Chemotherapy: What To Do While In Treatment

Here are some tips to help during chemotherapy:

Do not expect immediate results.

• Standard practice is to wait two full cycles before looking for any response to chemotherapy. This can take 2 to 3 months.
• Response is checked by repeating the same tests that originally diagnosed the cancer.

Prepare in case of hair loss.

Many of the drugs used in chemotherapy can cause temporary hair loss. If the chemotherapy you use could cause this effect, consider purchasing a wig now that matches your hair color., or at least clipping enough hair that it can be matched later if desired. For information about wigs, including low cost or free ones, click here.

Before each chemotherapy treatment

• Eat. It is often difficult to eat after the treatment.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Take something to snack on in case you have to wait for the treatment.
• Patients have reported that sucking on ice chips or popsicles immediately before chemo or when the solution first enters your veins helps to eliminate mouth sores.

Spread the word among your friends that cooking may be difficult for you. Home cooked meals provided by friends have been said to have the taste of love in them.

Check everything you consume other than food with your doctor.

• Do not take vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants or other dietary supplements without first asking your doctor, nurse or dietitian whether it is okay. Some of these substances can be harmful when mixed with chemotherapy. Some may reduce the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
• If medical personnel suggest or allow you to take vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants or other dietary supplements, do not take more than is recommended without first checking with medical personnel.

Pamper yourself.

• Take a hot bath, with or without bubbles.
• Get a massage.
• Go to a movie.

Use stress reducing techniques.

Survivorship A to Z provides information about stress reducing techniques. See "To Learn More".

Consider getting a pet.

A pet does not have to be a dog or a cat to have beneficial emotional and physical effects. For information, including how to have a pet in an apartment which prohibits pets, click here.

Get emotional support.

• For instance, join a support group of people who have been in a similar situation, or reach out to a person who is currently going through the same type of treatment.
• Also consider seeking professional one-on-one help. For information, click here.

Eat nutritiously. See: Chemotherapy and Nutrition

The following content is provided by the American Cancer Society Try to keep your treatment goals in mind. This will help you keep a positive attitude on days when the going gets rough. Learn as much as you want to know about your disease and its treatment. This can lessen your fear of the unknown and increase your feeling of control. Keep a journal or diary while you're being treated. A record of your activities and thoughts can help you understand the feelings you have as you go through treatment. It can also help you highlight questions you need to ask your doctor or nurse. You can also use your journal to record side effects. This will help you when you talk about them with your doctor and nurse. You can also write down the steps you take to cope with side effects and how well those steps work. That way, you'll know which methods worked best for you in case you have the same side effects again. Take it easy. You may not have as much energy as usual, so try to get as much rest as you can. Let the "small stuff" slide, and only do the things that are most important to you. Try new hobbies and learn new skills. Exercise if you can and if your doctor approves. Using your body can make you feel better about yourself, help you get rid of tension or anger, and build your appetite.

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