Can I work during chemo?

Some people are able to keep working while they're getting cancer treatment. Some people work their usual full-time schedules. Some work the same schedules under special conditions (accommodations), like being closer to the office bathroom so it's easier to deal with side effects.
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What should you not do during chemotherapy?

9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatment
  • Contact with body fluids after treatment. ...
  • Overextending yourself. ...
  • Infections. ...
  • Large meals. ...
  • Raw or undercooked foods. ...
  • Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ...
  • Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ...
  • Smoking.
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How much rest do you need during chemotherapy?

Good night's rest

A full night's sleep is vital for anyone who has had chemotherapy. Patients should get at least eight hours of sleep if possible. To help sleep throughout the night, recovering patients should not consume beverages or food high in caffeine at least eight hours before retiring for the night.
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How active should you be during chemo?

The physical activity guidelines for people with cancer are similar to those recommended for everyone: 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity every week.
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Can you drive yourself to and from chemotherapy?

Most people can drive themselves to and from chemotherapy sessions. But the first time you may find that the medications make you sleepy or cause other side effects that make driving difficult.
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Working During Cancer Treatment: Understanding Your Options with Pamela Goetz



Can you live a normal life while on chemo?

Some people find they can lead an almost normal life during chemotherapy. But others find everyday life more difficult. You may feel unwell during and shortly after each treatment but recover quickly between treatments. You may be able to get back to your usual activities as you begin to feel better.
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Why do you have to flush the toilet twice after chemo?

Small amounts of chemotherapy are present in your body fluids and body waste. If any part of your body is exposed to any body fluids or wastes, wash the exposed area with soap and water. People in your household may use the same toilet as you, as long as you flush all waste down the toilet twice with the lid down.
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How do you feel after first chemo treatment?

The most commonly reported side effect after receiving chemotherapy is fatigue. 7 Give yourself time for extra rest and sleep in the days after a session. Tell your healthcare provider if your fatigue begins to affect your ability to function or complete basic tasks, like bathing.
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Is walking good for chemo patients?

Exercising during chemotherapy can help ease side effects, such as fatigue and nausea, and can help boost your immune system. Chemotherapy side effects can sometimes make exercising tough, but try to be as active as you're able to be. Again, walking is a good way to start.
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Does chemo start working immediately?

Some people feel the effects of chemo right away, but for others, it takes a day or two. