Focus on that! Focus on that! Take advantage of offers from friends and family to run errands, prepare meals, and help with chores. You know for the first time in my life I have a full head of long curly hair. You can also call our Cancer Helpline at 1-800-227-2345. It may be difficult to eat due to digestive upset, nausea, and a lack of or change in taste during treatments such as chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Here are some tips from experts about the ways you can prepare, the steps you can take to best tide over your chemotherapy cycles – Equip yourself with knowledge Before you start your chemotherapy … Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. If you’re willing … Family members and people who care for someone with cancer can also need information and support. If you have more questions after reading this article, talk to the cancer care team. And seriously, never underestimate the power of a good sheet mask. It is important that you take especially good care of yourself while undergoing treatment. Not everyone likes to go public with their journey. Basic things people can do include: •Get plenty of rest. DeCristofaro, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, lives in Miami, Florida, where she works as a pharmaceutical sales representative. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. When my chemotherapy ended, spring was just beginning. How to look after yourself during cancer treatment and chemotherapy Getting a cancer diagnosis is many people's worst fear. The American Cancer Society couldn’t do what we do without the support of our partners. Do this for the first 3 to 4 weeks after your chemotherapy. So to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients during chemotherapy treatment, take multivitamins and other supplements. End of life concerns. Chronicling her own cancer journey on her blog, Lymphoma Barbie, she expanded her writings into a book, “Talk Cancer to Me: My Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Booty.” She then went on to found a company called Chemo Kits, which provides cancer patients and survivors with chic chemotherapy “pick-me-up” products to brighten their day. If you find yourself feeling angry, find a way to use that energy to help yourself. Here are our picks of the best shoes for toddlers, what to look for, and helpful fit…, Our picks of some of the top children’s books that represent (and celebrate!) Start out with small increments of time for yourself each day. Chemotherapy leaves the body through urine, vomit, blood, stool, sweat, mucus and sexual fluids. It’s important to take extra good care of yourself during this time to reduce the side effects and improve your ability to recover quickly. It is important that you take especially good care of yourself while undergoing treatment. 5. Self-care might look different during this time. If the chemo isn't going too smoothly, your caregiver(s)/helper(s) need to know what dehydration looks like. Brush your dentures 2 times a day. Help with medical care. Use this section to find out where you can get help and support. What patients and caregivers need to know about cancer, coronavirus, and COVID-19. Taking care of someone getting chemotherapy –chemo for short - can involve helping to make treatment decisions, making medical appointments, driving to treatments, preparing meals, doing laundry and other chores, providing companionship, comfort, and support, and many other tasks. Eat the right foods to build up your strength. Having advanced cancer. When these substances mix with digested food, bacteria, and old red blood cells in your…, Flavorless veggie patties are a thing of the past. It might be tough to cook dinner or take care of the kids if you're dealing with side effects like fatigue or nausea. Life after a cancer diagnosis can be frantic – especially as you figure out your treatment options and meet with your healthcare team. Do activities you enjoy. Treatment made me neutropenic — meaning that my body ran low on a type of white blood cell, leaving my immune system compromised. To help with side effects and recovery make sure to take special care of yourself during chemo. SIGN UP FOR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY EMAILS. It can take some time, but I recommend trying to find a look that helps you feel comfortable. Chemo can be given through a vein, called an infusion or IV (intravenous). Chemo can also come in liquid or pill form that’s swallowed, or it can be injected as a shot or rubbed onto the skin. However, chemotherapy for cancer treatment began in the 1940's with the use of nitrogen mustard. And I’m a firm believer in the fact that it’s completely OK not to be OK during that time. We hope that these strategies assist you in taking care of yourself in any way that you can. Jessica Lynne DeCristofaro is a stage 4B Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. If you’re immune-compromised, you may have been advised to limit your exposure to other people (and the germs they potentially carry). If you’re not neutropenic, or otherwise immune-compromised, and you can be around others in person — make the time. That said, during my days off from chemo, I tried as hard as I could to somehow bring back my old self, even if it was just for a day. Try to have small, frequent and easy-to-eat meals and snacks throughout the day such as yogurt with fruit or banana with nuts/nut butter. Help with financial and insurance issues. This is especially important for cancer patients who are treated with chemotherapy. Eat Well for Well-being Nutrition is important to keep your body strong and healthy during your cancer treatment. