying to eat and eat a variety of things.

Diarrhea – we’ll get some OTC meds before… they also suggested the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast).

Heartburn – will also get some OTC meds. I am hoping by eating often and hydrating I won’t have too much heartburn.

Neuropathy – this will be more of an issue during the second round with Taxol. I plan to use ice packs for my feet and either ice packs/mittens or frozen water bottles for my hands. Acupuncture is also supposed to help with this.

Chemo brain – apparently, this is a real thing (forgetfulness, difficulty recalling words, taking longer to accomplish tasks, etc.). I already have to write everything down or I forget! I also set a lot of phone reminders. So will keep doing both those things! Apologies ahead of time if I forget something.

I am *planning* to work throughout chemo at this point. I’m being mindful of when I’m scheduling meetings for this first cycle: I am taking the day of chemo off, then not scheduling anything the Thursday/Friday after. If I can work – great, I will catch up on admin duties (I am always behind on data entry!). If I can’t, I will rest. I do have a backup from my agency – so will tap out if needed.

Most of the side effects can be managed. The most serious thing for me now is catching something and getting a fever – anything over 100 and I need to get to urgent care asap, as my body won’t be able to fight anything off. I have been semi-hermiting (before medical procedures) but this will probably call for more serious hermiting. I do not want to catch anything but am also guessing it will be super hard to lay low. I may need some outdoor walking dates – masked of course. 😷