Some examples include:
- taking part in a hobby that you enjoy
- visiting with family and friends
- curling up with a book
- listening to music
- taking a walk outside
- doing yoga
- trying out meditation or breathing exercises
Full Answer
What to expect when having chemotherapy?
blood tests to check how well your kidneys and liver are working and the number of blood cells. x-rays and scans to check that you are fit for treatment and see how the tumour is responding to treatment. For some chemotherapy drugs you may also have: heart monitoring tests to see if the drugs are affecting your heart.
What to give someone going through chemo?
Practical Ideas To Show Support
- Take them to their cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can go on for weeks. ...
- Take care of a special family member. ...
- Looking after normal daily tasks
- Provide appropriate food on days after chemo. ...
- Getting thoughtful gifts for someone going through chemo. ...
What to eat before chemo?
Before chemotherapy begins, a person should eat a healthy diet and try to maintain a moderate weight. A healthy diet should include various fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins ...
What to do during chemotherapy appointments?
- Your toothbrush (especially if you are using a soft toothbrush due to chemotherapy)
- A scarf or hat when you have no hair (it gets cold)
- Lip balm
- Your medications (make sure to bring along any vitamins, as well as herbal or nutritional supplements you have been using)
- Hand sanitizer
- Soft, fluffy socks
- Lotion
What should you not do after chemo?
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...•
How much rest do you need after chemotherapy?
Good night's rest A full night's sleep is vital for anyone who has had chemotherapy. Patients should get at least eight hours of sleep if possible. To help sleep throughout the night, recovering patients should not consume beverages or food high in caffeine at least eight hours before retiring for the night.
Can you do normal activities during chemo?
Research shows that for most people exercise is safe and helpful before, during, and after cancer treatment. It can help improve your quality of life as well as the energy you have to do the things you like.
What should you do after a chemo session?
What happens after IV chemotherapy ends?Avoid people with colds or other infections. Chemotherapy weakens your body's immune system. ... Drink lots of fluids for 48 hours after chemotherapy. This helps move the drugs through your body.Whether there are activities to do or avoid doing on future treatment days.
What is the fastest way to recover from chemotherapy?
Here's what they had to say.Get some rest. ... Stay hydrated. ... Eat when you can. ... Create a sense of normalcy in your routine. ... Look to your support and care teams to have your back through treatment. ... Keep things around that bring you comfort. ... Stay ahead of your nausea. ... Stay positive.More items...•
Should I exercise after chemo?
Don't stop moving. Research confirms that exercising can help you not just survive but thrive during and after cancer. The evidence keeps rolling in: Exercise can be one of your most important cancer treatments. For anyone dealing with a cancer diagnosis, that's great news.
Can you walk after chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy side effects can sometimes make exercising tough, but try to be as active as you're able to be. Again, walking is a good way to start.
Can you live a normal life on chemo?
Most people have ups and downs during treatment, but support is available. Some people find they can lead an almost normal life during chemotherapy. But others find everyday life more difficult. You may feel unwell during and shortly after each treatment but recover quickly between treatments.
Can you drive after receiving chemotherapy?
Most people can drive themselves to and from chemotherapy sessions. But the first time you may find that the medications make you sleepy or cause other side effects that make driving difficult.
Why do you have to flush toilet twice after chemo?
Small amounts of chemotherapy are present in your body fluids and body waste. If any part of your body is exposed to any body fluids or wastes, wash the exposed area with soap and water. People in your household may use the same toilet as you, as long as you flush all waste down the toilet twice with the lid down.
Can you work the day after chemo?
Some people with cancer are able to continue their normal routine, including going to work, while they're still in treatment. Others find that they need more rest or just feel too sick and cannot do as much. If you can work during treatment, you might find that it helps you feel more like yourself.
How long does it take to flush chemo out of your system?
The chemotherapy itself stays in the body within 2 -3 days of treatment but there are short-term and long-term side effects that patients may experience. Not all patients will experience all side effects but many will experience at least a few.
How long after chemotherapy should you flush the toilet?
For 48 hours after receiving chemotherapy, patients and caregivers should follow these precautions: Flush toilets twice each time they are used. If possible, patients should use a separate toilet from others in the home. Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet.
What to do if you accidentally come in contact with bodily fluids?
If caregivers accidentally come in contact with bodily fluids, they should wash the area of exposure several times with soapy water and inform their doctors on their next visit. A single exposure may not do much harm, but caregivers should take extra precautions to avoid repeated exposure.
How to clean a device after using it?
After using any devices for bodily waste, patients should thoroughly wash their hands and the devices with soap and water. Dry the devices with paper towels, and discard the towels. Any sheets or clothes soiled with bodily fluids should be machine-washed twice in hot water with regular laundry detergent. Do not hand wash.
