Ways to Handle Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy uses powerful chemical agents to kill or debilitate rapidly growing cancer cells. However, as they course through the body, these chemicals cause collateral damage to normal cells and tissue that shows up in the form of side effects. Chemo is a life-saving but physically and emotionally daunting procedure, but there are ways to minimize its side effects and make the entire process less stressful.

Nausea & Vomiting

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) describes nausea and vomiting as "two of the most common and most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy." The severity of these particular symptoms will depend on the specific chemicals used for your procedure, but it's a given that you'll have these symptoms to some extent. To minimize their effect, the ACS suggests that you avoid large meals and instead eat frequent small meals; drink beverages at least an hour before or after meals and not with them; eat and drink slowly; and steer clear of odors that disturb you.

  Chew your food well; eat foods that are cold or at room temperature to avoid cooking odors that might nauseate you; fight morning nausea by eating dry foods, such as crackers or toast; avoid fried foods as well as those that are overly sweet or fatty; suck on ice cubes; don't lie down for at least two hours after a meal; and breathe deeply and slowly to combat nausea.

Fatigue

• To fight the fatigue that usually accompanies chemo, the National Cancer Institute offers these tips: Do less on the home front, letting others pitch in to help whenever possible. Eat healthy foods to maintain your strength (but keep in mind the anti-nausea tips). Make an effort to exercise daily. Get plenty of rest, taking short naps during the day to recharge your batteries.

Avoid Infections

• Because chemo often lowers your level of infection-fighting white blood cells, you need to take extra precautions to avoid exposing yourself to infections. CancerCare.org offers these suggestions: Wash your hands well and often. Treat cuts and scrapes promptly, washing the injured tissue and applying a topical antiseptic. Carry and use a hand cleaner when you don't have access to soap and water. Take care not to nick, scrape or cut yourself when using a razor, knife or scissors. Avoid animal waste, including cat litter boxes. Wear protective gloves when gardening or cleaning up household messes.

Hair Loss

• Hair loss is a very common side effect of chemotherapy, although some patients are lucky enough to escape it. However, if you're one of the less fortunate, act proactively to prepare for this change. Chemotherapy.com suggests that you cut your hair back drastically before it begins to fall out. Plan in advance, shopping for a wig, baseball cap, scarf or other head covering before hair loss is complete. Be sure to apply sunscreen to your head when you're going to be in the sun. And when you hair begins to regrow, treat it gently, avoiding harsh hair colorings or chemicals.