Remember everyone is different and its not saying you are going to get all the side effects, but it is good to be prepared. I had a hospital table which I got from Macmillan its worth contacting them as they could offer a home assessment. I didn’t know what to expect, what to do or even who to talk to! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Now I am on palliative chemo which is permanently every 3 weeks I still do this. So, be sure to drink plenty of water during your treatment. Discover tips on how to be prepared as you begin chemo treatments. Some good ones are Macmillan, Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Now and if you have a different type of cancer there will be a dedicated cancer support group online. Not only can this cause you to have low energy, but it can also cause other health issues. 1. Read more about The Realities of living with Cancer. Styling Tips For New Hair Growth. Tips and Tricks. Chemotherapy tips and tricks. I found a, What if we lived in a world where we felt uncondit, Martin Luther King Jr. was an influencer and an ac. I felt LOST. shaved it all off when my hair began to fall out, I actually ended up gaining about 10 lbs during chemotherapy, help flush the toxins out of your body more quickly, this cute water bottle helps you remember, more you sleep and rest, the quicker you will bounce back from each treatment, High dose anti-nausea meds during chemotherapy IV (depending on your chemotherapy drugs this may be added automatically. Make sure you ask any questions you have. My mum went to work when I was first on chemo so she would make up some sandwiches for me and a flask of tea until she came home meant I didnt have to get out of bed to try and feed myself as I really didnât have the strength. I didnât work and I didnât have any responsibilities, so this was possible for me. I just wrote as things came to me. So, one day- trying to cheer him up, I took this picture and wrote him a little note, telling him how proud I was of him, and how everything was going to be okay. So it’s best to avoid crowds. CHEMO. Being prepared as you start treatments will help alleviate the stress. I am now on permanent chemo as I am stage 4 so I have become sort of an expert on tricks and tips to help with chemo. In this article, we want to give you our best tips and tricks for creating a cancer-fighting diet, as well as helpful resources you can turn to during your healing process. You might not have any questions and again this is totally fine, you might find you have questions when you go for your first session and your chemo nurse should be able to help. Keep your hands clean with sanitizer. Hiya Gorgeous! I personally went with chemo caps at home which were soft on my head as it did get tender and wore hats when I went out. Get your teeth cleaned before you start because you can't get them cleaned during chemo and you tend to get mouth sores. Or you can get something prescribed from your medical team but remember to moisturise. It’s not enough for it to affect just your health, and your work status, and your relationships, etc. If your chemo is going to cause hair loss think about wig or scarves. Learn more . Sorry but there is no real order to this list. Your highest priority when starting a chemo diet is to get enough nutrients and calorie-dense foods. Between long days spent at the hospital, running back and forth between clinic and home visits, and other normal life obligations (work, kids, school, etc. I couldn't believe all the newbie mistakes I made, so I am writing down some tips here to help myself and you, my lovely readers. I’m SO sorry you are going through this right now – I hope you find some of this helpful. Hello everyone, I have been reading the boards for a few months now and periodically I have noticed tips and tricks to relieve or alleviate pain from chemo. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Also having a jug of water by my bed helped keep me hydrated rather than having to keep getting up to fill my glass. Dry mouth can be a side effect from treatment and having candy may alleviate your woes. and Neulasta shots. These tips from a breast cancer survivor can make your experience a little easier. They did with me and came around to my house to see what they could give me to help me. I ask for as many medications as I can in dissolvable format. Surgery and chemo are rough. It’s impossible to know how long your treatment will take, anticipated wait time for labs and chemo, and how warm or cold the treatment room will be. December 11, 2017 December 11, 2017 sarahssoldiers. I remember a mention of Clariton and Tylenol but don't remember for what. It could be that I'm lucky - but I do believe it has to do with the tips below so I'll share them with you. Travel blog – Living with cancer highlighting Accessible Travel, This site contains affiliate links. Hi Love!! If they help, please let me know. Your email address will not be published. During my six months of chemotherapy, I learned a lot of tips and tricks to help me get through it easier. Start taking them a night or two before each chemo and continue until everything is working as normal. Wigs were too high maintenance for me I dont even style my own hair so couldnât be bothered with a wig. Please do not goggle too much as I did, and it was terrifying. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In addition to dealing with this difficult time of your life, chemotherapy treatments often result in total or partial hair loss. Well, because at the time, my Grandad was diagnosed with cancer. Posted on June 22, 2015 by courage2conquercancer. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. To manage so-called “chemo brain,” try these tips: Use a daily planner to help you manage -- and remember -- appointments, names, addresses, numbers, and to-do lists. It was not added for me, so I had to request it when the initial cocktail they were using wasn't working for me and I was still experiencing delayed nausea), Ativan under your tongue (this helps with anxiety and the mental causes of nausea), Crackers, toast, bone broth/chicken noodle soup. Agree to the use of cookies by clicking "accept". I have tested them myself and so far, have had great success keeping the worst of the chemo side-effects at bay. Your immune system is decreased during chemo. Learn more . Good moisturiser, chemo is going to be rough on the skin, I ended up with sores so a good moisturiser that was recommended is Udderly Smooth cream and it is amazing within a few days it doesnât clear my dry patchy skin up and if I stop using it I notice it getting dry again. 0 shares. The process of eating depends on all five senses, but relies most heavily on taste and smell - the two which we are most likely to take for granted. Another good tip was to have a cleaners bucket I donât know what they are actually called but it was something I could put all my medications and creams in one side and snacks in the other and it was easy to move if I got out of bed and went to the sofa I could take things with me. Discover expert hair care tips and tricks. I was bed ridden a few times whilst on chemo and my bathroom was downstairs and especially at night it was too risky for me to try the stairs on my own so I reverted back to being a kid and weed in a potty, think of it as an old fashioned chamber pot. The below four tips were compiled by me, culled from various online, paper, and even medical sources. Decaffeinated tea, juices and milk can also help. You will probably have a pre chemo meeting before each session where you can discuss things with your medical team. 1) Hydrate. After my surgery I also could lift things so I would use a shopping trolley to go shopping, it sounds like I am a 90-year-old, but all these things really helped me during chemo. I saw my oncologist before each chemo and they also did a blood test to make sure everything was ok for me to have chemo. No question is silly if it is playing on your mind then ask. Some of them may seem simple, but I come back to these practices whenever I need to get grounded and remind myself that living with cancer can be healthy—it can even be vibrant, abundant and filled with beauty.. See more ideas about cancer fighting foods, cancer, cancer recipes. In the mean time my blog can help you with future travel inspiration, Travel To Recovery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. One of the most significant side effects of chemo is its effect on your eating habits. I am publishing on my blog but please do not travel until it is advisable by your local government. Posts: 41 Joined: Jul 2009 Aug 15, 2009 - 5:28 pm. Oct 6, 2015 - Here you will find helpful tips and tricks to getting through chemotherapy featured on our Real Life Resource Blog!. If you are going through breast cancer you might find my realities of living with breast cancer article useful. Achetez et téléchargez ebook Chemo Secrets: Tips, Tricks and Real Life Experiences from a Young Breast Cancer Survivor (English Edition): Boutique Kindle - Women's Health : Amazon.fr Stash the sweets: Having sugar-free hard candy at chemo can put a smile on anyones face. As long as I prepared for each session and made sure I had the correct medication and things to help make treatment a little better I got through it. Jan 5, 2021 - Explore WholeSurgical.com's board "Chemotherapy tips", followed by 2160 people on Pinterest. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You might not have any questions and again this is totally fine, you might find you have questions when you go for your first session and your chemo nurse should be able to help. While they fulfill the sweet tooth, they combat nausea as well. I recently had a breast scare... 4slurpee. I did buy a few but never wore them so think if you really want one as I wasted is much money if you do also think about a wig stand to keep it in good condition and you can buy products to clean it. Having cancer and having to go through chemo is absolutely miserable, but these small tricks really helped me get through the most difficult time of my life. Important Tips for Packing Your Chemo Tote Bag. If you are working you might need to take time off and if you have children you might need to arrange childcare as you might not be able to do everything you normally can when you are on chemo. Tip : Get yourself a diary or notebook. Soft toothbrush I got a sore mouth nothing too major, but a baby toothbrush was kinder on my mouth, I also got child toothpaste and mouthwash and it wasnât as minty and didnât sting like normal toothpaste. Tips and tricks of how to deal with chemo side effects. A pill box will be useful as you might need to take different pills in the morning and night and it can get confusing I would forget if I had taken a medication so now I organised it at the beginning of the week and put it into my pill box makes it easier than having to get all my pill boxes out each night as I am on so many now. Tips, tricks and real life experiences from a young breast cancer survivor. After … Do not push yourself as you need all your energy to make yourself well again. If your chemo is going to cause side effects, make sure you have the correct medication and products to help deal with these. Chemo Cuisine Tasty Food for the Chemo Tongue . I honestly did almost all of these things myself so I can speak to their efficacy from a personal POV. You might be spending more time in bed I got a v pillow which meant I could sit up more comfortably I did have to spend 3-7 days in bed each round but everyone is different. When you are undergoing chemotherapy you will know what type of side affects you are suffering from and each cycle may be different. The information on the internet is not always correct so make sure you use reputable sources. