https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:10:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1079087 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:21:39 +0000 Isabel 1079087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Tanya, &nbsp;</p> <p>You are probably finishing up week two now. &nbsp;I am thinking of you.</p> <p>Everyone reacts differently to radiation ( or any treatments really ). &nbsp;You got a lot of good advice. Make sure that you tell everything that you feel to your radiologist or the people doing the radiation. &nbsp;Nothing is too small to bring up.</p> <p>I was lucky not to have skin issues. &nbsp;However, I was exhausted about 10 days in. &nbsp;Exhausted isn't even really the word. Just a deep down to the bones fatique....almost as if I wasn't getting enough food ( which I was ). It really affects ones thinking. &nbsp;&nbsp;It happens very often from what I understand. &nbsp;</p> <p>It is always a good idea to talk to the counselors who are available.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please keep us updated. &nbsp;All my love and good vibes to you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1078499 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 02:02:57 +0000 pil 1078499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, I don't *know* you well but my thoughts are absolutely with you during this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1077609 Thu, 07 Nov 2013 12:28:55 +0000 Anonymous 1077609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, Manuka honey is a great healer, I use it on my hand eczema. It works beautifully. Hang in there You can get the Aloe Vera leaves at Whole Foods too. You don't need to get the whole plant. You can cut a bit of it at the time, peel off the top skin and use the inside of the plant. It looks like a slimy gel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1077357 Thu, 07 Nov 2013 03:00:30 +0000 velvetychocolate 1077357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear Tanya,</p> <p>I did not know about the changes re: Biotene, and I really appreciate your insight. Yes, I'd love to have a list of the before/after ingredients listings (via PM, and only if you have time/energy, and if you don't - <i>please don't worry about it</i>). That said, I will probably now run out and buy anything that doesn't say "new and improved on it" for my Mom's next chemo sessions. </p> <p><i>Thank you so much for this tip </i>- I've been a bit run off my feet and am not always able to keep up on the latest and greatest with these things. Thank you for mentioning this - I had no idea. </p> <p>In the meantime - sending you lots of healing and 'get well' vibes. This whole cancer thing totally sucks. The treatments are awful and the only thing I keep saying to my Mom is, "It's going to get better soon". I really do believe this, but while in the thick of treatments, it can be hard to feel like things will get better. </p> <p>That said, I think there will come a time when the worst of the worst is over and done with, and you'll be on the mend, for good. In the meantime though, I'm sending tons of good wishes your way so that you can get through all of this. </p> <p>Hang in there - we're all thinking of you. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1076521 Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:36:33 +0000 Tanya 1076521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Velvetychocolate,<br />Thank you very much for all the info!</p> <p>I am actually aware of Biotene mouthwash and other products and am already using them.&nbsp; I have learned about them and many other things on an amazing oral cancer forum.<br />Here is a bit of unfortunate news I there that your Mom should know about Biotene: the small company was bought by a bigger one who just recently changed the formulas significantly from really beneficial ones to&nbsp; useless, even potentially harmful ones.&nbsp; Right now on the shelves you can find both new and old versions of the same products. The new ones, that should be avoided, have a saying "new and improved formula", or "improved pH balance".&nbsp; I even have somewhere a list of ingredients for old and new that I can send you if interested.&nbsp; </p> <p>Bottom line, she should try to stock up on the old formula, as I am doing.&nbsp; Soon it will be completely gone from the stores </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1076511 Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:19:49 +0000 velvetychocolate 1076511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a bit behind here, but wanted to let you know we're thinking of you. </p> <p>Sorry to hear that yesterday was kind of rough. Ouch!</p> <p>Meanwhile, I wanted to mention a brand of mouthwash that I'd heard about several weeks ago, when I was reading up on chemo side effects, since I knew my Mom would need chemo. A common chemo side effect is mouth sores, and several women on a breast cancer forum mentioned Biotene mouthwash in a thread that was for 'chemo newbies' - a shopping list of sorts to help be prepared for chemo side effects. </p> <p>I bought two bottles and took them with me to visit Mom, unsure as to whether it would be available in her area. </p> <p>In any case, a few days after her first chemo, her mouth got really sore. I woke up one morning and Mom had been up half the night with various side effects that started to kick in, but she said, "That Biotene mouthwash you brought me saved me last night..."