Take Care of Yourself During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancerous cells. Unfortunately, healthy cells in the body can be affected as well, making treatment a difficult experience for most. Follow these steps to give your treatment the best chance of success.
Instructions
Take Care of Yourself During Chemotherapy
1. Purchase over-the-counter medications for nausea, diarrhea, mouth pain and other side effects. Your doctor can recommend appropriate medications.
2. Create a resting place. Invest in cozy sheets and pillows to make your sleep comfortable. Add a radio or CD player for soft, soothing music and a journal in which you can catalog your feelings and fears.
3. Use low impact exercise, such as yoga or tai chi, to quell anxiety. Deep breathing exercises also can lower stress. Exercise releases endorphins that can raise your mood, and consistent exercise can increase your energy.
4. Buy a selection of foods that are easy to eat, in case your appetite wanes or vanishes. Try sherbet, yogurt, instant breakfast drinks, protein shakes or fruit smoothies.
5. Be aware that side effects may not vanish once your chemotherapy treatment ends. As you attend follow-up appointments with your doctor, explain which symptoms are lingering.
Know What to Avoid
6. Keep away from anyone suffering from cold, flu or virus. Chemotherapy weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness.
7. Stay away from people who are negative or drain your energy. Surround yourself with positive, upbeat friends. You also can lift your mood by putting your favorite art, trinkets, photos or other mementos in places where you will see them regularly.
8. Do not overexert yourself. Recovering from chemotherapy demands energy, so get plenty of rest. If you find yourself too fatigued for calisthenics, aerobics or weight lifting, try range-of-motion exercises in bed or in a chair.
Tags: Care Yourself, Care Yourself During, During Chemotherapy, Take Care, Take Care Yourself
