5 Tips For Living Through Chemotherapy

Being diagnosed with cancer can turn your life upside down, and it is natural to feel upset and scared. Luckily, the options for cancer treatment have continued to advance and many people are able to beat the disease. Chemotherapy continues to be an effective treatment option for many types of cancers, but chemo can have some uncomfortable side effects. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and will be undergoing chemotherapy in the near future, use the following tips to make the process smoother:

Go Wig Shopping in Advance

One common side effect of chemotherapy is the fact that it makes hair fall out. This can make some people feel very uncomfortable, particularly women. Before starting chemo, take the time to go wig shopping and find a high quality wig that fits well and makes you feel like yourself when you're wearing it. In addition to purchasing a wig, it is a good idea to buy some soft knit hats to wear to keep your head warm during times that you don't want to wear your wig.

Keep a "Symptoms Journal"

Chemotherapy affects different people in different ways. After your first course of chemo, it is a good idea to begin writing down the physical changes and side effects that you experience. As you continue your chemotherapy treatment, the information from your journal can be very useful for doctors, like Sturdy Memorial Hospital, and will allow them to make adjustments to your care plan.

Stay Organized

In order for chemotherapy to be as successful as possible, it is essential for you to never miss a session and take all of your other medication according to schedule. Keeping a calendar on hand can help you keep track of doctor appointments and chemotherapy sessions, while also helping you keep track of when you're supposed to take different medications.

Try to Nourish Yourself as Best as Possible

During chemotherapy it can be very helpful to provide your body with as many nutrients as possible. Stick to a clean, whole foods diet and try to avoid processed foods and a lot of sugar. It is not uncommon for chemotherapy to cause severe nausea which can impact your appetite-- consuming ginger may help calm your stomach, or your doctor can prescribe a medication that will help with the nausea.

Have a Support Network

Going through chemotherapy can be physically and emotionally trying. Having a support network of family and friends can help make the process easier and keep your spirits up as you battle cancer.


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