How to Cope with Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that makes use of anti-cancer drugs to cure cancer cells. This technique has been used for a long time. While it can be quite effective, it brings unwanted effects because chemotherapy medicines do not only reach cancer cells but also other areas of the body. Some examples are fatigue, dry mouth, nerve changes, and skin and nail damage. For these reasons, you, as cancer patient, should prepare for these. Here are a few ways on how to cope with chemotherapy side effects:
Carry out some exercises.
Fatigue is among the side effects of chemotherapy. You think it better just stay at home, sit back and relax and never exercise as you may feel more exhausted. However, you have no idea that executing light to moderate exercise routines can help cancer patients like you to feel a lot better as it offers you more energy. You may opt to walk every day around the neighborhood. Ask a family member to come with you.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Medicines for chemotherapy can make your mouth dry. One more way on how to cope with chemotherapy side effects is to consume one and a half liter of fluid each day. Ensure that wherever you are, you have a drink ready for you to sip. Drink water and milk. You can also have a glass full of vegetable and fruit juices.
Staying hydrated can also be your way of dealing with diarrhea, which may take place a few days after the chemotherapy. But if you know that your fluid intake is not enough, you can ask for medicine so you can handle diarrhea. For the meantime, you may also steer clear of cereals, raw fruits and veggies.
Protect your skin.
Anticipate skin and nail problems to arise after undergoing treatment. Learn how to take care of your skin and nails. Give attention to skin rashes and itchiness. Should you suffer from these, keep clear of swimming as chlorinated water may make things worse. Put on moisturizing cream (pick the product that has no perfume or scent) to prevent skin dryness. If you are also undergoing radiotherapy, do not apply lotion or cream right on the skin areas being treated with it without having the recommendations of your doctor. In case you lose your hair from therapy, use sun cream on your head. As for the nails, apply nail oils or any moisturizing cream if they turn flaky.
Work on a few things to prevent nerve damage.
You may notice that as you take drugs for chemotherapy your hands and feet start to feel numb. You may also feel like you are being pricked by needles and pins. Never worry because as the process ends, you will see betterment in your nerves. Reach your healthcare professional for medical advice. You may also consider performing light exercises, if possible. Keep your hands and feet warm. Apply moisturizing cream or lotion to make your skin soft as well. Keep yourself busy by chatting with friends to reduce your emotional burden triggered by the said nerve changes.
The list above includes only some of the methods on how to cope with chemotherapy side effects. You may talk to your healthcare specialist on ways to deal with the others that you encounter.
About the Author
New Hope Medical Center provides alternative treatments for cancer, such as alternative pancreatic cancer treatments and more.
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