Chemo 2, Day 3

Great Day.  Got up early and immediately starting forcing the fluids which is the key to victory against the nausea that plagues you after Chemo.  Radiation treatment very easy.  Finally got that "mask" to fit right, no pressure points, so good day.

I wanted to put down all the medicines and vitamins I'm taking on a daily basis for those who follow.  Might help, sure is helping me a lot.  If I don't swallow or talk, I literally can't tell my throat is sore.  There are some side effects like the saliva overload, but the docs gave me some mouthwash that is keeping that under control.   So here's the deal on what's working.

First thing in the morning I take the following vitamins, thanks to Brad.
USANA Chelated Minerals - 2 each
USANA Mega Antioxidant - 2 each
USANA Proflavanol - 2 each

These are augmented with:
1 oz of Goji Juice
One dropper of liquid B-12 (Sublingual B Total is the brand name)

For the first three days after Chemo the following meds are prescribed:
Zofran - 1 Tablet per day (Nausea)
Decadron - 1 Tablet per day (Nausea)
Promethazine - 1 Tablet every 6 hours as needed for Vomiting/Nausea (Rarely needed)

Normal Meds prescribed for the Radiation Side Effects
Lot of sores develop in the mouth from the Radiation.  One of the other side effects are yeast infections in the mouth.  The doctor has prescribed Diflucan for this for 7 days.  One tablet per day.
Mucinex - Expectorant for keeping the flim in the throat from getting too thick.  One tablet every 12 hours.
Hydrocodone Liquid for pain.  Used one hour before eating to kill the throat soreness.
Oncology Mouthwash - Lanacaine wash to numb the mouth/throat.  Rarely used.
Caphosal Mouthwash - A must for controlling the saliva overflow.  Works very well.  Used 5-6 times a day. 

Nightly ritual includes:
30 Minutes of fluoride tray treatment for keeping my teeth strong.  If anyone has any teeth that are not healthy before the radiation starts they take them out.  I was lucky, blessed with great teeth, so I didn't lose any and don't plan on it.  Never blow this one off.
Peridex Rinse.  Another prescribed by the Dentist to keep the bacteria out of the mouth.  
Coumadin - Blood Thinner, only 1 mg, just enough to prevent blood clot in the port used to pump in the Chemo.  Taken before bed.

Daily Feeding Routine
At this point is almost all via the Feeding Tube, though I do try to eat something to keep the muscles in shape for swallowing so when this is over I can put down that 24oz T-Bone at Cattlemans.Yeah !

Pumping in Ensure and Moplex Protein Shakes, about 4-5 per day.  Each one has about 300 calories, so may have to up the number if I start losing weight.  Right now, I'm holding at 205lbs, so not worried.

Started using V-8 Fusion juices to get more fiber in the diet.  Very important that fiber, so must be included.

Gatorade, at least one 24 oz bottle per day, just because.  Adds to the fluids and has some electrolytes.

Lot of water.  Alway follow the shakes with water to keep the feeding tube clean and add more liquids.  Shirley puts droppers full of green tea, Ginger, and Yin Chioa Immune Health into the first glass of water everyday.  Home remedies she's researched for cancer treatment.  I'm mighty healthy as far as the immune system is concerned.  The docs check my blood work every Friday and everything normal, no drop whatsoever, so it must be working.  Blood pressure is really in good shape.

Chemo Home Remedy Secrets.  Best one is a bottle of Peppermint Oil.  The first 2-3 days after Chemo you'll feel a lot of nasuea, so everytime I feel it coming on, I put one drop of Peppermint Oil on my tongue and it stops instantly.  Amazing stuff.  Doesn't last long, but just keep doing it.  Works well.

Salt Water with Baking Soda mouthrinse.  Another good one. Keeps the mouth sores in check. 

Am not having any problems sleeping, feel really good physically, the soreness is in check so far and the Chemo "keys to victory" are set, so this is not a big deal.  The worst part is not knowing what to expect, or expecting the worst.  Hopefully this will help somebody some day not worry about the great unknown, because it's not an unknown.  Shirley and I have a great system, she's the rock.  Makes sure I don't forget and we have a good assembly line going with the feeding tube, she fills up the syringe (big fat one) with the fluids and I just push 'em down the tube.  Goes quickly when working together.

Bottom line, get a plan, make a schedule and stick to it.  This punk Elroy is going down!!!