10 Chemotherapy Tips for Cancer Patients

Introduction

When you’re going through chemotherapy, the treatment can surely bring hope. But, are you aware of the side effects of the treatment? Well, you may simply feel tired at times when you’re working. Nausea can also disrupt your day and your schedule. Hair loss can also make you feel low after a few weeks of chemotherapy. So, in this article, we will cover more about the tips to follow when you have cancer. If you’re finding the best doctor for cancer treatment, then search ‘oncologist near me’ online.

#1 Catch ample sleep

When the doctor treats you with chemotherapy, you may have to deal with fatigue. Hence, you need to sleep for a long duration. Ideally, you should sleep properly for around 7 to 8 hours. This will help to renew yourself once your body is at rest. Apart from maintaining mental health, sleep will enhance the immune system. But, do you know what happens if you don’t sleep well? Well, it can lead to heart ailments and many other health issues. Besides, you have to cope with depression and may feel it tough to carry out tasks. Improper sleep can also affect your mind and the ability to remember things.

#2 Stay on a healthy diet

Post chemotherapy, you might get confused on what to eat. You also may come across suggestions on websites or through books. However, you have to maintain a balanced diet. Healthy food habits will further keep you energetic till the day ends. So, first and foremost, you should refrain from eating red meat. Instead, you should include vegetables and fruits in your diet. On the other hand, make sure you drink alcohol moderately. In case you drink alcohol beyond a limit, then it can lead to stress due to cancer. Besides, it also enhances the consumption of food items rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

#3 Stay Active

Many individuals find it to introduce exercises in their daily schedule. This can also be tough when you aren’t suffering from cancer. But, when the doctor continues with his treatment, make sure that there’s regular body movement. Besides exertion, motion of body parts can help you lead a healthy lifestyle. By exercising regularly, there are fewer chances of developing chronic diseases. With this in mind, try doing aerobic exercises for at least half an hour during the day. Once you start feeling energetic, you can increase the sets after a few weeks.

#4 Drink lots of water

Side effects of chemotherapy can make you feel dehydrated. Lack of water inside the body can reduce your energy levels and lead to health issues. So, make sure that you drink ample water when the doctor is treating you. Instead of water, you can also drink milk, juices, and decaffeinated tea. Drinking water, on the other hand, can be helpful during the summer season. You will not feel drained down and tend to slow down during the day.

#5 Be cautious about neuropathy

Numerous chemotherapy drugs can lead to peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition in which you experience a tingling sensation or sudden numbness. It may occur when you’re ascending or descending the staircase. Your mind might just seem to lose the connection with your feet. But, if you don’t communicate this to someone, then they will be unaware of such issues. So, as soon as you feel uncomfortable, make sure you notify the doctor immediately. He will talk about the remedies to offer discomfort at the next moment. But, when you’re seeking an ‘oncologist near me’ online, gauge the doctor’s experience.

#6 Be prepared for hair loss

Most cancer patients experience hair loss soon after the first treatment. Hair loss can occur gradually, within a few weeks. But, some individuals start losing hair in different areas across the scalp. So, when you visit the doctor, check out what may be the side effects of the treatment. Additionally, you should cut your hair or shave off your head. If you want to avoid those embarrassing moments, then consider putting on a hat or a wig. Eventually, hair loss entirely depends on the doctor’s treatment.

#7 Always seek support

As you cope with everything after chemotherapy, you can seek support from your friends. According to a study, people live for a long time when they gain social support. Moreover, when you keep meeting new people, it can help to enhance quality of life. You may take some time to maintain relationships. But, it is worth meeting people constantly so that you don’t feel alone in the world. Alternatively, you can connect with someone through social media. While interacting online, you can express what you’re going through in life.

#8 Keep something close to you

While you go through chemotherapy, bring anything that offers utmost comfort. It can either be a blanket, a book, or your closest friend. We recently met a cancer survivor and he said that a blanket was a perfect gift. This keeps him warm when infusion rooms become quite cold. Way ahead, the names on the blanket make him feel happy. He assures himself that his family is always there with him.

#9 Be alert about nausea

Most of the time, patients experience vomiting during chemotherapy. So, before you enter the health center, ensure to take pills before commencing. In some instances, you may not feel the vomiting sensation. You might just skip taking the dose. But, before you become uneasy, you will need something to alleviate discomfort. If the usual medications aren’t suitable, then think about sitting outdoors to gain instant relief. Conversely, you can insist on the doctor changing the doses.

#10 Always stay positive

Every day of the doctor’s treatment can bring in many surprises. Thus, it’s always better to stay optimistic. You can probably celebrate with your loved ones every time the tumor becomes smaller. However, you may have to find a solution for overcoming fear. As you are prepared with regular checkups, you can discuss your worries. Besides, you can also clear queries related to physical and mental health. Whenever you interact with the doctor, you should also check on certain follow-up procedures.

Finally, you should take everything in stride. While every cancer patient undergoes chemotherapy, the experience differs. You might not be strong enough to face the consequences. But, you will be perfectly fine when you seek a solution for side effects. In that case, you can focus on the tips stated in this article. Following healthy habits can truly be the key to a better life years ahead.

If you’re having a tough time with cancer, how about connecting with Matoshree Hospital? As you visit us, our onco-surgeons will give you the best treatment.