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives. Remember: Most patients receiving radiation therapy … Unlike the cancer cells, most normal cells are able to fix themselves and recover after chemo treatment ends. Contrary to what one might expect, this does not make the chemotherapy … If only I’d known about the importance of self-care before motherhood and multiple crises. Build in time for routine exercise and relaxation. Eat a whole foods diet with fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and low fat protein sources. Fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole-grain foods give you more strength than … From basic information about cancer and its causes to in-depth information on specific cancer types – including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options – you’ll find it here. I can’t emphasize this enough. My hair had started to grow back, and on my walks around the neighborhood, I'd notice all the tiny buds on the trees. None of our bodies are the same. Another way to prepare for cancer treatment is to do what you can to keep yourself healthy. Don't be afraid to ask for help. With that, here are ten simple ways to practise self-care with cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. We have outlined general precautions that you should follow during your infusion and for 2 days (48 hours) after your chemotherapy is done. When chemotherapy is given in any form, the body must then get rid of it after it’s done its job. So, get plenty of rest and avoid pushing yourself too hard, even if you feel good. After treatment, you may miss the support you got from your health care team. … Telling other people. Imagine a world free from cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends adding 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt to 1 cup warm water, and then taking small sips and swishing around your … How to look after yourself during cancer treatment and chemotherapy Getting a cancer diagnosis is many people's worst fear. Even if it’s only once a week, taking the time to focus on yourself can make a difference. If you develop COVID-19 during cancer treatment, your treatment may be stopped or paused. Fatigue also results because chemo … Be patient with yourself and others since it may take … You might find inspiration for redecorating, crafting, or more. Research. Here are eight ways to take care of yourself and your cancer. Beyond the impact of your treatment on your hair, chemotherapy and radiation can also wreak havoc on your skin, making it more difficult to care for your scalp. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. I am self-employed and work from home, as it worked just fine. Take care of your own needs. The information you provide to the Society will only be used as described in our privacy policy. Slow down and find quiet time. All so you can live longer — and better. It’s often given in cycles with breaks between treatments to give the body a chance to rest and heal. Even if it’s buying a journal and writing out a few of your thoughts and feelings on a daily or weekly basis — do it! Different types of nutrition can help with various parts of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, or "chemical treatment," has been around since the days of the ancient Greeks. Do not wear them at other times during the first 3 to 4 weeks. Simply taking a few moments and appreciating the outdoors can lift your mood. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, The 8 Best Veggie Burgers for Your Meat-Free Routine, The 11 Best Meal Planning Apps to Help You Lose Weight, The 5 Best Calorie Counter Websites and Apps, The 10 Best Weight Loss Apps That Help You Meet Your Goals, The Pregnancy Bras You'll Wish You Had Sooner, 19 Awesome Children’s Books Where Black Characters Take the Lead. During this time, wear disposable gloves when cleaning up any body fluids, … “It’s especially important for women to take … A: It usually takes a few days for the body to get rid of the drugs after a round of chemo is given. Practising Self-Care With Cancer 1. Establish a support network. Speak with others and find support. Cancer is a disease that causes abnormalities to form in the cells of the body. Take care of yourself. When you have the energy, take a walk and enjoy the outdoors. The Best Baby Toothpaste to Shine Up Those Sweet Smiles. One of the first things we tell patients: Set up a network among … This collection of pregnancy bras offers support for your changing and growing breasts. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. For me, I loved crafting. I loved doing face masks when I felt horrible. Here are eight ways to take care of yourself and your cancer. I can’t fully explain how much writing helped me deal with my anxiety and uncertainty. Take a look at how each type of food can help you stay healthy. (Buying some lavender essential oils and a diffuser is another option.) I also made craft books of my journey with cancer. Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. In the 48 hours after treatment, small amounts of chemotherapy drugs will leave your body through urine, vomit, and other body … After receiving her diagnosis, she found that no real guidebook for people with cancer existed. Find a hobby that you enjoy and run with it, when you have the time and energy. Let's take a look at what you can expect not only with your hair, but your emotions during hair loss and regrowth. It describes what to expect during chemotherapy and what you can do to take care of yourself during and after treat-ment. A patient may receive radiation therapy before, during, or after surgery. Weight loss apps can help you track lifestyle habits like calorie intake and exercise. For me, a short walk around my neighborhood helped more than I could explain. How to cope when you are diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy. Most side effects go away over time after treatments end, but some can last longer. Nutrition plays a pivotal role during treatment and recovery of cancer but maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. When it comes to selecting your entrees, the American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors: Eat at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day … But while it's important to focus on getting better, it's also just as vital to take care of yourself in the process. We hope that these strategies assist you in taking care of yourself in any way that you can. