The Side Effects of Chemotherapy can be minimized.
If you or a loved one is currently going through this treatment, you may be aware of some of the side effects.Chemo can take a toll on the healthy cells in your body.Depending on your particular chemotherapy regimen, you may experience nausea and vomiting, fatigue, digestion problems, hair loss, and/or mouth sores, as well as increased risk for infections.There are ways to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Step 1: Drink slowly and eat smaller meals.
Decreased nausea symptoms can be caused by large meals and fluids.Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to a usual breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Sipping beverages can help.
Step 2: Don't eat foods with strong tastes or smells.
Fried and sweet foods are more likely to cause nausea and vomiting than bland foods.When it comes to nausea, the smell of food is just as important as the symptom.It is possible to avoid nausea related to cooking smells by cooking and freezing meals in advance of your next treatment.Other smells, such as soaps, detergents, or anything else, can also cause nausea.Do what you can to minimize your exposure.
Step 3: It's a good idea to wear loose clothing.
The sensation of nausea can be worsened by pressure from a belt or shirt.Try wearing loose shirts and pants during the worst of your symptoms to avoid increasing them.
Step 4: Freshen your mouth frequently.
Chemo can cause a bad metallic taste in your mouth.A lack of desire to eat can be caused by the taste.It's important to rinse your mouth and chew sugar-free gum to get rid of the bad taste from the treatment.Adding baking soda and salt to a quart of water is a rinse you may want to try.
Step 5: Herbal teas can be used to reduce nausea.
Herbal teas are known for their ability to fight nausea.One study showed that ginger tea helped reduce nausea.Peppermint tea has been used to treat nausea, however it lacks research on nausea caused by Chemo.
Step 6: Don't take any "miracle" cures.
Any herbal remedy or food that claims to cure nausea caused by Chemo should be viewed with skepticism.Look into the proven results of any option before spending money.Before taking any type of supplement, you should ask your doctor if it will interact with your prescription drugs.
Step 7: An anti-nausea medication can be found in your doctor's office.
Your physician will have a large selection of different anti-nausea medications to choose from, but the right choice for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the type of chemotherapy you are receiving.Dexamethasone Ondansetron is one of the commonly prescribed anti-nausea medications.Cannabinoids are anti-anxiety drugs.
Step 8: Take your medications in the correct order.
You are likely to have a lot of medication during your treatment.Clear instructions on a medication schedule will make any anti-nausea medication more effective.The timing of the anti-nausea medications is important to their effectiveness.If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, contact your doctor immediately.If you are vomiting a lot, you may need IV delivery of your medications as well as fluids to keep you hydrated.
Step 9: Try to stay active.
Those who stay active tend to keep their energy levels up more than those who don't.Don't push yourself too hard while you should stay active.Try to take one or two walks a day instead of vigorous exercise.Try to keep up the activities you enjoy, but try shorter, easier versions of them.The days after treatment are exhausting for some forms of chemotherapy.If this is the case for you and you can't even get out and walk or exercise, speak to your doctor for additional advice and guidance.
Step 10: Ration your energy.
You will likely notice a trend when you feel most up to activity if you keep track from day to day.For this time period, schedule your favorite or most important activities.Some people have a few bad days after treatment, followed by good days before the next treatment begins.Good days can be used to be more productive and to get things done.It's important to give yourself permission to rest on bad days.
Step 11: Take breaks.
Listen to your body.If you need to take a nap, don't feel guilty.It is easier to get up and resume your day if you take naps in a chair rather than in your bed.
Step 12: Control insomnia.
Depending on the type of cancer, up to 75% of patients have reported insomnia as a symptom.While your body and immune system battle both cancer and the effects of the chemo, proper rest is more important than ever.Your doctor will be able to prescribe sleep medication if you need it.Ensuring that your room is quiet, dark, and comfortable is one of the best ways to fight insomnia.How to prevent insomnia has more info on controlling insomnia.
Step 13: Take a look at your blood cell counts.
Red and white blood cell counts can be diminished by the effects of chemotherapy.Anemia is when there are low red blood cell counts.Increased fatigue is caused by it.Iron and B12 supplements, as well as the option of Epogen injections, are included in the treatment.Address the underlying problem.Low levels of red blood cells can cause fatigue.You may be more susceptible to fatigue if you have anemia.If you are having low energy levels, ask your doctor for help.The drop in white blood cells is called neutropenia.White blood cells are important for fighting infections and should be monitored by your doctor during your treatment.
Step 14: Try some relaxation techniques.
People going through cancer treatment often develop anxiety which leads to fatigue.Try some relaxation techniques to get over the feeling of anxiety.Activities like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help to calm you down.People in the support group are sharing their experiences.If you want to see a psychologist who works with patients with cancer, ask for a referral.If you want to learn more about yoga and the spiritual side of meditation, you can visit a local Buddhist temple, which is much cheaper than attending most yoga classes.
Step 15: Other forms of stress should be eliminated.
You may be dealing with other stress as well as going through chemotherapy.Eliminate them from your life if you can.One way to combat stress is to have a friend or loved one help around the house.You can schedule your activities to take advantage of your good days.You don't have to worry about cooking after work if you prepare meals for the week on your day off and freeze them.Ask your employer if it's possible to work from home during the worst of your side effects.If you can split your workload in a way that helps you manage your fatigue, you might be able to take time off work.
Step 16: Stay hydrated.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids.Vomiting can also be prevented with added fluids.Aim to drink eightoz.If it is very hot outside and you have glasses of water each day, you are sweating a lot.Adding mint or fruit to your water will make it taste better.
