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The Glove Fits!Early in June I will begin Chemotherapy round five. Luckily my side effects are minimal and most can be overcome quite easily. Almost all chemotherapy recipients have a cold aversion. Surprisingly to me, hence this editorial, one of the simplest solutions to that side effect, a pair of gardening gloves, is overlooked. The doctors refer to the side effect as tingling. That sounds pleasant, the side effect is not. During chemo when I touch anything cold, such as an item from my fridge or freezer, the sensation is of tiny slivers of glass slicing my hands. Tingling? No! The first time this happened I used oven gloves to get anything out of the fridge or freezer. That was unwieldy. I mentioned this to several of my nearest and dearest. One immediately suggested purchasing a pair of garden gloves with rubber grips. Thanks to that suggestion and my utter aversion to this side effect, I haven't felt it for the last two chemo treatments, given always donning a pair before opening my fridge or freezer. I have taken to carrying a pair with me given the hot weather. Wanting a cold drink isn't unusual but holding it can cause the 'tingling'. While awaiting chemotherapy it is not unusual to discuss the treatments with my nurses or fellow cancer sufferers. I'm surprised that no one had come up with the idea of gardening gloves, but my friend, until I talked about tingling. It has alleviated one of the most common side affects. My friend's suggestion helped me. Hopefully this editorial helps others dealing with cancer and chemotherapy. |