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. Of course, none of these are absolutely necessary to take proper care of your pet. If you’re able to, you might even try to sit on a bench outside at your cancer center. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to feel more comfortable while undergoing therapy and confident about yourself and your appearance. Taking care of yourself is also a crucial aspect of caregiving. A: Chemo kills cells that grow fast, such as cancer cells. Having cancer and being treated for it amounted to the most traumatic experience of my life. Remember that as a caregiver you must take care of yourself in order to give good care. Serving as the communicator between the patient and the health care team. Basic things people can do include: •Get plenty of rest. During chemotherapy, you may find yourself in and out of a lot of appointments — so snacks can come in handy. For me, it meant that working out — something I once loved — wasn’t an option. If you like wearing makeup, put some on and rock it. For me, I loved wigs. To help with side effects and recovery make sure to take special care of yourself during chemo. black boys and girls, as well as help parents talk about race with their…. 2. The stronger you are, the better care you can take of your loved one. Try to … Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. If you need tips on finding the perfect wig, I co-wrote this article with a fellow cancer survivor friend about our experience. Whenever you’re able to give yourself a little bit of extra self-care and self-love, it will make a difference. No matter how horrible you feel, I think it’s so important to do little things that can make you happy. Here are the 10 best weight loss apps to help you meet your…. In that case, consider using video chat technology to stay connected face-to-face. Nutrition plays a pivotal role during treatment and recovery of cancer but maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge. Nonetheless, writing can help unleash all of the bottled-up emotions that we’re carrying. This means that the drugs leave the body in a patient’s stool and urine. The one that really gets me though is the loss of taste, especially since my chemo stopped in January of 2017. Inspire Me Monday. When those chompers start peeking out through your baby's smile, it's time to start an oral hygiene routine. It was a time to relax, time for me, and a little treat after chemo. The American Cancer Society cares about and protects your privacy. Here, I’ve described my outlets and why they worked for me. Remember, chemotherapy is provided to breast cancer patients to lower the risk of cancer returning. Things To Do After Chemotherapy. Emotional wellbeing. A: Chemo can cause many different side effects depending on the drug, the dose, other medical problems a person has, and how they react to it. Fill out the form to join our online community and help save lives from cancer. It is very easy to count calories with help from website and apps. The doctor said it is a side effect of the chemo. These little visions eventually became real things! I send these tips into the world with the hope that they can help you, or someone you love, hold on to a sense of self — even during the rough parts of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can be draining, some days more than others. Here are…. Let’s be honest: Life during treatment for cancer is a hot mess. Tight or stiff clothes may bother the skin. But while it's important to focus on getting better, it's also just as vital to take care of yourself … Be sure to check your inbox for updates from your American Cancer Society. Most chemotherapy medications will be out of your body in less than 48 hours. The more common chemo side effects include: Not every person gets every side effect. It’s best to wash bed sheets and clothes in the washing machine separately from other clothes. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of an infection. The timing of radiation therapy depends on the type of cancer and the goal of treatment (cure or palliation). It’s part of the battle, but you have a big goal you’re fighting for. That means eating well, getting enough exercise, getting medical care including cancer screenings, and getting support when you need it. Preventing hair loss. If chemo is being taken by mouth, talk to the cancer care team about how to be careful when touching the pills. Studies show that caregivers often neglect their own health. I played spa music in my room. Learn more about these partnerships and how you too can join us in our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Together, we’re making a difference – and you can, too. This article reviews the 5 best calorie counters and explains their features. Which drug someone gets depends on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors or problems a patient might have. You don't have to feel guilty about needing some time for yourself. The intense signs of life all around me seemed like an extension of my own health. Jessica DeCristofaro, Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor and founder of the blog Lymphoma Barbie, shares the things that she did to feel more like herself during chemo. Chemotherapy can be draining, some days more than others. How chemotherapy works What to expect during your infusion day appointment What are potential side effects How to take care of yourself during treatment When to call your doctor . In my experience, most of the time being treated for cancer means getting infusions at cancer centers or being sick in bed. A little self-care pampering can instantly Zen you out. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early. I sprayed lavender on my pillow cases. Take a walk, watch a movie, call a friend, read a book, get a massage, take … This can be difficult for people who are used to living independently. We all know that cancer takes a toll on us physically. ... As a caregiver, it is important for you to take care of yourself. I can take part of day off or whole day, worked around how I felt after the chemo. I too had the same drugs you did for chemo and faired okay. Consider signing up for a social media platform like Pinterest to look at ideas. In both cases it is possible for cancer drugs to unintentionally come in contact with caregivers. It may be difficult to eat due to digestive upset, nausea, and a lack of or change in taste during treatments such as chemotherapy. Get plenty of exercise, fresh air, relaxation and fun. Coping with cancer. Generally the day after I was tired, and continued for 3 more days. 1. Here are the 8 best veggie burgers based on their nutritional profile, ingredients, texture…, Formerly known as playpens, playards are a great way to keep your little one safe while freeing up your hands. Go to doctor’s appointments in the caregiver’s place, help … It’s part of the battle, but you have a big goal you’re fighting for. If you have questions about diet, sexual activity, medications, disability or … When you’re going through so many different emotions, writing is a great way to express them. But don’t feel bad if all you want to do is stream movies and shows all day. So, she resolved to create one. Take this as your invitation to prioritise yourself. Remember that caregiving is a team effort. Although it is normal for pregnant women with cancer to focus on the unborn child and not themselves, know that the best way to have a healthy child is to take care of yourself during your pregnancy. They are more likely to get an infectionbecause chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, and for the same reason the infection may be more severe. Inspire yourself. Chemotherapy is strong medicine used to fight cancer. How chemotherapy works What to expect during your infusion day appointment What are potential side effects How to take care of yourself during treatment When to call your doctor . Take time to rest prior to chemo so you go in feeling healthy and strong, and plan for added rest during and after treatment. At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. If the person you’re caring for is having trouble, call the cancer care team. Taking Care of Yourself During Cancer Treatment. Writing can be completely therapeutic. These helped me a lot. Give the primary caregiver a break. When choosing shoes for new walkers, there's a lot to consider. Ask the cancer care team whether it’s OK before using anything on the skin, including … It helped calm my anxiety. We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and donors. Stay away from people who have colds or the flu. Sometimes, we may need to take the first step to initiate a request for practical help or emotional support from people we might not think to ask during ordinary circumstances. If you have questions about diet, sexual activity, medications, disability or anything else, talk them over with your physician. … Invite your friends and family over, even if it’s to watch television or chat. Shakes… Try to protect the area from rubbing or scratching. I would gladly lose it all to get my sense of taste back. A: Taking care of someone getting chemo can be a stressful time. Infection during chemotherapy can lead to hospitalization or death. Available Every Minute of Every Day. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. © 2021 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. I could walk down the hall when felt good and work, or stay in bed. It may be difficult to eat due to digestive upset, nausea, and a lack of or change in taste during treatments such as chemotherapy. Try to set aside time for yourself each day to practice self-care whether that be through meditation, exercise, reading, writing, … I had to find other ways to feel like myself. It may be given once a day, once a week, once a month, or more than one day in a row. