What should I do if I'm going through chemotherapy?
Oct 15, 2021 · Calling on a regular basis can be a great way to show your support and check-in to see how things are going. Ask the person who is receiving chemo about the best time of day to call and put the day and time on your calendar or on your phone. 3. Arrange for meal delivery or grocery shopping.
How can I give a gift to a patientundergoing chemotherapy?
Giving your time is incredibly supportive. While you're there, don't just relax: take notes, ask questions of the doctor and nurses, entertain or distract your loved one (if that's what she wants) or be quiet (if that's what she wants instead). Advocate for your friend if her anxiety escalates or allergic symptoms appear. Between treatments, continue to offer support and encouragement. …
What should I tell my girlfriend about chemotherapy?
The way they waddle around makes it seem less serious. Bring something to feed them. Sit on the bench with your friend and say, If you don't mind, there's something I need to tell you. Tell her ...
Should you be a chemo Buddy?
Apr 12, 2018 · Help keep their household running. Cook, clean, mow the lawn, wash the laundry and/or dishes, make sure the bills get paid, get the kids dressed for school, walk the dog and do all of the things that the person in cancer treatment would normally do to keep life going for the rest of the family. Bring a cup of tea or coffee and stop by for a ...
What do you say to someone going through chemo treatments?
Here are some ideas:"I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care"."I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this"."How are you doing?""If you would like to talk about it, I'm here"."Please let me know how I can help"."I'll keep you in my thoughts".Jun 1, 2021
How do you talk to someone about chemo?
Here are some tips to help you show your support:Take your cues from the person with cancer. ... Show support without words. ... Choose your words carefully. ... Practice active listening. ... Use caution when asking questions. ... Make sure it is okay to give advice. ... Be honest about your feelings but do not overburden.More items...
How do I cheer up someone going through chemo?
Helpful tips when supporting a friendAsk permission. Before visiting, giving advice, and asking questions, ask if it is welcome. ... Make plans. Do not be afraid to make plans for the future. ... Be flexible. ... Laugh together. ... Allow for sadness. ... Check in. ... Offer to help. ... Follow through.More items...
What do you say to someone battling cancer?
"I am here for you." Then follow through and really be there. Don't ask what you can do to help or say, "Let me know if you need anything." Many people will never ask for help even though they need it. Instead, jump in and do whatever you can to make things easier for your friend or loved one. Deliver meals.Jul 16, 2015
What makes chemo patients feel better?
Nausea. Ginger chews, ginger ale and saltines helped Kakutani. Eat small amounts of food throughout the day, said Joanne Taylor, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She also found that chicken, salmon, broccoli and beet juice helped her feel better during chemo.Jul 6, 2015
When do you start feeling better after chemo?
Many people feel fine for the first few hours following chemotherapy. Usually, some reaction occurs about four to six hours later. However, some people don't react until 12 or even 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Some people experience almost all of the side effects described below, while others experience almost none.
What should chemo patients avoid?
Undercooked or raw food Because cancer and chemotherapy weaken the body's immune system, a person undergoing chemotherapy may find it harder to fight such infections. Examples of raw or undercooked foods to avoid include : raw fish or shellfish such as sushi and oysters. raw nuts.Sep 13, 2021
How long is a chemo session?
The length of time for chemotherapy regimens can range from 5 minutes to 8 or more hours. It all depends on the chemotherapy. Throughout the chemotherapy, your nurse will come in and check your vitals and make sure you aren't reacting to the medications.Mar 8, 2013
What should you not do during chemotherapy?
9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•May 5, 2021
What do you write in a cancer support card?
1. This must be a really tough time for you, but I wanted to let you know that I'm so impressed by your courage and endurance. 2. You are so determined to beat this cancer, and I'm so proud of you.Jan 13, 2022
How do you cheer up someone with cancer?
What you can do: VisitsAlways call before you visit. ... Schedule a visit that allows you to give physical and emotional support for the caregiver, too. ... Make short, regular visits rather than long, infrequent ones. ... Begin and end the visit with a touch, a hug, or a handshake.Be understanding if you are asked .More items...•Jun 17, 2021
What do you write in a card for someone with cancer?
