1. Stop and Go
Ironically, chemotherapy can cause constipation or diarrhea. Constipation can occur when patients are inactive, consume inadequate fluid amounts or become dehydrated due to vomiting. Increase your water and fiber intake, and ask the doctor if a stool softener is appropriate. Diarrhea occurs when chemotherapy drugs damage the gastrointestinal tract. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated, and avoid foods that irritate the bowel, such as greasy or spicy food.
2. Where Blood Cells Begin
Chemotherapy can affect the bone marrow, which produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. If any of the blood-cell counts fall too low, the doctor may cease therapy to allow normal cells a chance to recover. When a patient's white blood-cell count is low, the risk of infection increases. Patients must wash their hands frequently and avoid crowds and sick people. A low red blood-cell count can cause fatigue and anemia. Get ample rest and eat a healthy diet to cope. Low platelet levels can increase bleeding. Use a soft toothbrush and shave with an electric razor to avoid nicks.
3. Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Although chemotherapy can cause hair loss, not all drugs cause cancer patients to lose their hair. When hair loss does occur, it can happen gradually, or the loss can happen over a few days. Hair loss with chemotherapy usually isn't permanent, and some patients may even begin to grow new hair before chemotherapy ends. Ask your doctor if the drugs in your regimen will make your hair fall out. If so, you can prepare for the loss by choosing a wig to match your original hair color before it falls out, and you may decide to get a short haircut to transition to the hair loss.
4. Quell the Queasiness
Nausea and vomiting are two of the most dreaded chemotherapy side effects. Fortunately, many new anti-nausea drugs can control nausea in cancer patients. The doctor can give these antiemetic drugs before each chemotherapy treatment and for a few days after, when the body is most sensitive to the side effects. In addition, patients can alter their eating habits to decrease nausea at home. You can suck on ice chips or sour candy, and eat several small snacks throughout the day instead of three meals. Patients tolerate cold or room-temperature foods better than hot foods.
5. Manage Mouth Problems
The cells that line the mouth and throat grow and divide quickly, which makes them vulnerable to chemotherapy side effects. Patients may develop mouth sores, which can develop an infection if the white blood-cell count is low. Patients must clean the mouth gently, but thoroughly to prevent infection and to avoid exacerbating sores. Eat foods that are creamy and cool when your mouth hurts, such as yogurt or smoothies. See a dentist before chemotherapy begins to address any oral problems that could flare up during treatment.
