Helpful Things and The Most Important Decision

 This post is not to impose ideas upon others, to act as medical advice, or a request for anyone to purchase these items for me. I plan to share the things I have compiled from all my research that may help to spark ideas as we pay it forward with the new knowledge we've gained throughout my cancer experience. If you know someone who may benefit from these items, please consider sharing this information or sending them a nice care package. It lifts the spirits!

For my scalp:

• I was gifted some amazing Alra conditioning shampoo which helped to calm the tenderness in my scalp even before my hair fell out at week 2 (as predicted). It has proven to be a major go to for my scalp care.
• I came across a blog by a hairdresser who advised to buzz my head but not to shave it clean, and then use a lint roller to pull out any hair that wanted to release. This decreases the chance of folliculitis or other irritation of the hair follicle which can cause yet another unfavorable side effect. It was great advice!

(Mine decide to leave with much less resistance, but it was a cute GIF so there you go!)

• Other favorite items come from fridababy: Cradle Cap silicone brush, scalp mask, and leave-in conditioner spray have helped my scalp transition comfortably to my new me.

• My last item proving to be beneficial is Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Face and Body Oil for Dry Skin, Hair, Hands, Cuticles and Nails Care. Olive, Lavender, Almond, Vitamin E and Grapeseed Oils. You can't go wrong with those ingredients. Catch me just right and you'll see my shiny oiled up bald head! 

Next up, oral care:

• A little known fact is that you should plan to get your routine dental cleaning at least 2 weeks before chemotherapy begins and that your dentist should be part of your cancer treatment. While other emergency dental work can be performed if needed, routine care should happen before and then after your chemotherapy is complete.
• I was able to do just that due to great advice from a colleague who has been here, done that. During my talk with my dentist, he recommended SalivaMAX® which has been a life saver. SalivaMAX® is a supersaturated calcium phosphate powder that, when dissolved in water, creates a solution with a high concentration of electrolytes similar to that of natural saliva. The more you can keep it "normal", the less mouth sores you may endure. 
• I was also offered Magic Mouthwash if needed and unfortunately, despite my diligence in oral care, I did. I have it ready for this cycle. This is the recipe:

The viscous lidocaine 2% requires a prescription, but because I spoke to my dentist during my cleaning prior, it only took a quick phone call to get this initiated. Add in the maalox or mylanta and children's benadryl in liquid form to make up this beautiful concoction.

Can you believe it? Nail care:

• So many nasty changes occur with one of my chemo meds, Taxotere, up to and including nail loss. 
  

• To maintain appropriate vitamins and moisture, nothing beats Londontown Restorative Nail Cream and Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil:

• A blog introduced me to Sally Hansen Complete Care 7-in-1 Nail Treatment and it is advised to either continue to add coat over coat without removing, or only use a non-acetone nail polish remover such as ella + mila soy polish remover:

Finally, for now, immune system and GI relief:

• I started some research into more natural immune support options as I will not be going back in 1 week to get labs and therefore won't be getting the GRANIX. I want to support my own immune system as much as possible. Here are a few articles on Bee Propolis for Immune Support that are quite fascinating.
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9127854/

• https://cms.bezmialemscience.org/Uploads/Article_50745/BezmialemScience-10-123-En.pdf
• Best nausea deterrents (besides prescription Zofran and Compazine):
• TUMMYDROPS - Have a serious bite but do the job!

• Big Heart Tea Cup of Sunshine - Tumeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Malabar Peppercorn, and Tulsi hit all the spots!

TL;DR

You don't get a shorter version today, scroll to the top and soak in the new day to day rituals I have in place to keep my spirits high and body rocking for the next cycle!