Prep for Treatment?

Question

I was just wondering if there are things I can do leading up to the treatment that may help with side effects?
 I've had a few people tell me to eat ginger everyday, as awful as it is UCK , for a month before treatment,but I really do not want to terrorize myself doing crazy myth things that prolly won't help in long run. I would like to know what I should or should not be doing leading up to treatment.

orleans · Answer

Common sense stuff is what I did to prepare. Stopped my little indulgences, ate REALLY good and exercised, cardio (biking, stairclimbing) and muscle tone (push-ups, pull-ups etc.)  Good thing too as I was non-functional for 6 months of the 9 I treated. I like the marathon analogy, pays to be in as good a shape as possible. I also prepared $$$ by saving like a madman for a couple of years. Once again, good thing!! I couldn't work. jerry

Alwaysme · Answer

Thanks both of you((hugs)) I do want to be prepared, and try to make things as smooth as possible not just for me, but those who will be around me, not to mention I do not want my dog(JAY) to feel neglected at all, I'm so worried I won't be able to keep up with all that the family and Jay has become accustomed to from me.

Kristina538 · Answer

I did similar to Isobella - bought some new pj's, cleaned the house out and prepared for a marathon.   I bought biotene mouthwash,  non-chemical shampoo, PH balanced soap alternative, nasal gel & lip balm.....    Some say not to bother, and just get things if the sx's happen (many don't get them), but I liked to be kind of prepared, and actually needed everything.

All the very best with you treatment;  there are a lot of people here to cheer you on and answer questions - they got me through :-).

Isobella · Answer

Just had this conversation today with a friend---we can't remove the stress in our lives. All we can do is change our reaction to it.  Harder, but still worth trying =)

The weeks leading up to tx are difficult.  I'll never forget that feeling.  Hang in there!

I agree with justme--just try to maintain healthy diet and habits.  I defo cooked and froze stuff ahead of time.  

I stocked my medicine chest with: Aveeno lotion and oatmeal baths,  Biotene Mouth Rinse, Visine,  chapstick, prepH and Tucks-just in case.  I have friends that drank the ginger tea and used the losenges for upset stomach.  But not prior to treating, only as sx called for it. 

I bought some comfy pj's and cheesy paperbacks and basically prepared to "nest"

I think it's an excellent idea for you to get used to drinking water now.  In my experience, the more I drink, the more I want.  My body really tells me it likes it. And it has helped a lot with my sx (which have been very mild)

Hang in there.  Keep us posted and keep asking questions.  

Wishing you the best,

Isobella

Alwaysme · Answer

All great things I had not even thought of!! Hard for me to think these days, my mind has left and forgot to come back.....
And as far as rest goes I don't think I could sleep any more than I do now. Now the stress is something I must purge from my life, seems to be coming at me from every dir.

justme53 · Answer

I don't think there's a whole lot we can do before tx to prevent sx of the meds. They vary for each of us. A basic healthy lifestyle is the way to go....plenty of rest, healthy diet, exercise, stress reducers. Losing wieght if you need is great, but with only a month left, it's best not to crash diet. 

Some more practical preps will help in the long run when you are too sick or tired to deal with much. Freeze some meals ahead of time, pack an emergency bag...just in case, get a list of important contacts for yourself and your support net, extra sets of keys  (life saver for me!) .

Good luck to you!!     Pam

Alwaysme · Answer

Well I have them 2 down already, as I don't drink, and I only weigh in at 111 lbs. and stand 5'0 ft. I have been reading other posts and notice water is a big deal as a fluid, and I am so a soda lover, guess I need to start the transition to H20.

newleaf09 · Answer

There was a recent thread on prepping for tx (by AngelaNicole, Jun 10, 2009 01:35PM). Most doctors want you to stop drinking of course, but if you are at all overweight, try to lose it. My doctor compared it to training for a marathon.