Tips for Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects

Articles On Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy can help fight cancer, but it also has side effects. Everyone reacts differently. The type of chemo drugs you use can affect your experience.

Try these tips to help manage some common side effects.

Nausea and Vomiting

You can help ease nausea and vomiting by changing your eating patterns:

• Eat five or six small meals rather than three big ones.
• Take your time when you eat and drink.
• Drink an hour before or after meals rather than when you eat. Apple juice, tea, and flat ginger ale may help.
• Avoid strong-smelling foods. Strong smells can sometimes bring on nausea.
• Pass on sweets, and fried and fatty foods, which may make you queasy.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea drugs. These are usually given to prevent you from feeling nauseous.

Talk to your doctor about the best anti-nausea drug for you. Sometimes you may need to try different drugs until you find one that helps you the most.

Taste Changes

Some types of chemotherapy can affect your sense of taste. Follow these tips to better enjoy eating:

• Red meat may taste different to you. If so, try poultry, mild-flavored fish, or dairy products instead.
• If your favorite foods taste different, avoid them so you don't develop a distaste for them.
• If foods taste metallic, try eating with plastic utensils.
• Use a sweet marinade to help bring flavor to your main dish.

Fatigue

You may find yourself feeling tired, but there are ways to help manage that.

• Rest or take short naps during the day.
• Exercise. A short walk may boost your energy.
• Ask family or friends for help when you need it.
• Focus your energy on important things.

If you just can't shake the feeling of being tired, check with your doctor. In some patients, chemotherapy can lead to anemia and low red blood cell counts. Your doctor can test your blood and treat you if necessary.

'Chemo Brain'

Some people feel short-term mental fog after treatment. To manage so-called “chemo brain,” try these tips:

• Use a daily planner to help you manage -- and remember -- appointments, names, addresses, numbers, and to-do lists.
• Keep your brain active. You could take a class, attend lectures, or do word puzzles.
• Eat well, and get enough exercise and sleep.
• Focus on one thing at a time.

Hair Loss

Some, but not all chemo treatments, can lead to hair loss. If your treatment does, here's what you can do:

• After chemotherapy, use soft-bristle brushes. Avoid hair products with harsh chemicals, such as hair dyes or permanents.
• Cutting your hair short may make it look thicker and fuller.
• If you think you'd want a wig, shop for it before you lose your hair. That way, you can better match it to your hair.
• Wear a hat or scarf in cold weather, and use sunscreen to protect your scalp from the sun.
• Your scalp may feel tender and dry. Wash it with mild moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, and apply gentle lotions.

Sun Sensitivity

You may be more sensitive to sunlight in the months following treatment.

• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially when the sun's rays are the strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
• Use sunscreen (look for a “broad-spectrum” product with a SPF of 30 or higher) and lip balm with sunscreen.
• Wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, and wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

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