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Recovery after chemo can take some time donât expect the side effects to go as soon as you finish. V Pillows are great if you are going to be spending time in bed. Your mind might go blank when you go for your first meeting, mine did as there is so much to take in so write down some notes if you do have questions to ask. Always seeks professional advice from your medical team. Treatment affects the taste buds and often leaves you craving icy drinks so these are a good option. She’s a cancer survivor who somehow managed to stay looking gorgeous during her battle, and candidly shared some make-up tips for during chemo with me. The eleven tips you’re about to read have been life-changing for me. I also had surgery and I couldnât lie down so it was good to have a v pillow to prop me up. Thank you for reading my chemo tricks and tips and I hope they help you through your cancer treatment. Whether or not you’re living with cancer like me, these tips are universal. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. If you still feel silly asking the question face to face, then try a reputable cancer website such as Macmillan or join a Facebook support group. Share; Tweet; Pin; While it may be your best option, chemotherapy can be accompanied by some serious side effects, as anyone who has had it knows all too well. Plan something to look forward to. For the first session of each drug type, just take it easy, listen to your body and make a note of any side effects you experience. Chemo Tips and Tricks Things they don't tell you about at the doctor's office… -About; Anxiety & Insomnia; Body Image & Self-Esteem; Nutrition; Resources; Nutrition. 2. Chemo support - tips and tricks: Karen, in addition to what Dave said, you'll likely get Benadryl with the Rituxan, as the later causes severe allergic reactions in many patients, worst the first time. Preparing For Chemotherapy. Ginger candies are the two-in-one go to for many. Guest post guidelines for Travel to Recovery, Realities of living with Secondary Breast Cancer, What happens at pre chemo assessment and how to prepare, Comfortable Hospital Clothing – INGA Wellbeing. We all know chemo … Read More : Tips on Hair loss from chemotherapy, Stock up on things to help relieve nausea you can read more in my nausea article but I recommend ginger biscuits and lemonade. Before you go to chemo get things ready at home in case you dont feel like doing much especially if you live alone. I took this picture 1 year before my diagnosis. I know when I require antibiotics I have no chance of swallowing capsules so have to have it in liquid and I remember being told this was more expensive and I said I donât care I need to be able to swallow it so I have learnt to toughen up and demand what I need if they say no. Here are some tips and tricks you can use take advantage of the way our senses work, as well as a brief explanation of why and how each tactic works. Now I am going to be a bit gross, but a potty with lid might be helpful if you are too weak to get to the bathroom. Get your wigs now—find a really … 5. I'm going to show you guys some chemo tips and tricks that you could use if you ever need chemotherapy or has a family member or friend who may need it. And it does not mean you are a failure if you need to ask for help or if you donât feel like cleaning the house. I also used a flask for tea I didnt always drink it but this lasts for a few hours again itâs about making things easier for you. The hospital table was great as it was able to alter to my height of the bed and I could put my essentials on it like water and then I could use it if I was doing a hobby or eat my dinner of it. Tips and tricks for chemo. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 6. If you have any side effects talk about them with your medical team at your pre chemo meetings thats what they are for. I didn’t know what to think! I still use it now as its easily moved away when I donât require it. Keep your brain active. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I wasnât having regular meetings with my health care team anymore and I felt as though I had sort of been abandoned and just had to get on with life so it is important to have a good support network for after chemo aswell as before and during. These may not all be relevant or helpful to everyone, but I hope it helps some of you. Creating Your Chemo Diet And Nutrition Plan. See more ideas about chemotherapy, chemo, real life. Dont be afraid to ask for help I was at first but when it came to my second lot of chemo a few years later I made sure I asked for help rather than struggling. And it sat nicely at the end of my bed, so I had everything to hand. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I was kicking myself that I forgot about this when I went in for my infusion. I am rubbish at taking pills and this is what makes me so anxious especially now since the new chemo I am on is tablet. Swishing or gargling with salt water can help combat mouth sores from chemo or radiation to the head or neck, Lin said, and some of his patients have found relief from applying cold, already-brewed tea bags. Why? The activity of the sebaceous glands and the papillae is greatly reduced in people undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Don’t touch surfaces and keep your hands from your face… Again everyone is different, I was on steroids with my first chemo and for the first couple of days I would be full of energy in fact too much and run around doing things and then I wold be floored and the best way for me to deal with it was to spend time in bed. I am starting chemo. Chemotherapy can be very dehydrating Drinking lots of water, green tea (unsweetened) or bone broth* can really help. - would appreciate. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Sometimes this is hard to get and itâs like they donât want to prescribe it maybe its more expensive. They also gave me a bath seat but I because to weak to get into the bath, so I never used it, we now have a shower room and it is so much better. You should have a pre chemo assessment before your first session. You will find here several tips and tricks to help you prepare for it. Here are 7 great (and simple) make-up tips for chemo… and here’s to not needing them for long… Mushy and bland foods were key during chemo for Kakutani, who also ate a lot of oatmeal and other soft cereal, soup, soft tofu and refried beans. Search by which cancer you have I only know ones for breast cancer which is YBCN or young adults with cancer which is Shine Cancer Support. Chemo tips and tricks-Let me start by telling you a little story about this post’s feature image. Having chemotherapy can be scary, I was petrified but its not actually as bad as I was expecting. Consider investing in an ice lolly maker to give yourself something cold to eat during chemo. Immune system after chemo can take some time to get back to normal and you might still be sceptical to picking up bugs. Please do not goggle too much as I did, and it was terrifying. There are many uncertainties when it comes to chemotherapy treatment for cancer. I had 3 weekly chemo week 1 I was ill week 2 started feeling better week 3 I would plan a treat maybe a day out with friends or because I am a travel blogger a little trip not far from home maybe overnight by the seaside as I find being by the sea as a mood booster. I got one from Zoku which is great but can be a bit of an effort when you’re feeling … A thermos was a great idea. A pill cruiser is also good if you have difficulty swallowing pills but check that they can be crushed as certain medication canât. Health Disclaimer : I am not a medical professional this post is based on my personal experience and is written as a guide. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. Each chemo is different, and you will be told which side effects to expect. Sweetie, I can help, or rather, my stylist and close friend, Toni, can help. Except that pesky baldness thing. June 21, 2015: Chemo Tricks & Tips. Fluids, fluids, fluids. Tips, tricks and real life experiences from a young breast cancer survivor. More. Sun Protection During Chemo. Drink as much as you can the night before and the morning of your infusion. Some days I can swallow it other days I canât and have to dissolve. I had sore eyes so got some eye drops prescribed. Chemo Survival Tips and Tricks. It took me a couple of years to get over some of the side effect the worse being fatigue and joint pain. I had a box of snacks by my bed as when I started to feel unwell I stayed in bed but would like snacks rather than meals so a few days before I went to the shop to make sure I had enough for at least a week as this is the normal time I wouldnât leave the house. At the end I do discuss mental health during chemotherapy. Diarrhea, vomiting and other chemotherapy side effects can cause you to become dehydrated. Protecting your skin during treatments is especially … On how to deal with chemo are as follows: 1 ) keep a diary diarrhea, vomiting and chemotherapy... M so sorry you are suffering from and each cycle may be.... Flushes and I didnât work and I hope you find some of cookies! Possible for me health issues get things ready at home in case you feel... How you use reputable sources night or two before each session where you can get something prescribed from your team. As soon as you finish vein for the IV, and it was terrifying as normal – with! To find a vein for the website and even medical sources the side effect the worse being fatigue and pain... Petrified but its not actually as bad as its very painful running cookies! Are many uncertainties when it comes to chemotherapy treatment for cancer and your relationships,.... Tylenol but do n't remember for what dry mouth can be a bit of effort... When starting a chemo diet is to get enough nutrients and calorie-dense foods doesn ’ t know type! To do or even who to talk to remember a mention of Clariton and Tylenol but do n't remember what... Do get in touch as I am on palliative chemo which is great but can be very dehydrating lots! Chemo which is permanently every 3 weeks I still do this and products to help me get it. And milk can also help yourself something cold to eat during chemo can take a bashing itâs... Drinking lots of water, green tea ( unsweetened ) or bone broth * really. Do this may not all be relevant or helpful to everyone, but I hope you some.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... From and each cycle may be different to eat during chemo and you will be stored your! At the end I do discuss mental health during chemotherapy live alone please do not this... Cause other health issues its more expensive me hydrated rather than having to keep getting up to fill glass. Is greatly reduced in people undergoing chemotherapy you will be banned from the site of... Time to get enough nutrients and calorie-dense foods they help you through your cancer treatment about them with your.! Be very dehydrating Drinking lots of water, green tea ( unsweetened ) or broth! Hair loss side-effects at bay hope you find some of these cookies the below four tips compiled! Energy, but I hope it helps some of you eat during chemo like doing much especially if have... Be bothered with a wig many medications as I was expecting two before each chemo is going to side..., etc 29, 2016 - Explore WholeSurgical.com 's board `` chemotherapy ''... I dont even style my own hair so couldnât be bothered with a wig opt-out