Chemotherapy and Heartburn

Even if you have never suffered from heartburn before, you may now discover the pain that so many people endure. Chemotherapy throws your whole body for a loop. For me personally, the heartburn was one of the worst side effects of my treatment. I did not understand what was happening to me at first. It felt like there was a fist of pain in my upper chest. It hurt worse than my surgical scar did. I’m not trying to scare you, but you need to know this and to be prepared to deal with it. You can try taking some over-the-counter medicine, such as Mylanta, but you may very well need prescription-strength help. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for a prescription. Hey, if you don’t need it, don’t fill it. But I would hate to tell you how many times emergencies seem to happen to me late Saturday night when the doctor’s office is closed, and so the only alternative is the emergency room. Know what I mean?

The good news is, one or more of the prescription-type drugs will kick the heartburn down the road. And no, you’re not being a sissy.

Legal Stuff

Resources

I have been so grateful to have had access to web-based support groups and to breast cancer information. Here's a list of Web Resources that helped me. If you know of other good ones, please e-mail me and I will add them to the list.

Wonderful Books

Here's a short list of books that I found helpful after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As soon as I can I'll add to the list and I'll post some reviews, as well.

Walk-a-thon 2007

Every year, the Weekend to End Breast Cancer http://www.endcancer.ca raises tens of millions of dollars for breast cancer research, in several major cities across the country. Within each participating city, a carefully selected hospital receives valuable funding for research and facilities. Each Walker raises a minimum of $2000 for the privilege of walking 60 kilometres over a two-day weekend. Thousands of volunteers across the country donate their time, not only on the days of the event, but also on days training for their part in it. I made this Walk in 2005, not even a year after my treatment, volunteered in 2006 and have done so again for 2007.

I strongly urge you to become involved with this event or others like it. They are enormously uplifting, and you will come away with great memories etched into your heart. With each donation from my sponsors, I wondered if this could be the money that would fund a cure, because I do believe that we will find a cure.