Chemotherapy Checklist- Ways to Prepare Yourself

by Akash Sharma Akash Sharma

Chemotherapy is amongst the most common cancer treatments available today along with surgery and radiation. For the cancer treatment to be highly effective, a patient might receive one or a combination of all these treatments. What treatment is ideal for you always depends upon the stage and type of cancer. Since chemotherapy affects everyone differently, it might get hard to understand exactly how to prepare for the same. Nonetheless, a few tips are worth considering in advance-               

Take Care of Your Dental Health

Chemo sessions are believed to wreak havoc on your mouth and increase the chances of acquiring bacterial bloodstream infection. You won’t be able to fix an appointment again for at least 3-4 days post the session. Therefore, it’s advisable to visit the dentist and have your teeth thoroughly cleaned prior to your chemo session. Experts recommend using mouthwash and toothpaste that won’t irritate sensitive gums or mouth sores.

Push the Fluids

Chemotherapy can be extremely dehydrating. There’s no doubt then why drinking plenty of fluids such as water or green tea must be on top of your priority. Another nutrient-rich fluid that most of the cancer specialists such as Dr. Siddharth Sahni swear by is bone broth. Besides helping flush out all the toxins more quickly, it also helps alleviate feelings of nausea. In addition to this, staying well-hydrated assists nurses to access your veins during blood tests.        

Engage in Anxiety-Relief Activities

Getting diagnosed with cancer and the treatments that follow can result in major anxiety and stress. This anxiety may present itself in the form of physical symptoms which is why you must recognize and understand the impact it can have on your well-being. While anxiety is common, it can be effectively tackled if you know the right tricks. Here are a few things, indulging in which might help-

·         Motivational or inspirational music

·         Deep breathing exercises

·         Reading

·         Guided meditation

Get a Wig If You Need One

Since the likelihood of losing hair is quite high when you are on chemotherapy, you must plan to purchase a wig before-hand. A stylist can help you with a few recommendations. Instead of shopping a variety in advance, it’s advisable to build your collection later once you have lost your hair as wigs might appear different once that happens.

Learn How to Handle Waste

Chemotherapy drugs taken in small quantities are bound to leave your body 48 hours post the treatment. This is done via vomit, urine and other bodily fluids. It’s crucial to dispose such chemicals safely away from yourself and others in the home. You must also seek your doctor’s advice as to how such laundry and other items that get dirty must be handled. Also, you must keep yourself updated on the precautions that must be taken when using the toilet or when you get sick.           

The fear and sadness associated with cancer is real, but you mustn’t allow it to take a toll on you. Focus on things that you love doing and do it as much as you can. Oncologists such as Siddharth Sahni also suggest joining support groups to cope with the problem. 

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Created on Jun 18th 2019 04:10. Viewed 289 times.

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