Icing up and timing

Posted by moshi @moshi, Apr 1 12:52am

Hi.. Tnbc Moshi Warrior Sister here. Currently on taxol weekly..x 12, then will do doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide biweekly x 4.
I bring a handy rolling medium cooler with my own ice and bags. I wear the throw up bags over my feet and put my feet in the cooler… and use the throw up bags for my hands to put in 2 individual bigger bags filled half with ice. It’s kindof a crackup but effective.
I only start icing 5 minutes before taxol starts and am lucky if I make it 15 minutes in. No problems yet…. But I need to get better before I start the 3 hour big dog regime. I’m a little scared. Icing protocol is an individual choice… wondering what others do and if the gloves are any better… thanks.
Oh… and yeah… I’m strong, and brave, and beautiful…even if I don’t feel it… and cancer sucks…
Peace

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Apr 9 9:50am

What a courageous thing you are trying to do. Just taking this regimen is hard, I am a big fan of icing for all kinds of things but about 20 minutes on an ice pack is what I can do if I don’t have it covered with a towel.
I do frequently take a little rest after 20, then return to the ice for 20 more.
I don’t know if that idea helps or not. I also might try socks and gloves under the bags as the protective layer.
Do the nurses have other suggestions about this?

moshi | @moshi | Apr 9 11:56pm

I’m not sure about courageous…. More like, let me listen to my music with a Bluetooth headset, have my protein drinks and water set up, and get this over with.

The nurses I’ve had for the last 5 chemo treatments always offer more support than I need, and at this point want. That could change. I just want to be left to set myself up. All they would offer is the ice they have and maybe a tub to put the ice in… but I like mine. A rolling cooler, sort of like an airport bag… and I think stealing throw up bags for foot and hand cover makes me laugh… take me to jail…

sequoia | @sequoia | Apr 10 9:29am

In reply to @auntieoakley "What a courageous thing you are trying to do. Just taking this regimen is hard, I..." + (show)

You should put a towel or dome covering over the ice pack. Don’t put ice pack directly on your skin. That is too much and could damage your skin.

cancerwifemom | @cancerwifemom | Apr 11 5:31am

I tried both ways. The ice packs were less mess but didn’t last as long on my hands. I ended up putting the ice packs in a cooler and put my feet in that. I’d use messy ice packs on my hands for like 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. I was also cold capping, so my head was frozen too 🥶. I used a heated blanket.

kimusry | @kimusry | Apr 11 10:13am

I used my freezer mittens and frozen sock mittens. I carried several and nurses keep them frozen. I also did the cold cap which helped me keep my hair. I have a little neuropathy but Docs say no nerve permanent nerve damage.

I did taxol then they switched to pacitaxil weekly for 12 weeks. I’m still on Herceptin which I was told didn’t cause neurooathy but I don’t believe. The first treatment of herceptin I did without the ice and my hands feet and legs all came were burning like fire that evening so after that, I still use the ice packs on my hands and feet and that hasn’t really happened as bad. Also, after taking a break from herceptin The tingling and “fire” sensation decreased, so I’m hopeful once the treatment is completely over, I will feel normal.
https://a.co/d/0x8dEBr
Beanies are also nice too. They help with the pain in the scalp and on the boob pains with the tissue expanders!

moshi | @moshi | Apr 13 6:49pm

I think the socks and mittens would've worked equally well... I'm just a cheap ass and decided to get creative with the cooler. I really do like having the cooler though. I look like a great traveler....I could be going anywhere in the world ... or not. I'm sure I have everyone fooled... ha ha
Chemo tomorrow... oh boy

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