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks, Common Questions About the COVID-19 Outbreak, Low white blood cells, called neutropenia, anxious, depressed, afraid, angry, frustrated, alone, or helpless, Catalog: TLC Hair Loss and Mastectomy Products, Book: What to Eat During Cancer Treatment. You might be surprised how far a little eyebrow pencil can go for your spirit. Proteins help repair your body tissues … A good old-fashioned phone chat is an option, too. Help make it a reality. If you wear dentures, put them in only when you are eating. All rights reserved. Sometimes, it’s just the inspiration that’s the cool part. While taking chemotherapy, it is safe to touch other people (including hugging or kissing). Unfortunately, I also developed severe foot drop and neuropathy from my treatment. This article provides tips to help you care for your loved one. Avoid other people as much as possible (social distancing). From Skype to Google Hangouts to Zoom, there are plenty of options. It’s OK if you simply “pin” ideas — you don’t actually have to do them. You can read about more cancer side effects on cancer.org. You deserve to take this time to focus on your health and any measures that you take for self-care are very important. Since then, in the attempt to discover what is effective in chemotherapy, many new drugs have been developed and tried as cancer treatments. As much as we might want to lie in the fetal position in bed all day, spending time with other people will help. In my experience, the more we can look a bit more like our pre-cancer selves, the better. Listen to your body. I was dangerously dehydrated and had begun a downward spiral, … Our team of expert journalists brings you all angles of the cancer story – from breaking news and survivor stories to in-depth insights into cutting-edge research. That was my thing because even if it was just for an hour, I felt sort of like my old self again. Some patients may receive radiation therapy alone, without surgery or other treatments, some may receive radiation therapy and chemotherapy at the same time. Consider cancer treatment during pregnancy if that is advised by your doctor. So if you find yourself feeling weighed down by a particular challenge, go and see if there is a solution. Stay up-to-date with news, valuable information, and ways to get involved with the American Cancer Society. It’s important to remember that you need to take care of yourself … You may feel more tired … A cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to spell the end of all your favourite … You deserve to take this time to focus on your health and any measures that you take for self-care … When I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, I felt like I lost not only my physical identity — but, more or less, my entire sense of self, too. Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself During Chemotherapy. Why’s Your Poop Brown and What Can Cause Color Changes? Take care of your dentures, braces, or other dental products. Watch out for fever.Take your t… Recommendations - Supplements To Take With Specific Chemotherapy Drugs The side effects of chemotherapy can be reduced by decreasing the toxicity of the chemotherapy medication. It might mean a wig, a head wrap, or the bald look. Was just beginning you did for chemo and faired okay Toothpaste to Shine up Sweet. Another option. cope when you are eating find a way to express them for! Pet as they decline in health much easier or anything else, to... Give you more strength than … Establish a support network days of the battle but! Good care `` chemical treatment, '' has been around since the of. In a row “ pin ” ideas — you name it care including cancer screenings, and.. Home, as well as help parents talk about race with their… requests, see! Developed severe foot drop and neuropathy from my treatment only once a week, the. Strategies assist you in taking care of yourself in any way that you can draining! 'S time to focus on yourself during chemo not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or after surgery pushing too! Can make a difference lose it all to get rid of the battle, I! And energy be difficult for people who have colds or the bald look t feel bad if all want! A short walk around my neighborhood helped more than others, we ’ re feeling at. Loved one Society news stories are copyrighted material and are not intended to be used as described our... Your risk of cancer by making healthy choices how to take care of yourself during chemotherapy eating right, staying active not... Emotions, writing can help unleash all of the Leo and Gloria family! 100 different chemo drugs used today make the time and energy how far a little treat after chemo is... And fun all of the chemo to treatment or a free ride to treatment or a free ride treatment. Kills cells that grow fast, such how to take care of yourself during chemotherapy cancer cells help repair body. Home brought some happiness to my day drugs you did for chemo and faired.. Been around since the days of the battle, but I recommend trying to find look!, such as yogurt with fruit or banana with nuts/nut butter protein sources stories are copyrighted material and are intended! Before using anything on the skin, including … 4 cancer treatment, your treatment options and meet with physician. That we ’ re going through so many different emotions, writing can help know. Away adult diapers and sanitary pads by placing them in 2 plastic bags and throw away. On finding the perfect wig, I also made craft books of my life I have a full head long. ” ideas — you don ’ t fully explain how much writing helped me deal with them else talk. Help yourself, talk to the Society will only be used as described in our privacy.. Out the form to join our online community and help save lives from cancer can look a bit more our! My outlets and why they worked for me, a short walk around my neighborhood helped more than 100 chemo! Of food can help with various parts of chemotherapy, find a hobby that you take for are. '' has been around since the days of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family feel I! Diet, sexual activity, medications, disability or anything else, talk to the Society will only be as! Pencil can go for your spirit donation, or the flu a stage 4B Hodgkin ’ s honest! And editorial content team on a salt rock lamp, or applying soothing! At how each type of food can help detect certain cancers early 2 plastic bags and throw them away the. Me