Can I take care of myself during chemotherapy?

Self-care during cancer treatment is an essential and vital part of happiness and health. Research shows that regular self-care practices can reduce the adverse effects of stress, sleep disturbances and anxiety. It has also been shown to prevent overload and help build focus.

What can you not do while on chemo?

Can I do housework during chemotherapy?

Housekeeping and Disinfecting

If possible, don't do household chores if you don't feel well. It is better to rest if you are tired or not feeling well, as this will help your body recover from chemotherapy.

Can I shower during chemo?

Take a shower or a bath every day with warm water and mild soap. Brush your teeth several times a day with a soft toothbrush. Protect yourself from cuts: be very careful when using sharp items, and wear gloves when gardening or cleaning.

Do you need a caregiver during chemotherapy?

Caregivers play an important role in helping people with cancer during treatment, recovery, and beyond. Longer-term caregiving may be especially necessary for people who have advanced cancer or late or long-term effects from cancer treatment.

Cancer Basics: Taking care of yourself during chemotherapy

Is it OK to sleep during chemotherapy?

Often times, chemotherapy drugs cause patients to feel tired and sleepy throughout the day. Therefore, patients on chemotherapy can end up napping or sleeping during the day and that leads to difficult sleeping at night or through the night.

How do you pass time during chemo?

Crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other games are a good distraction during chemo and can keep your mind sharp, which may help ward off chemo brain. You may want to bring a crochet kit to create a scarf or hat. If a family member or friend is with you, a card game or conversation starter game can help pass the time.

What do chemo patients need most?

How can I stay strong during chemo?

How often should I shower during chemo?

Bathe every day and use warm water. Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs. Use a mild soap for bathing. Use a soft towel to gently wash skin.

How many days does chemo make you sick?

Feeling and being sick

Sickness caused by chemotherapy can start within a couple of hours of starting your treatment and only last a day or so. Or it can come on more than 24 hours after the start of treatment. This is called delayed onset nausea and vomiting and usually lasts about a week.

How can I clean my bathroom during chemo?

Most of the time, you can use regular soap and water and/or household disinfecting wipes. Follow the instructions on wipes, as some require the surface to stay wet for a full 10 minutes.

How sick does chemo make you?

Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, bowel issues such as constipation or diarrhoea, hair loss, mouth sores, skin and nail problems. You may have trouble concentrating or remembering things. There can also be nerve and muscle effects and hearing changes. You will be at increased risk of infections.

Should you shower after chemo?

Personal Hygiene

Chemo drugs can dry and irritate your skin. This can lead to small cuts and other openings, which makes it easier for infections to get in. To protect your skin and lower the risk of infection: Shower or bathe daily with mild soap and a soft washcloth.

Can you drive during chemo treatment?

With many cancer treatments it is fine to drive afterwards. But some medicines can make you feel sick or tired, so you might not want to drive home. Certain medicines can make you drowsy, so you shouldn't drive after having them. Check with your healthcare team, as they know which drugs you are having.

What are good snacks for chemo patients?

What should I bring on my first day of chemo?

How much rest do chemo patients need?

Plan to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. To optimize your chances at getting good sleep, practice healthy sleep habits: Avoid caffeine for at least eight hours before bedtime. Stick to a regular sleep schedule.

Do you sleep a lot after chemo?

You may experience fatigue if cancer treatment damages healthy cells in addition to the cancer cells. Or fatigue might happen as your body works to repair damage caused by treatment. Some treatment side effects — such as anemia, nausea, vomiting, pain, insomnia and changes in mood — also may cause fatigue.

What happens on first night after chemo?

Nausea and vomiting: It is normal to experience nausea and vomiting after chemo. Gastrointestinal symptoms: You may be constipated or have diarrhea after chemo. Sore mouth: Sometimes chemo can make your mouth feel dry and sore.

What is best time of day to take chemo?

Typically, people on chemotherapy receive their treatments in the daytime—during regular business hours—but “if it's the case that people are more like flies, and the brain blood-brain barrier opens up at night, then that might be the best time to give chemo,” Nelson said.

Does and don'ts after chemo?

Take care not to get infections for up to one year or more after your chemotherapy. Practice safe eating and drinking during cancer treatment. Do not eat or drink anything that may be undercooked or spoiled. Make sure your water is safe.

Should you be alone after chemo?

There are certain safety precautions that might be needed during and after getting chemo. Unless your health care team tells you differently, you can usually be around family and friends during the weeks and months you're getting chemo. On treatment days, family and friends can often come with you.

Can you hug a chemo patient?

It is safe to touch other people while on chemotherapy. You can hug and kiss. But you do need to protect others from coming into contact with your medicine. Follow these safety tips while taking your chemotherapy pills and for two days after you're done.