I think I’m tired of going through things that don’t kill me but make me stronger. I think I’d like to just get stronger on my own from now on.

I’m at the tail end of my ovarian cancer treatment. I feel my lifeblood begin to seep back into the spaces it vacated for the past five months. I’m looking forward to going out (without a mask) to restaurants with friends … heading to the barn to ride my horse more regularly … getting back into the pool and the gym — and into the swing of life as it should be.

I know you know what I mean.

Remedies Can Help Ease Side Effects

While I’m very much an allopathic cancer treatment gal (carboplatin and paclitaxel, if you please), there are many homeopathic remedies to consider for help with nausea, neuropathy, and other side effects. A licensed homeopath can provide solid guidance.

Many over-the-counter items also made my journey more comfortable. I’d like to share those with you.

Cancer is one of those strange beasts that affect the body in many ways, with a wide range of effects. The adage “Everyone is different” certainly applies. If my suggestions don’t work for you, scrap them.

If they do work, I’ll say a prayer that you, too, wind up on the other side of the awful journey, ready to take on the largeness of life as you never did before.

These Strategies Worked for Me

Heat: Heating pads or rice socks warmed in the microwave — there’s nothing as comforting as a warm spot on aching bones, spine, neck … you name it.

CBD cream: Whether or not you have neuropathy, like I did, you may have spots where you’ll want to dab this. It’s not a miracle, but it helps.

The CBD lotion I found at my dispensary had a lot of menthol, which soothed my feet — which felt like frozen cauliflower when I walked — and my burning lobster claw hands.

Biotène: Available over the counter at your local drugstore, this rinse felt like a miracle worker for mouth sores. A few days after chemotherapy, everything — even water — tasted like bitter chalk. A quick rinse with this, and I was raiding the pantry.

Acupuncture: This isn’t a cure-all, but it helped ease the worst of my neuropathy pain in my hands, feet, and knees. If you’re afraid of needles, massage is another option.

Massage! Who doesn’t like the feeling of warm hands on your skin, pushing all the tension out of your body and leaving your muscles feeling like soft taffy?

“Who doesn’t like the feeling of warm hands on your skin, pushing all the tension out of your body and leaving your muscles feeling like soft taffy?”

Fennel: I have heavenly neighbors who, in the early days of my treatment — before I had the nausea drugs figured out — brought me slices of raw fennel.

For the uninitiated, fennel is crunchy like celery with a mild licorice flavor. It really helped my nausea, and it was a palatable vegetable that I found myself nibbling regularly.

A phone call to a friend: Cancer brings your true friends out of the woodwork. Sometimes they worry that if they’re constantly checking in, they’re being a bother. We know they aren’t, so make it easy on them and give your bestie a call.

Shared memories: During these calls, you might find yourself chuckling over a funny memory or reminiscing about some delicious experience you had together.

Laughing helps — crying with someone helps, too. Either way, you’ll be flooded with endorphins that will make you feel better.

Rest: Just putting my feet up and being still felt good to me. Better yet, take to your bed with fresh sheets and your favorite movies, books, and pets. I was joined by my ridiculously soft gray cat sisters, Charlotte and Margot, and our chocolate Labradoodle rescue, Magnolia — aah!

Flowers: Small pleasures are not essential but highly recommended. Thanks to friends, family, and my sweet husband, I’ve enjoyed a scrumptious and bountiful array of gorgeous flowers to inhale and admire from the comfort of my sofa.

“One step at a time, you’ll get through this, and I hope one or two of my tricks might help with whatever you’re experiencing.”

MyOvarianCancerTeam members discuss ovarian cancer from a specific point of view. Members’ articles don’t reflect the opinions of MyOvarianCancerTeam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. MyOvarianCancerTeam content isn’t intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.