Step 17: It's a good idea to eat a lot of fiber-rich food.
Fiber-rich foods add bulk to your stool, which helps keep it moving.Many fiber-rich foods are included in the low-sugar,low-fat category that will make them more appetizing and help with nausea.Whole Grain Breads are high in fiber.Fruits include apples, mangoes, pear, and strawberries.Lentils, Pinto beans, and black beans are included.Almonds, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, and peanuts are some of the nuts.Artichokes, winter squash, broccoli, peas, okra, and carrots are some of the vegetables.
Step 18: Stay active.
Physical activity helps to fight fatigue as well as keeping your bicyle active.Try to walk at least one day a week.
Step 19: It's a good idea to take a stool softener.
If you have a prescription, you can get a wide array of stool softeners over the counter.Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about the regimen you are on.
Step 20: It's a good idea to consult your doctor for persistent diarrhea.
Some people experience scurvy while others don't.Your body needs to function if you have dehydration and dangerously low levels of potassium.If your symptoms persist for more than a day, you should see your doctor.Lean meat, fish, eggs, poultry, and other well-cooked foods are better for you.Cook vegetables instead of raw ones.You can choose fresh fruits without the skin or canned fruit.Extra water is needed to stay hydrated if you only have occasional mild diarrhea.You may need a dose reduction in your treatments if you have severe diarrhea.
Step 21: If you should expect hair loss, talk to your doctor.
Some treatments cause hair loss.One of the best ways to deal with hair loss is to be prepared.Ask your oncologist if you should expect hair loss from your treatment.If the answer is yes, you will lose your hair from seven to twenty-one days after your first treatment.
Step 22: It's a good idea to gently treat your hair.
To give yourself the best chance of keeping your hair, don't bleach, perming, or other harsh treatments before your treatment.If you want to keep your hair, you should use a soft brush and baby cleanser.Baby wash will help reduce itching.
Step 23: You can apply a hydrocortisone cream.
You may experience itching on your hair.There is an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.As directed, apply.The local pharmacy can help you pick this out.
Step 24: Do you want to shave your head?
If you shave your head when the itch starts, you can help control it.For some patients, getting the hair loss process over with by shaving their heads also helps prevent the embarrassment and anxiety related to the shed process and associated patchiness.
Step 25: Put your head down.
Many people who lose their hair after cancer choose head coverings such as a scarf, turban, hat, or wig.You can find fun and fancy hats and scarves.The cost of a head covering will be covered by some insurance plans.
Step 26: It's a good idea to wear head protection.
If you experience hair loss, it is important that you protect your head from both the sun and the cold.Even if you are wearing a head covering, make sure to put on sunscreen.
Step 27: There are changes in mood.
After receiving treatments, some patients have mood changes.A change in mood can include anxiety, fear, uncertainty, anger, and sadness.To record your moods, keep a journal and think about how you feel each day.
Step 28: Talk to your doctor.
If you're worried about your mood, talk to your doctor.They can help you determine if the changes are due to stress or related to your treatments.They can change your medications to ones with less side effects.
Step 29: Seek help from a mental health therapist.
A mental health therapist can help you deal with your moods.You may be asked to participate in therapy.If it won't interfere with your current treatment plan, medication can be prescribed to combat mood changes.
Step 30: Crowds and sick people can be avoided.
Chemotherapy patients are more vulnerable to infections.If you want to reduce your risk of infections, avoid sick people or people with infections.In schools, shopping malls, and public gatherings, you should avoid crowds.
Step 31: Keep clean.
It is important to wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, coughing or sneezing, or petting animals, to reduce the risk of infections.You should bathe every day.Feet, groin, armpits, and other moist, sweaty areas need to be cleaned.Don't wade, play or swim in ponds, lakes, rivers, or water parks if you want to get into a hot tub.There are germs in the water.
Step 32: Germs and scratches can affect your skin.
If you want to keep your skin moist, apply lotion daily.When doing activities that could lead to injury, wear gloves and other protective gear.You should clean it immediately if you get a scraper.To prevent germs from entering your system, you should cover the area with a bandage.Don't contact dirty objects.Cat litter boxes, bird cages, and fish or reptile tanks can be avoided.When gardening, wash your hands with soap and water.Don't keep plants in your bedroom.
Step 33: Make sure to cook your food well.
It is possible to get infections from undercooked or raw food.Steaks, roasts, and fish should be cooked to a temperature of at least 140o F.It is important to keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from ready-to- eat foods.Keep cutting boards, countertops, and utensils clean.Pasteurized products are better than unpasteurized ones.
Step 34: Don't eat certain foods.
You shouldn't eat oranges or hot peppers that are spicy, salty or acidic.You should not eat food with sharp edges.Patients have reported that eating ice cream and sucking on popsicles can help soothe mouth sores.
Step 35: It's a good idea to avoid alcohol or caffeine.
There are substances that can irritate mouth sores.Don't drink alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, or energy drinks.If you consume one of these drinks, rinse your mouth with water.Depending on the specific drugs you are on, you should not drink alcohol during your treatment.Ensure that alcohol doesn't interact with your treatment by consulting your doctor.
Step 36: You should keep your teeth or dentures clean.
If you have a sore mouth, use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth.You should rinse your mouth with warm water after every meal.This will help to heal mouth sores.It's a good idea to avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Step 37: Take medication to get rid of mouth sores.
Your doctor can prescribe mouth rinses such as "Magic Mouthwash" to help reduce mouth sores.Most of the time, mouth sores that persist can be easily treated by your doctor.