If you're struggling to find the right words, here are 12 kind things to say to someone with cancer:“I'm here for you.” ... “You are in my thoughts and prayers.” ... “This stinks.” ... “Let me help you with…” ... Tell a Joke. ... “You are not alone.” ... “Any time you need to talk, I'll listen.” ... “What day works for a visit?”More items...•Feb 20, 2019
How to be a chemo buddy?
1 . Involve your special person in planning for her own chemotherapy support, and prioritizing the list of tasks that may come up. Here are 10 ways for you to be a great chemo buddy. 1.
How to help a friend with chemo?
Between treatments, continue to offer support and encouragement. A good chemo buddy can help by just being present at the clinic, at home, or in the workplace. Hanging out helps enforce a sense of normalcy and security.
How to lift a patient's spirits?
Lift the patient's spirits as well as your own by planning and taking weekend trips, visits to friends, or working on a hobby that you enjoy. Having a non-medical activity to occupy the mind can refresh your mind and spirit. You may be a great chemo buddy, but don't let chemo occupy your whole horizon. 10.
How to help people with cancer?
People in cancer treatment sometimes start to feel isolated and out of touch with normal life. Counter act this by taking them for short outings, gentle walks, drives through the park, lunch, or a movie matinee.
What to do when you are vomiting on the drive home?
If there's a chance that vomiting or nausea could happen on the drive home, take along a small plastic trash can and some paper towels. Even though you will bringing items with you to fill the time, such as magazines and books, make sure that you don't feel the need to use them. Simply follow your friends lead.
Who is Shereen Lehman?
Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). When a friend or loved one starts chemotherapy for breast cancer, you can step in to help them through the treatments and recovery. Becoming a chemo buddy—whether in person or over a long-distance—gives ...
When you begin to attend infusions with your friend, what should you do?
When you begin to attend infusions with your friend, mark a calendar for a year from now . While many people go back to their "normal" lives after chemotherapy is done, it takes much longer for someone who has received cancer treatment to find her new normal and sense of purpose in her life.
How to make a friend not feel serious?
The way they waddle around makes it seem less serious. Bring something to feed them. Sit on the bench with your friend and say , If you don't mind , there's something I need to tell you. Tell her what you have observed, and what you are thinking and feeling.
How to handle a situation like this?
Sometimes the way to handle a situation like this is to tell rather than ask. You can tell a person what you yourself have perceived and are feeling without requiring her to disclose anything.
How to help a caregiver with stress?
Give the primary caregiver a break. Go to doctor’s appointments in the caregiver’s place, help out with the kids or pets, organize medications, or send the patient’s spouse, parent or child off for massage or a night or weekend to unwind . This can ease the caregiver’s stress, and give him or her the energy to keep going.
How to help a cancer patient who doesn't want to be treated differently?
Talk to your friend or loved one like you did before. Tell jokes, talk about what’s going on in the neighborhood or at your kids’ school, favorite TV shows, etc. This can briefly help take patients’ minds off of cancer.
How to help a cancer patient with stress?
Take them to school or sports practice, help with homework, or have them over for a slumber party or playdate. This can help take their minds off of cancer, and ease their parents’ stress. Knit a cap or scarf. Pray. This gives many patients the courage to face another day. Just sit with them and listen.
How to help a cancer patient who doesn't feel like talking?
Instead, listen to the patient’s concerns, acknowledge that cancer sucks and offer a shoulder to cry on. And if the patient doesn’t feel like talking, sit there with them quietly. There is a lot of power in simply being present.
What to do when someone is in cancer treatment?
Cook, clean, mow the lawn, wash the laundry and/or dishes, make sure the bills get paid, get the kids dressed for school, walk the dog and do all of the things that the person in cancer treatment would normally do to keep life going for the rest of the family. Bring a cup of tea or coffee and stop by for a visit.
Why is it important to eat when you have chemo?
Eat when you can. Chemotherapy can cause nausea and appetite loss, so it’s important to eat when you can to avoid becoming malnourished. Keep in mind that many foods may taste different as you go through treatment. For some patients, food may have a metallic aftertaste during and after chemotherapy. 4.
How to keep yourself busy during chemotherapy?
