Side effect solutions
- Poop solution #1: Senna tea (Joanne G.)
- To prevent mouth sores from chemo drugs that tend to cause them ? and this is prevention, not treatment ? suck red popsicles (they have to be red!) beginning about 15 minutes before the infusion, continually throughout it, and for about a half-hour after it. The ice seems to constrict blood vessels and prevent irritation. The popsicle has to be red because other flavors of popsicles like lemon or lime have too much acid in them. (Joanne G.)
- Strong-tasting candy like Altoids or Jolly Ranchers help cover the nasty taste of chemo and Heparin. (Steve's Corollary: Be mindful of what you eat during a treatment, because once it's marked by the chemo taste, it will be difficult to eat it when you're out of treatment!)
- To help prevent mouth sores: add 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and a splash of hydrogen peroxide to 8 oz. warmish water. Swish around in your mouth religiously after meals and before bedtime.
- Aquaphor (available at most drugstores) helps heal dry, radiated skin.
- Keep barf bags in the glove compartment of your car when you're getting chemo. You never know when the urge to (involuntarily) purge will strike.
- Poop solution #2: Prune juice unclogs the ol' intestines like magic. The secret to getting it down is to drink it really cold, over ice.
- Poop solution #3: Magnesium tablets are good if you can't hack the taste of prunes.
- Got a tip? Submit yours to contactus@planetcancer.org
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