How long after chemo can you go back to normal?
Hopefully it will allow you to rest and begin to get back to normal. You might enjoy your trip more if you wait for a few weeks after your last treatment. Some people find the end of their treatment quite difficult.
Can you have social life during chemotherapy?
You might not always be able to do the things you take for granted. But you don't need to stop your social life completely. You may just find you need to plan ahead a bit more.
Can you have chicken pox while on chemotherapy?
Let your doctor know if you think you’ve been in contact with someone who could have chicken pox. You should not have any live vaccines while you’re having chemotherapy.
Is it safe to use chemo pills during chemotherapy?
These contain live bacteria and although generally considered safe, need to be use with caution during chemotherapy when your immune system may be weakened. If you have an important social event coming up, ask your doctor whether they can arrange your chemotherapy so that you’re between treatments that week.
How to take care of your body after chemo?
To stay healthy after chemotherapy, your doctor will give you a plan for follow-up care . Here are some tips to help you take care of your physical health after chemotherapy: Take care of your mouth.
What to expect after chemotherapy?
Loading the player... Once chemotherapy treatment is over, some might expect that they’ll jump for joy and throw a survival party.
How to prevent bacteria growth after chemo?
Let your toothbrush dry in between brushings to prevent bacteria growth. Use a flouride toothpaste. Floss gently once a day. Prevent infections. It’s important to take extra care to prevent infections for a year or more after your chemotherapy. Practice safe eating and drinking during cancer treatment.
How to keep weight up?
Eat enough protein and calories to keep your weight up. There are many healthy high-calorie foods to choose from (think avocados and nuts), but even ice cream and Oreos are useful tools to keep weight up. For people with extremely low appetites, any calories are better than no calories.
How to prevent dry mouth from chemotherapy?
This can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth which can cause an infection. Here’s how to protect your oral health: Brush your teeth two to three times per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
What to do if you are vomiting and you have a stomach?
Eat bland foods if you have upset stomach, such as oatmeal, white bread, applesauce, eggs, broth, or low-fat dairy products. Drink plenty of water, which can also help prevent dehydration if you are vomiting. Ask your provider about liquid food supplements. Stay active by walking.
How to prevent cancer treatment?
Here are tips to ensure safe and proper nutrition during cancer treatment . Wash your hands with soap and water often. Keep your house clean. Be careful with pets or animals. Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent infection during post-chemotherapy time. Get the right nutrients.
Alcohol
Studies have found a link between alcohol intake and the risk of getting a number of cancers, such as cancer of the:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids (compounds that give vegetables and fruits their colors), and many phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals). They help prevent cell damage caused by chemical reactions with oxygen.
Fiber
Dietary fiber includes many different plant carbohydrates that are not digested by humans. Fibers are either soluble (like oat bran) or insoluble (like wheat bran and cellulose). Soluble fiber helps lower the risk of heart disease by reducing blood cholesterol levels. Fiber is also linked with improved bowel function.
Food safety
Infection is of special concern for cancer survivors, especially when the immune system is weak. (Blood tests are done often during cancer treatment to check this.) Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can weaken the immune system.
Meats
Studies have linked eating large amounts of red meat and processed meats (like bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats) with increased risk of colorectal and some other cancers.
Obesity
More and more evidence suggests that being overweight or obese raises the risk for recurrence (the cancer coming back) and reduces the odds of survival for many cancers. Increased body weight has been linked with higher death rates for all cancers combined.
Organic foods
The term “organic” is often used for foods grown without pesticides and genetic modifications (changes). It’s also used for meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products that come from animals that are not given antibiotics or growth hormones. The use of the term organic on food labels is controlled by the US Department of Agriculture.
How to get through chemo?
A healthy diet will help fend off the negative effects of the powerful medications in your body. Eating the right foods will give you energy, keep your weight up, help you deal with side effects, and lower your chances of getting an infection.
How does chemo affect your mood?
Chemo can greatly affect your moods. The stress of cancer treatment can be an emotional roller coaster, and the physical side effects could take a toll on your spirits. Here are some ways chemo might affect your mental state: Chemo brain.
Does chemo kill hair?
Chemo consists of powerful medications that can kill any kind of fast-growing cell. It can affect all areas of your body, especially your bone marrow, hair, skin, digestive tract, and reproductive system.
Can you take vitamins while on chemo?
Vitamins and supplements may provide nutrients. But always check with your doctor before taking them. You want to make sure they won’t cause your chemo to be less effective. If you need to keep working during your treatment, your doctor and employer should be able to make that happen.
Can you take protein shakes during chemo?
That’s not uncommon during chemo. The goal is to get enough calories to maintain your weight and energy. High- protein, high-calorie shakes often work well if you can’t bring yourself to eat regular meals. Vitamins and supplements may provide nutrients. But always check with your doctor before taking them.
