The following list helped Jim get through treatment. Please always check with your doctor first!

• Water! –  Drink water all day. You must stay hydrated! You will feel so much better. For some people, it’s hard. Force yourself to stay hydrated!!
• Protein – Protein helps your body to heal. Aim for as least 90 grams a day. Don’t skimp on this.  Eat even if you do not feel like it!
• Exercise – Anything you can do. A walk around the block. Get your body moving. Your head is spinning with all that you are going through. Exercise will calm you and re-energize you with positive thinking.
• Tea Tree Oil, Clear Nail Polish, Intense Hand and Feet Lotion – Three times a week put Clear Nail Polish on your Fingernails, Toenails and Cuticles. Once a week remove. Everyday apply Tea Tree Oil on all nails and cuticles.  Moisturize daily with lotion.  This will protect your nails and toenails from falling off during treatment.
• Salt and Baking Soda Rinses – Rinse 4 times a day with Salt and Baking Soda rinses.  This will help prevent painful mouth sores.
• Juven – This is a powdered drink mix to add with water.  Jim’s nutritionist said drink 2 times a day.  One time will not do anything for you and more than two will not add additional benefits.  This drink mix will help rebuild cells.  We were able to find at Walgreens and Rite Aides as well as the Hospital Pharmacy.
• GasX – Chemo and Steroid belching was painful and uncomfortable for Jim. The GasX helped to an extent. This is where he always felt the water was so important to drink. Flush that stuff out of your system.
• Lotion from the Doctor – Once radiation begins, if your doctor has not given you samples of lotion they recommend, please ask.  Your skin will take on a sunburnt effect.  Protect it.

Miscellaneous

• Music – If your radiologists allow you to, bring your own music in during radiation.  Jim could not listen to the calm, elevator music.  He brought VanHalen, Journey and Heart in during his radiation treatment and played it LOUD!
• Pain or Anxiety  Medication – Jim did not need it very often and refused it most times, but if you need it, use it according to your doctor.
• Magic Mouthwash – During radiation this will help soothe your throat and mouth. It may not taste good at first but you will be thankful for it.