Dos and Don’ts During Chemotherapy

Dr.Parveen Jain, 3 mins read

Chemotherapy is one of the mainstay treatments for cancer. It uses strong drugs to slow down or stop the growth of cancerous cells. However, these drugs also affect healthy cells in blood, skin, hair follicles, mouth, stomach, intestines, reproductive organs, kidneys, and bladder. This damage can cause side effects like hair loss, mouth sores, nausea, weakness, dry/itchy skin or diarrhoea/constipation.

Don’t worry! You can easily navigate through the chemotherapy journey and keep these challenges at bay by following some simple steps:

Dos

Eat a balanced diet: Include nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains in your diet to support your immune system. Many foods may taste different during treatment. So, you can go with stronger flavours and textures after a discussion with your doctor. Additionally, eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than three larger meals.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration is common during chemotherapy treatment. So, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Always carry a water bottle with you and include water-rich produce in your diet like watermelon, apples, and cucumber.

Get adequate rest: Listen to your body and get adequate rest when you feel tired. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night and take short naps throughout the day to help your body re-energise.

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Always carry sanitiser wipes while going out to disinfect any surface or object before touching it. Bathe regularly and brush your teeth twice a day. Also, keep a face mask with you when going out.

Wear Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen with a high SPF when you go out because chemotherapy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, raising your risk of skin damage and sunburn.

Exercise Moderately: Exercising moderately can help improve your overall health and well-being. Consider gentle exercises like yoga, stretching, or walking to increase energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve mood. But consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

Communicate with Your Doctor: Following up with your doctor regularly is very important. This will help your doctor to know any side effects, concerns, or questions you may have. An open and honest talk with your doctor can also help you manage side effects, adjust your treatment plan, and ensure the best possible outcome.

Don'ts

Consume Alcohol: Alcohol can interact with medications and can raise your risk of developing side effects. It can also weaken your immune system and increase fatigue. Thus, it is good to abstain from alcohol during chemotherapy.

Eat Raw or Undercooked Foods: Raw or undercooked foods contain bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, which can affect your health. Thus, it’s important to cook food thoroughly to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Playing with pets: Closely playing with pets can put you in danger of scratches or bites, which can raise the risk of infection. Also, don’t allow them to lick you and keep them inside along with ensuring their hygiene.

Engage in Strenuous Activities: Strenuous activities can increase fatigue and weakness and also put a strain on your body. You can go ahead with walking, yoga or other light exercises.

Take New Medications without Consultation: New medications can interact with chemotherapy medications, increasing your risk of developing adverse reactions. So, always consult your doctor before taking any new medicine to be on a safer side.

Socialize with Sick People: Socializing with sick people can make you susceptible to illness and infection. That’s why it is recommended to practise good hygiene and avoid close contact with sick individuals.

Ignore Side Effects: Side effects can indicate more serious issues, which can affect your treatment regimen and overall health. It’s good to report any side effects to your doctor on time to address the issue promptly.