Can chemotherapy affect you physically?
Most people who are about to begin chemotherapy (“ chemo ”) worry about its side effects. The medications affect you physically, and they can make a mess of your emotions and moods. But remember that everyone’s reaction to chemo is different. Your team of doctors and nurses can do a lot to lessen the side effects.
What to do during chemotherapy?
These include things like eating a nutritious diet, staying active, and using support services like counseling and support groups. Last medically reviewed on May 5, 2021.
How to stop chemotherapy?
Avoid gyms. Since chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, it’s a good idea to avoid crowded gyms during your treatment. Know when to stop. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain during your workout, stop the workout and speak with your doctor about other ways to stay active.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
When this happens, it can lead to side effects like lowered immunity, hair loss, and nausea or vomiting. There are certain precautions that you can take to limit your side effects and help make treatment safer. We’ll explore nine things to avoid during chemotherapy treatment.
How to avoid contact with body fluids?
Here are a few tips for a avoiding contact: Wash your hands. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands after using the bathroom or after coming into contact with any body fluids that may contain chemotherapy drugs. Flush twice.
How does chemotherapy work?
It works by using strong drugs to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide more quickly than many healthy cell types. However, it’s still possible for chemotherapy to target healthy cells that also divide quickly. Some examples include cells in the digestive tract, immune system, ...
Why is it important to keep up with your body during chemotherapy?
Because of this, you’ll need to have extra calories and protein in your diet.
Can chemotherapy drugs cause urine?
Because of this, it’s possible for these drugs to be present in various body fluids, including urine, stool, and vomit during this time. Because chemotherapy drugs can affect healthy cells, coming into contact with them in various body fluids can be potentially harmful to yourself or others.
General physical activity recommendations for cancer survivors
ACS support the physical activity recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine:
Goals of an exercise program
Becoming more active or staying at your current level of physical activity before treatment may help you handle and recover from your treatment more easily. Research shows that being as active as possible may reduce complications from surgery and may help you handle treatment better.
Planning to be more active
Always check with your health care team before starting any exercise program, especially if you have any of the following:.
Keep exercise easy and fun
How much you should exercise is different for each person. We don’t know the best level of exercise for someone with cancer. The goal is to have your exercise program help you keep up your muscle strength and keep you able to do the things you want and need to do. The more active you are, the better you’ll be able to exercise and function.
What to do during an infusion?
Bring along some games or puzzles to occupy yourself during an infusion. If you have an electronic device, you can load your own games on it. If you're not a geek but prefer more intellectual entertainment, get a book of word puzzles or number games like Sudoku.
How can music help cancer patients?
Use some music to support meditation or to help with guided imagery. The right music may transport you to a comfortable mental and emotional space in which you can relax. And, that's not all. We are learning there are benefits to music therapy for cancer patients beyond simply feeling good.
What to do if you don't have an IV line?
If you don't have an IV line stuck in your hand (if you have a chemotherapy port) you can do some crafting while your infusion drips. If you knit, crochet, or sew, you could make caps or hats to wear while you wait for your hair to return.
How to reduce stress during a visit?
One way to lower your stress levels during your visit is to bring along some great music. Load your laptop, pack your iPod, or slip some CDs into your portable CD player. Choose music that soothes, encourages, or distracts you. Use some music to support meditation or to help with guided imagery.
Is it good to read a book about cancer?
Books can be a great way to escape the reality of cancer treatment, and since the infusion rooms are generally quiet, it can be a good place to read. Whether a book is on paper, in an e-reader, on your laptop or iPad, a good story can take you far away from Cancerland and give you a welcome break.
1. Foods that affect CYP enzymes
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are molecules that promote the metabolism and absorption of chemotherapy drugs into the blood.
2. Overexertion
Some of the common effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea, and mood changes.
4. Smoking
A person should avoid smoking during chemotherapy, as tobacco and cigarette smoke can lead to unwanted effects.
5. Drinking alcohol
Alcohol, even in small amounts, can worsen the side effects of chemotherapy, such as a dry and sore mouth.
6. Undercooked or raw food
Undercooked and raw food may contain infection-causing germs. Because cancer and chemotherapy weaken the body’s immune system, a person undergoing chemotherapy may find it harder to fight such infections.
7. Spicy and acidic food
Chemotherapy can cause sores to form in the mouth. This is because treatment also affects rapidly-growing cells in the lining of the mouth and lips, not just the cancer cells.
8. Hard food
A person undergoing chemotherapy who has mouth sores may want to avoid hard and sharp foods that may be difficult to chew and swallow or that may cause more pain in the mouth. These include:
