Chemotherapy incorporates the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells that travel to other areas of the body, preventing cancer growth elsewhere. More than 100 chemotherapy medications are currently available, all of which serve a different purpose and have a different effect on your body, according to the American Cancer Society. Proper management of these side effects can make it easier for you to cope with your treatments, allowing you to regain control of your health and life.
Fatigue
Chemocare.com explains that fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments. The site delves deeper, however, differentiating between feeling tired and actual fatigue. A good night's sleep cures tiredness, but fatigue from chemotherapy results in an everyday lack of energy, having a profound effect on your ability to function. The most common chemo drugs responsible for this include vincristine, vinblastine and cisplastin.
To combat this problem, plan ahead. Line up friends and family who can help you with house work or prepare your meals for you and your family. If you work, take time off from your job or ask to work less hours, as the National Cancer Institute suggests.
Eat smaller meals through the day to maintain blood sugar levels and avoid drops in energy. Try to to take a walk or ride a bike, even if it's for 15 minutes. This may increase you energy levels. Listen to your body. If you need to rest, then take a nap. One hour or less is better for you so it doesn't interfere with your sleep schedule at night.
Nausea and Vomiting
Your doctor may be able to prescribe certain medications to prevent or lessen the effects of nausea or vomiting during your chemotherapy treatments. Some medications make you feel nauseated, while others cause you to vomit. The first step is to make sure you take your anti-nausea or vomiting medication as your doctor prescribes. If it doesn't work, contact him. He may have another drug that is more effective.
Drink plenty of fluids during this time. Chemocare.com explains points out that most people need at least two quarts a day while undergoing chemotherapy. If vomiting, this is more important to replace any fluids you lose. Water and juices are the best for you. The National Cancer Institute adds that if you have a difficult time drinking an entire glass at once, sip your fluids through the day.
Eat small meals through the day to prevent filling your stomach and making you nauseated. Foods that help prevent nausea include dry toast and crackers, while foods that make it worse are fried, fatty or greasy foods. Chemocare.com also suggests sitting upright at least two hours after eating. This gives your food time to settle before laying down.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a symptom of a condition and occurs in response to an underlying condition. In this case, the condition is chemotherapy. You know you have diarrhea when your stools are loose and watery and happening frequently during the day. Chemocare.com recommends drinking eight to 10 glasses of clear liquids a day, such as water, broth and gelatin. Soft, bland foods low in fiber in place of whole grains, gas-causing foods and raw fruits and vegetables are also good choices. These include bananas and skinless turkey and chicken. The National Cancer Institute also suggests applesauce and white toast and rice, as these are easy to digest. Small meals are easier on your stomach as well, so eat five to six times a day rather than three large meals.