Keep things around that bring you comfort. Bring your favorite blanket, a yummy snack, your best friend, a good book or whatever brings you the most comfort and keeps you busy while you wait. 7. Stay ahead of your nausea. Many patients experience nausea during and after chemotherapy.
How long does it take for hair to fall out after chemo?
Most cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy experience hair loss, usually starting around seven to 21 days after the first treatment. For some, hair falls out gradually, while others wake up with big clumps on their pillow. But whether you lose your hair depends on the type and dosage of chemotherapy you’re receiving.
What to do when you lose your hair?
You might consider cutting your hair short or shaving your head once you start losing your hair, for instance, or decide to try out scarves, wigs, turbans or hats. 10.
How to get rid of low energy after chemo?
2. Stay hydrated. Diarrhea, vomiting and other chemotherapy side effects can cause you to become dehydrated. Not only can this cause you to have low energy, but it can also cause other health issues. So, be sure to drink plenty of water during your treatment. Decaffeinated tea, juices and milk can also help.
How to get back to normal after chemo?
1. Get some rest. Fatigue is the most common side effect experienced by cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. So, get plenty of rest and avoid pushing yourself too hard, even if you feel good. Be patient with yourself and others since it may take some time to get back to your regular energy levels.
How to get rid of cancer in your mind?
Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. That could be something as small as getting dressed up every day, or having a meal with your family. These rituals can help take your mind off cancer.
What do gift cards mean for chemo patients?
Even small gift cards for your friend or loved one’s favorite stores can mean a little pick-me-up on a hard day. Entertainment gift cards are also awesome — a lot of chemo patients can’t leave the house much during their treatments and would love a new show or game to focus on while they spend months at home.
How often should I put lotion on after chemo?
With chemo, normal dry skin can lead to painful blisters. This means I put lotion on sometimes 5–6 times a day just to keep from feeling like I have paper cuts all over my hands. The Body Shop Aloe Butter is another must-have for anyone on chemo.
Can you use paper towels during chemotherapy?
Because chemo knocks out the immune system, patients aren’t supposed to use towels more than once. It also means lots of hand washing and sanitizing. With lower energy and strength levels or nausea, you can fight to do a ton of laundry or you can go with paper towels for a few months.
Hygiene
The cleaning precautions above also apply if toddlers and babies are present. If possible, people might consider designating a separate toilet for children to use.
Storage
If a person is taking their chemotherapy medication at home, they or an adult household member should take care to store all medications out of reach of children in a safe, secure place. This advice applies to the storage of all drugs.
Conceiving and nursing
The ACS states that people should avoid conceiving while having chemotherapy. It is also important not to breastfeed or chestfeed during chemotherapy.
Communicating
People with young children might worry about the best way to manage their relationship with them during chemotherapy because toddlers and children pick up on emotional changes and instability around them.
Communicate
Chemotherapy may be stressful for people going through treatment and those around them. Extra, professional support may be beneficial for everybody involved, and people may need different types of support at different stages.
Reach out
Reaching out to third parties, such as support groups, online communities, or counselors, might be a beneficial way to maintain relationships with family members and close friends.
Practical support
Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, nausea, or a low blood count. Everyday tasks may be challenging to think about, let alone complete, when experiencing these side effects. Practical support may help, which people can provide by:
How long does it take for a sore to appear after chemo?
Patients undergoing chemotherapy frequently oftentimes complain about a “metal mouth,” or a metallic and dry mouth after treatment. For those with painful mouth sores that usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after some types of chemo begin, it is recommended to use over-the-counter toothpaste (avoid whitening toothpaste that may contain hydrogen peroxide), oral rinses and gels made from Biotene Dry Mouth Products, which may help alleviate the discomfort.
What to use for a chemo patient with sensitive skin?
Dry and sensitive skin is a common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Natural beauty products or those used for sensitive skin will help prevent irritations and rashes. We recommend including various types of gentle moisturizers especially ointments or creams rather than lotions because the thicker consistency tends to be better at preventing skin dehydration. It's also recommended to look for hypoallergenic products that don’t have fragrances as strong smells can also be irritating. Some of our suggestions include: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Tula Moisturizing Skin Products, First Aid Beauty Ultra-Repair Skin Cream, and Violets are Blue Facial Serum. For more creams check out our best creams for patients undergoing chemotherapy blog.