</p> <p>I wonder if it might help you? You can find it in regular grocery stores, drugstores and so on. I paid about $9 a bottle for it here in the US, and up in Canada it was more like $15 or so. It's marketed as a remedy for dry mouth, but on a breast cancer forum, the women there writing about how to manage chemo side effects (including sore mouth and mouth sores) raved about Biotene's ability to help prevent mouth sores and/or treat and soothe them. </p> <p>Mom said it was excellent and greatly alleviated the sore mouth she was experiencing.</p> <p>Hope this helps a wee bit! </p> <p>editing to add: I realize you're not doing chemo, but as soon as you mentioned possible mouth sores, I wanted to mention the Biotene in case it might help you out too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1076500 Wed, 06 Nov 2013 13:57:10 +0000 Tanya 1076500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks ladies for all of your kind words and support.<br />I am generally feeling quite decent, though yesterday was a bad day.&nbsp; I have started taking a very strong drug for nerve pain, and I am being tapered to higher and higher doses.&nbsp; Yesterday I was very dizzy, drowsy and weak (all known side effects of the drug), so I did not even manage to go to work.&nbsp; I am hoping that my body will get used to it and I can function a bit better.<br />I was recommended a particular type of honey for mouth rinsing, called Manuka honey, from New Zealand. It has antibacterial properties and it is supposed to really help combat the sores that will show up sooner or later. So I grabbed a little jar from Whole Foods last night and had a price sticker shock:$40.<br />Thank you for all the cream recommendations! As I mentioned, I will ask my oncologist (I see him every Thursday) so if he OKs it I will get calendula cream too.&nbsp; And Aloe Vera plant - though where would I buy one?<br />Rachy, I can do those breathing exercises, no problem.&nbsp; As for yoga, I am afraid I do not have time nor energy to do it.&nbsp; I am going to physical therapy twice a week to work on my neck (pretty numb and painful, reduced range of motion) and jaw (can't open properly), so that is enough.&nbsp; Massages and&nbsp; manis/pedis sound nice, but to be honest, I can not afford them.&nbsp; I was on a very tight budget to begin with and now with all the huge medical bills I am barely managing&nbsp; - additional source of stress.<br />As for food/apetite that someone mentioned, it is still OK.&nbsp; Sooner or later though, I am going to start having serious problems with swallowing because the radiation targets that area.&nbsp; Many people completely loose the ability to eat and are put on feeding tubes. The drug I am taking is supposed to try and stop that, but we shall see. They also expect loss of taste etc.&nbsp; As of now I am supposed to try and eat 3000 calories a day ( and 2 l of water) which I find very difficult, as I normally do not eat much, 1500 calories at most.&nbsp; </p> <p>Well, I have written whole "War and Peace" here.&nbsp; Thanks again for your kindness!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1076440 Wed, 06 Nov 2013 12:53:21 +0000 Anonymous 1076440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just keep on checking this thread for updates. I hope your week is going well. I have had you in my thoughts a great deal and I just hope that time flies by, so you can be done with this. Please keep us updated when you feel up to it. XO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1076433 Wed, 06 Nov 2013 12:45:09 +0000 Anonymous 1076433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking of you Tanya. Stay strong and focus on Dec 10th. </p> <p>((hugs)).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1076405 Wed, 06 Nov 2013 11:43:34 +0000 Lantana 1076405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sending you caring thoughts Tanya. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1074979 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 04:47:20 +0000 Anonymous 1074979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hang in there Tanya! I'm praying for you to have strength to get through these treatments.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1073883 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 10:40:01 +0000 Archer 1073883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Tanya<br />So your treatment is straight to radio, not chemo. &nbsp;I missed that somewhere. If you get an aloe-vera plant in a pot that is quite established you can break off it and use the juice straight onto the skin. &nbsp;It works to heal and it feels magnificent.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1073841 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 07:20:28 +0000 AJ 1073841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are so brave and strong.&nbsp; Thanks so much for keeping us updated.&nbsp; You are in my prayers.</p> <p>Dec. 10 will be here before you know it and YLF is open 24/7.&nbsp; :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1073838 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 07:11:41 +0000 Hil 1073838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking of you and wishing you well on this journey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1073563 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:11:26 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1073563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya - thanks so much for the update. You have been very much on my mind these days.