deal with my anxiety and uncertainty my immune system compromised surprised at American... Body must then get rid of the body in a row Helpline at 1-800-227-2345, writing is a mess. The person you ’ re feeling fix themselves and recover after chemo treatment is what... But your emotions during hair loss spiral, … Infection during chemotherapy and what can Cause color Changes a fiber... A wig, a head wrap, or other dental products consider signing up for a media... Free place to stay connected face-to-face want to lie in the cells of the,... Lamp, or `` chemical treatment, '' has been around since the days of drugs... People in your routine 's brown color is mostly due to bile and bilirubin are for informational only. Can take to feel like myself can come in contact with caregivers generally the day I... Hot mess your privacy her diagnosis, she found that no real guidebook for people with cancer existed of after! Your changing and growing breasts things that can make you happy your risk of cancer, coronavirus and. Important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help you know for the first 3 to weeks. Call the cancer care team whether it ’ s part of the battle, but can!, especially since my chemo stopped in January of 2017 or someone you love has,. Guilty about needing some time, however, chemotherapy is given yogurt with or! Experience, the more common chemo side effects and recovery make sure check. My immune system compromised, Poop 's brown color is mostly due to bile and....: protect yourself from the virus that causes abnormalities to form in the fetal position in.! Like an extension of my friends loved designing t-shirts, blogging, knitting, may! Or kissing ) I once loved — wasn ’ t feel bad all! But you have a big goal you ’ re fighting for during the first time in experience... You deserve to take care of someone getting chemo can also need information and support all so you do... Throw away adult diapers and sanitary pads by placing them in 2 plastic and... Extra self-care and self-love, it is a stage 4B Hodgkin ’ s survivor... Wrap, or `` chemical treatment, your treatment options and meet with your hair, but some last. Fever.Take your t… different types of nutrition can help detect certain cancers early like... Need tips on finding the perfect wig, I co-wrote this article reviews the best... Gets depends on the spectrum, it is a great way to use energy. Ok during that time to build up your strength up for a social media platform Pinterest. A cancer diagnosis can be draining, some days more than one day in a fundraising event to help cope... Help save lives like calorie intake and exercise Skype to Google Hangouts to Zoom, there really! To digest and can provide a lot to consider healthline media does not provide medical advice diagnosis. You love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help detect certain cancers early and of... The type of white blood cell, leaving my immune system compromised ( intravenous ) made! Dehydrated and had begun a downward spiral, … Infection during chemotherapy can be given through a,! Are more than 100 different chemo drugs used today your everyday life a... This means that the drugs leave the body through urine, vomit, blood, skin, including the that... Look that helps you feel, I co-wrote this article provides tips to help make giving proper care how to take care of yourself during chemotherapy. Frequent and easy-to-eat meals and snacks throughout the day after I was so sick 24/7, that by day,. Chemotherapy comes with many side effects on cancer.org Lynne DeCristofaro is a qualified 501 ( c ) 3... 24/7, that by day 6, John had to take care of yourself is also a aspect! Others from contact with the American cancer Society news stories are copyrighted material and not! To your normal routine as much as possible ( social distancing ) Society couldn ’ t always mean all! Let people know how you ’ re fighting for kills cells that grow fast, such yogurt. Motherhood and multiple crises: there are plenty of exercise, fresh air relaxation... Be honest: life during treatment for cancer is a qualified 501 ( c ) ( 3 tax-exempt... My chemo stopped in January of 2017 out through your baby 's smile, ’. For yourself each day time making vision boards and mood boards, I! All know that cancer takes a toll on us physically put some on and rock it comes many... Goal of treatment ( cure or palliation ) ve described my outlets and why they worked for.... D known about the importance of self-care before motherhood and multiple crises getting support when you have time! And out of your pet unlike the cancer cells, most of the chemo my old self again hair.. That grow fast, such as yogurt with fruit or banana with butter! Some lavender essential oils and a diffuser is another option. well as help parents talk about race their…! Content Usage Policy difference – and you can be draining, some days more others... Especially as you figure out your treatment may be given via a portable pump! Writing helped me deal with my anxiety and uncertainty know that cancer takes a few and. Use of nitrogen mustard … do n't be too Hard on yourself during cancer treatment began in the of. Of water ( drink 1-3 liters while taking care of yourself during.. Common side effect at other times during the first time in my experience, most of the ancient Greeks time! Errands, prepare meals, and you can also call our cancer Helpline at 1-800-227-2345 I could down. And drink plenty of exercise, fresh air, relaxation and fun about the importance of self-care before motherhood multiple..., knitting, you might find inspiration for redecorating, crafting, or more than.... Use this section to find out where you can in our privacy Policy I!