What can I use an iTunes gift card for?
They can also use it to buy audiobooks, ebooks, movies, and tv shows.
What is a care+wear face mask?
These Care+Wear Antimicrobial Reusable Face Masks are woven with 6-layer technology using antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, and anti-odor fabric. The 6-layers are thin enough to provide breathability and ensure comfortable all-day wear. Designed for a snug fit, adjustable ear loops and a bendable nose wire allow you to tailor the mask to your face, while the interior fabric helps prevent irritation to the nose and face.
What is the best shirt for chest?
Drawstring sweatpants and button-down shirts are ideal for access to your chest as well as short-sleeved or loose-sleeved shirts that can be rolled up for access to your arm. Check out some fun pajama sets: Old Navy Women's Pajamas and Old Navy Men's Pajamas.
What is the best way to stay warm?
Headwear (Scarves and Hats) Different types of headwear like colorful scarves or stylish hats can be a great way to stay warm and feel good! These items can also help protect patients from sun exposure during treatments which can leave them extra vulnerable to ultraviolet damage.
Can chemotherapy be cold?
Soft and Warm Blankets. Hospitals and infusion centers can often be very cold and chemotherapy can increase one’s sensitivity to extreme temperatures because of a number of side effects including neuropathy – a type of nerve damage, weight loss and low blood platelets.
Why do breast cancer patients gain weight?
They may gain weight thanks to water retention from certain drugs or lose one or both breasts due to a mastectomy. Your friend might not articulate worries about changing looks but it’s a very valid struggle that breast cancer patients go through.
How many people will have breast cancer in 2020?
About 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society. But there are lots of reasons to have hope — there are currently more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone.
How inspiring is watching your mom fight breast cancer?
Watching the way you have fought breast cancer has been incredibly inspirational. You’ve always been so strong and such a fighter. As always, you’ve proven that there’s no situation that you can’t handle. Moms are the people who take care of us.
How does cancer affect the body?
This includes changing the way people look. They may lose their hair or lose a significant amount of weight because treatment makes them so nauseous.
When does breast cancer most commonly occur?
I really admire your commitment to being an active and engaged mother. Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50. But it does happen to women in their 20s and 30s as well. If your friend is in that age range, she’s likely balancing her recovery with caring for her family.
Can you overstep your boundaries with breast cancer?
If you have an acquaintance or coworker dealing with breast cancer, you may not want to overstep your boundaries. But it can be good for this person to receive encouraging messages from even casual acquaintances who know about the struggle.
What is the app that Monejo uses?
An app for guided meditation. Monejo says her mother bought her a subscription to the guided meditation app Headspace, which she uses regularly. “I'm definitely noticing the benefits of mindfulness,” she says. “It's even got a cancer pack that I listen to daily as the founder went through the illness himself.”.
Can chemo cause a person to smell?
The unscented part is key. Chemotherapy can throw a person’s sense of scent out of whack, and even people who normally love fragrances can be repulsed by strong scents, she says. It can also make your skin super dry and sensitive, so fragrance may be irritating.
Can you download iTunes for chemo?
An iTunes gift card so they can download freely. Chemo sessions can be long and, while there’s often a TV available, “that only goes so far,” Dr. Saria says. He recommends getting a patient an iTunes gift card so they can pick out music, podcasts, or downloadable books to help them pass the time.
Does ginger help with nausea?
Ginger is known to help combat nausea, which Mastrippolito says tends to be a common (and unfortunate) side effect of chemo. Ginger candies are easy and portable, so your loved one can carry them around whenever nausea strikes.
Is chemo exhausting?
Cancer can be terrifying, exhausting, and isolating—and so can chemotherapy. So, if you have a loved one who is going through chemo, it’s understandable that you’d want to do everything you can to help them through the process. While simply being there is crucial, you may be searching for other ways to help, from running their errands ...
Does Twitter provide medical advice?
Twitter. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Topics breast cancer cancer.
Can you use an electric blanket for cold cap therapy?
An electric blanket—especially if they're doing cold cap therapy. "Towards the end of my treatment, when the cold cap feels even colder because you inevitably have less hair, electric blankets are invaluable," Montego says, noting that she borrowed a few during her treatment.