TIPS & RESOURCES

Quick Tips | Chemotherapy | Breast Cancer | Apps

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Tips on Getting Through Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a very uncomfortable process. Each peson’s experience is different but here are some things you can expect and some suggested apps and links that will help you get through it all…

• Nausea and Vomiting - Eat Light before treatment. Avoid heavy, high fat and greasy food. Your doctor may be able to prescribe an anti-nausea medication. Ginger Tea.

• Fatigue- Sleep as often as you can. Plan activities for the time of day you feel the most energetic. Prioritize your energy for what’s most important. Light exercise can help to reduce chemo related fatigue and help you sleep better. Talk out your feelings of anxiety and fear, this can help to relax you and reduce the feeling of exhaustion.

• Mouth Sores, Dry Mouth, and Throat Sores - ice chips, sugar free gum, alcohol free mouth oral rinse, oral sprays with natural ingredients to help stimulate saliva and inhibit bacterial growth. Drink with a straw to help push the liquid beyond the mouth more quickly. Eat soft, cool, non-spicy, no- acidic foods. Use unscented hydrating lip balm.

• Weight Loss and Changes in Appetite, Taste, and Smell - Have frequent snacks instead of large meals. Eat what you feel like, when you feel like it – try to make it healthy! Use bamboo or plastic utensils to counter the metallic taste or reaction you may experience from silverware. Avoid surroundings with strong odors and cooking smells that may put you off from eating. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them for days you don’t feel like cooking.

• Hair Loss - Sleep on a cotton or satin pillowcase to help decrease pulling on and losing hair. Avoid using hairspray, hair products with harsh chemicals, and heat. Research cold cap therapy to reduce hair loss. If you are bald, use sunscreen, a wig, scarf, hat or similar headwear to protect your scalp, which is often times very sensitive.

• Neuropathy – numbness, tingling, and joint Pain. - Avoid extreme temperature change. Soak your hands and feet in warm water to relieve symptoms. Avoid overly hot water when bathing. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a pain medication such as a pill or topical cream depending on your specific challenge. Consider acupuncture for management of many side effects of chemotherapy.

• Chemo Brain or Cognitive Impairment - Use a daily planner or record appointments on your phone to manage and keep track of daily tasks. Set reminders. Track your medication intake. Don’t try to multi-task, focus on one thing at a time. Keep your brain active, your doctor may suggest cognitive exercises to help retain memory and improve concentration.

 Apps & useful Links

Quick Tips | Chemotherapy | Breast Cancer | Apps

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