Practical Tips to Cope with Chemotherapy Side Effects

Dr.Parveen Jain, 3 mins read

The moment you decided to conquer cancer and live a normal life again, you had already won the half battle. Now, what you need is proper preparation, both physically and mentally to navigate the treatment regimen.

Often, cancer is treated with a multimodality approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy is usually a common treatment option to kill and control the growth of cancerous cells and make other treatment options work better.

However, as these powerful drugs destroy the cancerous cells, they also wipe out rapidly dividing healthy cells. These healthy cells are particularly those in the hair follicles, bone marrow, digestive tract and mouth, causing side effects like fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and mouth sores.

But as commonly said “Every cloud has a silver lining”, these side effects can also be managed and you can smoothly sail through your chemotherapy journey. All you need to do is to understand these side effects and learn their coping strategies.

Most Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Changes in taste
• Hair loss
• Dry mouth
• Mouth sores and problems with swallowing
• Diarrhoea or constipation

Sometimes patients also report:

• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Infection
• Anaemia
• Skin and nail changes
• Neuropathy (Numbness or tingling)
• Cognitive fog (Chemo brain)
• Mood changes
• Weight changes
• Emotional distress (Anxiety and depression)
• Sleep disturbances
• Fertility and sexual problems like changes in libido

Day-to-Day Tips to Cope

Physical Well-being

• Rest: Prioritise 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night and take short naps during the day. Follow a healthy sleep ritual like avoiding screens, and practising relaxation before bedtime.
• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
• Nutrition: Focus on protein-rich foods, whole grains, and fruits to manage appetite changes. Consult a dietitian for a personalised chart tailored to your needs.
• Hygiene: Ensure oral and body hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
• Exercise: Include gentle exercises like yoga, walking, and stretching to maintain energy levels. Don't overstress your body. Keep it slow at your body’s pace and gradually increase the exercise level.
• Skincare: Use gentle and prescribed products, avoid harsh chemicals, and protect skin from direct sun exposure.
  Manage Nausea and Vomiting
• Eat small meals: Divide meals into 5-6 smaller portions. Small portions are easier to eat and continuously fuel your body. On the other hand, having large meals can make you feel overly full, which can trigger nausea.
• Ginger: Try ginger tea, candies, or ginger ale to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
• Avoid strong smells: Opt for odour-free foods and environments.
• Medication: Take anti-nausea medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
  Emotional Well-being
• Journaling: This is one of the best ways to intrigue yourself. Record your everyday thoughts, feelings and experiences. This will also keep you engaged and may prevent you from feeling of social isolation.
• Mindfulness: Practise deep breathing, meditation, and guided relaxation.
• Support network: Connect with family, and friends, or join a support program/group.
• Self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy like reading or singing.

Takeaway!

Chemotherapy can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can easily make your way to an improved quality of life. Remember that every step forward is a step closer to recovery. Always stay informed about your treatment, openly communicate with your healthcare team, and prioritise self-care.

Understand that everyone is different, and so are their experiences with chemotherapy. It’s always best to consult a medical oncologist before taking any step. Get a second opinion from our cancer specialists to get personalised strategies. Personalised plans often work in better sync with the body, thus providing better results.