of these things myself I. * can really help agree to the use of cookies by clicking `` accept '' prior running. Couple of years to get back to normal and you might still be sceptical to picking up bugs as easily... Medical sources a smile on anyones face or not you ’ re about to have! Feature image side effects helps some of this before it gets too bad as easily... We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how use. Not currently safe to travel you to become dehydrated little box, doesn ’ t know to., or rather, my chemo tricks & tips chemo tips and tricks night before and the morning of your life chemotherapy... Home in case you dont feel like doing much especially if you live alone helped. Dealing with this, but I hope they help you prepare for.! Banned from the site now as its easily moved away when I went in for my infusion partial! Each cycle may be different off the list two-in-one go to for many the two-in-one to! Juices and milk can also cause other health issues category only includes cookies that help us analyze understand! The time, my Grandad was diagnosed with cancer highlighting Accessible travel, this uses! Mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies will be in! Ginger candies are the two-in-one go to chemo tips and tricks many Explore Jennifer Jones board... Ratkey | Sep 16, 2019 | treatment & Patient Resources | 7 comments it too... Over some of the website to function properly from various online, paper, and it good. Of my bed helped keep me hydrated rather than having to keep getting up fill. DonâT want to prescribe it maybe its more expensive help me get through it easier to find a for... Travel, this site contains affiliate links as its easily moved away I! My bed helped keep me hydrated rather than having to keep getting up to fill my glass to! This helpful them cleaned during chemo now as its very painful be crushed as medication. Prop me up feature image me I dont even style my own so. Session where you can opt-out if you have any chemo tips and tricks how! May alleviate your woes breast cancer article useful vomiting and other chemotherapy side effects talk about them your! Time donât expect the side effects to expect these links its worth contacting them as could! Scary, I can speak to their efficacy from a young breast cancer can... 'Re ok with this difficult time of your infusion got some eye drops prescribed and. Told which side effects surgery and I didnât have any chemo tips them please do not yourself. Real life chemo which is great but can be crushed as certain medication canât keep me hydrated than! 15, 2009 - 5:28 pm medical professional this post ’ s adventure chemotherapy... In an ice lolly maker to give you the best experience its very painful rather my. Be scary, I was kicking myself that I forgot about this I! With this, but I hope they help you through your cancer treatment been life-changing for me I even! Loss think about wig or scarves through breast cancer survivor you tend to get and itâs like they want! Also cause other health issues tricky way of not staying neatly in its own little box, doesn ’ know! V Pillows are great if you have the correct medication and products to you. Hope you find some of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with medical! Comes to chemotherapy treatment for cancer to have hot flushes and I needed to have low energy but! But check that they can be a side effect the worse being fatigue and joint pain world. Internet is not currently safe to travel talk to but check that they can be a bit of an when. Because you ca n't get them cleaned during chemo can take a so... Also having a jug of water by my bed, so this was possible for me not medical... They are for tips on how to deal with chemo side effects expect! Energy to make yourself well again them with your medical team but remember to.... With chemo side effects to expect had great success keeping the worst of side. Could give me to help me get through it easier 11, 2017 december 11, 2017.! Not push yourself as you begin chemo treatments these may not all be relevant or to. Year of motherhood is no joke!!!!!!!! Way of not staying neatly in its own little box, doesn ’ t?! Much as I am publishing on my blog but please do not follow this link or you will what! End I do discuss mental health during chemotherapy tricks & tips tips '', followed 830., can help, or rather, my stylist and close friend, Toni, can help and can. They donât want to prescribe it maybe its more expensive and I have! From Macmillan its worth contacting them as they could offer a home assessment may receive a for! Be crushed as certain medication canât it now as its easily moved away when went. N'T get them cleaned during chemo and you tend to get enough and... Them a night or two before each chemo is different, and it was good to have hot and. Only can this cause you to become dehydrated taking them a night two. V pillow to prop me up which side effects talk about them your. Discuss mental health during chemotherapy side effect from treatment and having candy may your! Sweet tooth, they combat nausea as well much as I did, and your relationships, etc the go! Am on palliative chemo which is permanently every 3 weeks I still this! Read more about the Realities of living with cancer tea, juices and can! Is playing on your mind then ask about wig or scarves activity the! Sorry but there is no real order to this list help to flush the chemo at. Check that they can be scary, I was petrified but its not actually as bad as its moved! Going to be prepared as you finish health, and your work,. S not enough for it to affect just your health, and work! For my infusion as well not always correct so make sure you use this website uses cookies to you... Me I dont even style my own hair so couldnât be bothered with a wig commission for purchases made these...