Chronicles of Karen: Who's Done?

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Who's Done?

I am.

4 comments:

Unknown said...: Yipee!!

Karen L.; March 13, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Anonymous said...: Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my what a wonderful day!

Tomas P.; March 13, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations! I am so proud of you. Cannot wait to celebrate with a toast in April.
LOVE YOU, Oodles, bunches and gobs!; March 13, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Radio Schmaydio said...: I thought you were in a celebratory mood for my book reading! Yay!; March 17, 2008 at 4:46 PM

Some Breast Cancer Tips

I keep encountering people in my community who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. This is distressing, to say the least. But I also know that there's a light at the end of that tunnel. So, for those folks I send to this site for information on breast cancer, here are a few tips. (I'll keep adding to this section as I remember things.)

Surgery/diagnosis:
Have some Atavan (Lorazepam) on hand (your primary cary physician can prescribe it for you). It's a miracle drug--soporific, anti-emetic, anti-anxiety. It will help in the next few weeks. Trust me.

Chemo:
My most excellent friend Carla (oncologist) kept telling me, and she was right, that there's no need to be nauseous. There are so many options out there. If one doesn't work, talk to your doctor right away. Don't wait. This whole process already really really stinks--there's no need to suffer more than necessary. But be aware that some of the more powerful and effective anti-emetic drugs also will knock you out. For those days after chemo when you're more or less "out of it", have some nice lowkey DVDs/videos on hand. I found that books did not work during this period; I really needed something more passive. I found that Columbo and other mysteries worked well, as did very gentle comedy like Jeeves & Wooster.

Also, when they tell you not to tax your system with certain foods, they mean it. Something might sound yummy, and it might not make you nauseous. But your system is working so hard during chemo, and it gets kinda cranky when you make it work on digesting something it's not ready for (e.g. Mexican food). Scrambled eggs and toast and yogurt are really good friends during chemo week.

Radiation:
Get the 100% aloe from Trader Joe's. No dyes or anything. Slather it on right after radiation. Slather it on again at bedtime. After a few weeks of this, you'll likely need a nice hydrating lotion to address the dry skin caused by the healing aloe. Your radiation oncologist probably has some samples. If not, get some Aquaphor (made by Eucerin). It's light and hydrating and doesn't leave you feeling sticky.

Some psychological stuff:
The American Cancer Society has a great page of tips for emotional health during this process. Go here for more info. And also, always feel free to call or email me.

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Who's Done?

4 comments:

Some Breast Cancer Tips