Following the tips below will help protect your skin from damage and infection: Bathe every day and use warm water. Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs. Use a mild soap for bathing.
Short, planned delays in chemotherapy for good-risk GCT patients (less than or equal to 7 days per cycle) appear to be acceptable since they may prevent serious toxicity in this curable patient population. Delays of longer than 7 days are strongly discouraged except in extraordinary life-threatening circumstances.
In most cases two to three gentle hair washes a week is sufficient. Gently brushing hair every day is helpful to avoid matting.
Drinking plenty of water before and after treatment helps your body process chemotherapy drugs and flush the excess out of your system. Tackle physical changes. If your hair starts falling out, go shopping for a wig or buy a few stylish hats to keep your head warm.
Following the tips below will help protect your skin from damage and infection: Bathe every day and use warm water. Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs. Use a mild soap for bathing.
Include beverages with calories such as juice, milk, decaf tea with honey and oral nutrition supplements (Boost, Ensure). If having diarrhea, trial G2 (Gatorade 2) or pedialyte to replace electrolytes.
For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.
After using any devices for bodily waste, patients should thoroughly wash their hands and the devices with soap and water. Dry the devices with paper towels, and discard the towels. Any sheets or clothes soiled with bodily fluids should be machine-washed twice in hot water with regular laundry detergent.
Being gentle with your hair reduces psychological distress and minimizes breakage and loss from too much brushing, pulling, or styling of the hair. You can shampoo and frequently condition if you prefer, but washing the hair once or twice per week is generally enough. 5 Use a wide-toothed comb when brushing.
You can ask your hairdresser to suggest henna dyes or vegetable based dyes for you. These are gentler on the hair than the other types of hair colouring. So hair specialists think it is safe to use them.
A return to normalcy is typical, but it takes a while – usually six months or so. “All who have done chemo do finally get back to normal,” Patricia said. “Treatment for breast cancer can take a whole year, but six months after it ends, life comes back – incisions heal, hair grows back, chemo brain fog lifts.”
The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.
Good night's rest
A full night's sleep is vital for anyone who has had chemotherapy. Patients should get at least eight hours of sleep if possible.
Keeping up with your household chores is always a challenge. It can be even harder when you are not feeling well. If possible, don't do household chores if you don't feel well. It is better to rest if you are tired or not feeling well, as this will help your body recover from chemotherapy.
It is safe to touch other people while on chemotherapy. You can hug and kiss. But you do need to protect others from coming into contact with your medicine.
Having Sex During Your Cancer Treatment
We recommend using a barrier device (condom or dental dam) during treatment and for a week after each treatment during oral, vaginal, or anal sex to prevent your partner from being exposed to any medication that may be in your bodily fluids.
One week post-chemo! "They" say that's one of the toughest weeks. The one right after chemo, especially your first round. It's a week of figuring out how your body will respond after the infusions, and it's different for every person.
Chemotherapy. You may feel most worn out for a few days after each chemo treatment. Your fatigue may get worse with each treatment. For some people, fatigue is worst about halfway through the full course of chemo.
It can take 6 to 12 months for symptoms to get better after chemotherapy ends. Some side effects can be permanent. Learn more about managing nervous system side effects. Changes in thinking and memory.
Eat Light Ahead of Time
Two to three hours before an infusion, eat a light, high-fiber snack. The drugs commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy can also be constipating. Between staying hydrated and eating fiber, you should gain the upper hand on constipation.
Green Tea
They are great for cancer prevention as they protect cells from being damaged by free radicals. Studies have shown that catechins can shrink tumors and decrease tumor cell growth. Hence, drinking green or black teas regularly has been linked to a lower chance of developing cancer.