&nbsp;</p> <p>When my husband was receiving chemotherapy for his cancer, he used to get through his treatments by saying every time a bag of his IV "cocktail" was done…"Fabulous. I'm one step closer to being well". He never looked at it as each treatment making him feel worse, but instead, each treatment getting him closer to being rid of the cancer.</p> <p>I don't know if that helps you at all but it's something I wanted to pass on.&nbsp;</p> <p>Shannon<br />xoxo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1073168 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 17:58:46 +0000 rachylou 1073168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you. I like Zap's calendula cream in #2 a lot too. One (!) of my doctors recommended 3 audible sighs, to help calm the body down from stress; it's a little thing that helps and yes, one may find themselves doing it a lot. But it's a physical thing, is stress. I edited a book on cooking &amp; eating for chemo. Sadly it's out of print now, but there are others. Something, you know, to remember later on if your appetite goes off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1072910 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 11:46:34 +0000 Glory 1072910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hoping that the next week of treatment goes well and that your spirits stay strong. I will be thinking of you each and every day, sending positive energy. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1072858 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 06:34:04 +0000 Ginkgo 1072858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have been enjoying your WIWs this week and look forward to the next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1072844 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 05:20:48 +0000 goldenpig 1072844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry things are so hard right now. Sending you huge hugs Tanya. Wishing you a smooth and uneventful course of treatment and quick healing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1072811 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 04:37:49 +0000 Ariadne 1072811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So hard Sending you love, light and prayers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1072791 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 04:11:16 +0000 celia 1072791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. One week is already gone.If you have time between treatments try to build up your strength and rest.<br />Big hugs to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1072684 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 02:30:01 +0000 Debora 1072684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sending you warm thoughts and good wishes. Good luck with week two. You are in my thoughts and prayers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1072627 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 01:39:19 +0000 Mochi 1072627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No advice, but huge hugs, Tanya.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment/page/2#post-1072612 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 01:27:27 +0000 Karie 1072612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to hear week one is over and went well. Have you tried&nbsp;yoga for stress management? I also find that getting a massage and a mani/pedi is a good stress reliever too. You are in my thoughts and prayers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment#post-1072492 Sat, 02 Nov 2013 23:38:30 +0000 Caro in Oz 1072492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hang in there My thoughts are with you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment#post-1072450 Sat, 02 Nov 2013 22:49:40 +0000 Anonymous 1072450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking of you Tanya. It's amazing what medical professionals can do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment#post-1072415 Sat, 02 Nov 2013 22:08:27 +0000 Debra 1072415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One down, great to hear from you, xxx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment#post-1072331 Sat, 02 Nov 2013 19:58:00 +0000 Ornella 1072331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, you are so strong. Thank you for this update and please keep them and the&nbsp;WIWs&nbsp;coming. They are more than just WIWs and&nbsp;mean a lot for those who care about you. Thinking of you and your family &lt;3 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment#post-1072328 Sat, 02 Nov 2013 19:50:44 +0000 Janet 1072328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking of you and sending lots of calming, healing vibes! One of my BFFs since elementary school finished all her rounds of treatment for breast cancer and is now doing great. You will get there! Big hugs to you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/end-of-week-one-of-treatment#post-1072319 Sat, 02 Nov 2013 19:29:54 +0000 tarzy 1072319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Tanya. I'm adding my support to the pile and sending you lots of love and healing vibes! </p>