itchy

[trish2503]

Hi, I am visiting my sister. She has just finished her 3rd chemo (taxol/carbo-IV)  She is having a time with nausea and it is day 9. she cannot take compazine.  she uses zofran but I was told that is not really effective for delayed nausea. Any suggestions???
Also she is complaining she has a very itchy scalp. she uses Eucerin lotion.  Any suggestions???
Little sister

[whitehorse34]

Ritz crackers help with the nausea...also lemon and salt.  As far as the itchiness...have you tried benadryl?  What a great sis she has!!!!!!

[OzBron]

Just wondering if the itchy scalp is from the hair still falling out or trying to regrow between cycles. Is your sis on 3 weeks cycles? If it is itchy just before the next cycle that could be one aspect.
Also it could be psoriasis or eczema if she is prone to it. These have an immune system link and you can have flare ups when run down so this could be an issue. If she has sensitive skin usually it will likely be even more sensitive. You can get some good calming mild shampoos for psoriasis that may help.

[JC145]

Forgot my favorite food item .. well, not my favorite, but worked really well to quell the nausea.  It is simply a baked potato with nothing but salt.  It doesn't taste great .. sometimes had to make myself eat it.  A friend told me to give that to my kids after a bout of the flu, etc. and sure enough, they would never throw up again.  

Judy C

[Tealoak]

What a sweet sister!  I finished carbo/Taxol  number 5 today.  I had problems with nausea lasting until day 7.  I was initially given 3 days of Zofran plus huge amount of phenegran.  I know take Zofran for 7 or 8 days; I take it every 8 hours including setting my alarm.  My Onc and NP advised me to take it in the above manner even if I didnt have nausea as it was much easier to control if you stayed in front of it.

My Onc & NP also made it clear to me that throwing up was not acceptable and to call immediately to they would try different meds.  Mine told me there were many other drugs to try if Zofran & phenegran did not take care of the problem. I would get on the phone pronto.  Also, if the nausea is still there by day 9, there is a chance she would feel better simply by getting some IV fluids in her. I find it hard to stay hydrated when my stomach is churning. But a side effect of dehydration is nausea and light-headedness.  Talk to your NP, Onc or PA.

I like to keep lemon drops and hard carmel candies nearby to suck on.  I take phenegran every 6 hrs in addition to the zofran. I do not know if the phenegran  works or not but it definitely knocks me and makes me sleep--so at least I dont know if I feel queasy.

I try to remain lying down as much as possible on days 3-6 as I find the nausea really kicks up if I try to walk around much at all.

I have to agree with Judy that I craved protein. I would also put Propel in the freezer til it was a slush to drink. I could drink far more if it was in that form...not sure why but probably why I am addicted to frozen margaritas!

Good luck, Let us know what happens and what works.

Now I am off to take my zofran and set my alarm!

Teri

[JC145]

Zofran is for "break thru" nausea ... can't say I used it much.

[JC145]

I tried to eat something little every hour.  I kept tootsie rolls (small) with me at all times so as soon as I felt the slightest hint of nausea, I popped one in.  I ate a banana every day, chicken, peanut butter, eggs .. my body craved protein.  Liquids are very important also.  I preferred chamomille tea, flattened coke, cranberry juice cut w/water.  If your sister can't keep solid food down, do ensure (boost, etc.) over ice .. for the nutrients and hydration.

Don't know about the scalp ... but there are products available.  A cortisone cream for now .. but ask the MD.

Way to go, sis :-)

Judy

[bohan54]

She needs to contact her oncologist for help with the nausea.  Perhaps for her next cycle, they could do Aloxi in her IV and give her 3 Emend pills to take, 1 each for first 3 days.  This was very effective for me, zofran did not make a dent.  Wondering if scalp itches due to allergic reaction to something...
Sharon

[yrrek]

Hi phenergan suppositories,  peppermint candy, and green tea is what worked for me as well as zofran,  itchy scalp, I am not sure.  I got a bad scalp infection so tell her to be careful with any break of skin on the scalp.  You are doing a great job sis:)
Kerry