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Just about everything you need to know about breast cancer can be found at breastcancer.org or Imaginis: The Breast Health Resource. But maybe not everything. Listed below are additional information, tips and products. Some of these I used, others have been told to me by other survivors. This is a work in progress and I welcome your input. Remember though, these are being provided for informational purposes only. Please ask your own doctor if any of these suggestions are right for you.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Aquaphor Healing Ointment - what my Radiation Oncologist recommends after radiation treatment is complete for dry skin. Ask your doctor if you can try it. If so, continue with the aloe until the really red burn starts to fade and peel, then switch to the Aquaphor.
Aloe Vera gel (100% pure) - the only thing my Radiation Oncologist allowed me to use on radiation burns during radiation therapy. I applied it after treatment, but not before.
Bandanas - These lightweight cotton scarves are really comfortable curing chemo hair loss. They come in many colors and are very inexpensive. Available at Michael's and Claires.
breastcancer.org is the premier source for breast cancer information on the Internet. The nonprofit organization provides a safe, respectful and welcoming web site where women and their loved ones can go to make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast cancer. A Professional Advisory Board of more than 60 doctors, nurses, and researchers helps develop comprehensive content on this site, providing expertise on surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapies. The site offers over 2000 pages of original, peer–reviewed medical content and illustrations on every aspect of breast cancer.
Eyelashes - I guess I didn't realize that I would also lose my eyebrows and eyelashes during chemo. The eyebrows weren't a problem, using an eyebrow pencil you can draw them on and they might even be matching once in a while. Eyelashes prevent things like eyeliner from rolling into your eyes and burning.
Hair Loss During Radiation See also "Pubic Hair" "Eyelashes"
Imaginis: The Breast Health Resource
Imaginis.com's content is comprehensive and covers areas relating to breast cancer such as prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment. It also covers related women's health topics such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and ovarian cancer. Imaginis.com also contains extensive information about medical procedures such as angiography, biopsy, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, x-ray imaging, and radiation therapy. Imaginis Corporation is a privately held health services company.
Lemon - During chemo, even water can taste bad. If so, try a slice or two of lemon in your water. My chemo was in the summer and only Crystal Light Lemonade did the trick. Maybe it's not quite as healthy as something else, but it was the only way I managed to get my much needed liquids in.
Lymphedema - Chronic swelling or feeling of tightness in the arm or hand due to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the soft tissue of the arm. Prevention is very important. A lot of information about prevention and treatment of lymphedema can be found at National Lymphedema Network , breastcancer.org or Imaginis: The Breast Health Resource.
Pills - For those of us who gag while trying to swallow pills, try this suggestion. First pop the pill(s) into your mouth, then look into the glass of water as you wash them down.
Pubic Hair Loss causes you to "pee crooked". This probably is no surprise to mothers with young daughters, or women who shave that area anyway. But for the rest of us, it can be quite startling especially when you find yourself in a public restroom. Be prepared.
Zofran - a popular anti nausea medication. Watch for the side affects which are manageable if you don't let them get ahead of you. Constipation (not your ordinary constipation) can be a problem, but not for everyone.
This is a working list in progress. If you have tips/suggestions from your own experiences Suggest an A to Z item
