how to help someone after chemo treatment

• Exercise. Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can speed your recovery.
• Eat a balanced diet. Vary your diet to include lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. ...
• Maintain a healthy weight. You may have gained or lost weight during treatment. Try to get your weight to a healthy level. ...
• Rest well. Sleep problems are more common in people with cancer, even survivors. This can be due to physical changes, side effects of treatment, stress or other reasons.
• Reduce stress. As a cancer survivor, you may find that the physical, emotional and social effects have taken a toll on your psyche.
Stop using tobacco. Kick the habit once and for all. Smoking or using chewing tobacco puts you at risk of several types of cancer.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. ...
Do what you can. While you may worry that it will take an entire overhaul of your lifestyle to achieve all these goals, do what you can and make changes ...

What to expect on your first day of chemotherapy?

• Keep taking lots of fluids, be moderately active, eat small meals often.
• Take your nausea medication if you feel any degree of nausea. In most cases when people suffer from nausea, it is because they did not take their medication.
• If the given medication does not relieve nausea, contact your treating doctor. ...

What precautions should you take during chemotherapy treatment?

• The earlier cancer is detected, the sooner it can be managed.
• Delay in initiating treatment may turn curable cancer into incurable cancer.
• Holding or delaying ongoing cancer treatment can lead to the progression of well-controlled cancer.
• Operable cancer might become inoperable if you delay your cancer surgery leading to worse outcomes.

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What should I eat after chemotherapy session?

• Apple and grape juice
• Fruit nectars
• Low-salt broth
• Clear soups
• Gatorade
• Popsicles and sherbert
• Gelatin
• Herbal teas, such as ginger and mint
• Weak black teas

Why you should refuse chemotherapy?

Chemo Is a Carcinogen . The argument that chemotherapy drugs can cause secondary tumors or potentially increase your risk of the recurrence of cancer is another frequently toted reason some people refuse chemo. Again, there is a small kernel of truth in part of this fear—for normal, healthy people chemotherapy drugs can be harmful.

How do you make someone feel better after chemo?

10 Tips to Help You Through ChemotherapyEstablish a support network. ... Check with the oncologist about your medications. ... Hydrate the day before (and the day after). ... Pack items that will keep you comfortable and busy. ... Wear comfortable clothes. ... Ask questions. ... Get help for nausea and vomiting. ... Avoid risk of an infection.More items...•

What do chemo patients need for comfort?

Comfort items. It can get chilly in infusion centers so a soft, cozy blanket or scarf can be comforting on chemo days. In addition to wearing comfortable clothes (consider layers), bring warm socks or slippers. Chemo can make your lips and skin dry, so bring lip balm and/or fragrance-free, hypoallergenic hand lotion.

How can I help my friend get over chemo?

What you can do: Notes and callsSend brief, frequent notes or texts, or make short, regular calls.Ask questions.End a call or note with “I'll be in touch again soon,” and follow through.Call at times that work best for your friend or set times for them to call you.Return their messages right away.More items...•

How do you cheer up a cancer patient?

Helpful Tips for Showing SupportStay in Touch. Visit your loved one whether they're at home or in the hospital. ... Be a Good Listener. ... Connect Them With a Community. ... Start a Prayer Chain. ... Go to Chemo With Them. ... Respect Their Privacy. ... Thoughtful Gift Baskets & Gestures. ... Love Them.

What do you put in a gift basket for chemo patients?

Cancer Care Package IdeasWarm blankets and socks. Clinics and hospitals — where chemotherapy is administered — are often chilly, so blankets and warm socks can make your loved one more comfortable. ... Moisturizers and lip balm. ... Headwear and/or salon gift cards. ... Snacks and water. ... Entertainment. ... Inspiration.

Can chemo affect others around you?

On treatment days, family and friends can often come with you. However, some treatment centers only allow patients in the infusion area and visitors may need to stay in the waiting room. You are the only person who should be exposed to the chemo you are getting, but it can be irritating if it gets on your skin.

What foods should be avoided during chemotherapy?

Avoid citrus, spicy, and strong minty flavors. Avoid dry and sharp foods such as toast, crackers, and chips. Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or frozen fruit. Some chemotherapy medications cause cold intolerance, so avoid this if you have been told to skip very cold foods.

What is a good gift for cancer patients?

7 Thoughtful Gifts for Cancer Patients and CaregiversA Meal Service or Gift Cards. Traveling to and from home for cancer treatments can be time consuming and tiring for both the patient and caregiver. ... A Massage. ... Time Off. ... A Clean (or Organized) Home. ... Comfortable Clothing. ... A Care Basket. ... The Same Gift You'd Get Them Otherwise.

What do cancer patients want to hear?

“Let me help you with…” Instead of hearing “What can I do?” cancer patients want to hear that you already have a specific task in mind. Many cancer patients will decline needing help when they are asked the broad question “What can I help with?” Choose something specific and get started on it.

What should you not say to someone with cancer?

Try not to say, "Don't worry, you'll be fine." You don't know that. Instead say, "I'm really sorry," or "I hope it will be okay." And don't refer to his or her cancer as "the good cancer." These statements downplay what he or she is going through.