I was reflecting on chemotherapy this morning after a friend asked me for advice for her friend who is going through it now. Everyone's battle is so unique -- different paths for each of us. No two cancers are the same, even within the same individual. This post is about my path but maybe even 1 thing might help others.
When I was told that I would be going through chemotherapy, I welcomed any advise my oncologist had to help me get through it. For instance, he gave me a spreadsheet that had just a few items for me to record throughout the sessions. In hindsight, memory does get challenged so checklists aides the attempt to recall information. In any case, the starter items were steroids for 2 days (1 the day before to prep the veins, 1 after to help pump the chemo throughout), Claritin daily to help with bone pain, and a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily.
Other problems such as constipation, headaches, nausea, insomnia were things I also wanted to be prepared for so I looked for solutions to add to my spreadsheet.
And then I thought of the job of chemotherapy: to kill cells. Ideally, kill the bad cells. I wanted to help my body not kill my good cells, or at least I wanted to help keep and or repair my good cells. Ultimately, this would help me feel better and help me get through the day in a way that would speed the treatment part while also slowing down the savory moments as a mom with a young child. At least that was my hope.
So, I researched like crazy and also got advice from friends and chemo mates along the way. Rest was the biggest advice. My body would be going through a lot so recovery through rest would help a ton. This advice brought up memories post childbirth. I remember reading how important resting would be and how pushing past naps would hurt. Makes sense. Chemically my body was not the same. So rest, eliminating chemicals that would make me feel worse (like sugar and coffee) would be a part of my plan. Also a part of my plan would include exercise since chemically that aided the good stuff. Chemotherapy also meant another time of mass chemical imbalance with needed solutions.
After researching and adding to the spreadsheet, I ran it by my oncologist who gave me a thumbs up. This is what I came up with and followed throughout chemo along with healthy eating (during chemo, no white or wheat flour, sugar, dairy, legumes; after chemo I shot for 80%) along with juicing carrots and celery or other green vegetables daily.
It was hard, but I ran a walking pace daily, napped daily, slowed down whenever I needed. There were days when I felt like I got kicked in my spine. But there were also days I got playing at the park with my son. I do feel like helping the good body chemicals was a part of these moments for me.
The next chemical change came after chemo: tamoxifen. This is another battle which I'm constantly learning to get through. It can make me feel down, physically and emotionally. But I find that when I add the following to my days, I'm so much better:
1. pharma gaba chewable by Natural Factors, 2-3 daily (good neurotransmitter brain help)
2. Calcium and magnesium in a 2:1 ratio pill (bone pain relief)
3. Magnesium serene powder by Source Naturals nightly (good for bones and neurotransmitters that help many other processes in the body)
4. suntheanine (increases alpha brain waves that makes you alert yet calm)
5. More fluids
6. More rest
7. Daily exercise (a walk, a run, weights, or swim. Any of these daily)
8. Tai Chi when I'm feeling like I can't sleep or I'm overwhelmed)
In hindsight regardless in my life where I've been challenged chemically like puberty, college, childbirth, chemo, tamoxifen, or when I've od'd on sugar or caffeine or other preservatives in goods -- it's made me feel off in small or exponentially large ways. I've been rewatching Star Wars episodes so here's a current analogy: these toxins of the dark side were given a good battle by the rebels of the Jedi side who fought with light sabers that included: supplements, foods that don't add to inflammation, and movement solutions. These helped fight the bad chemical invader empire. It's not the whole battle, but nevertheless a part of it.
These were my thoughts this morning. Hoping these help anyone out there with any chemical battle. It's always harder when you're in it. Hang in there! Sending you doses of love, the best supplement!
And, May the Force be with you!
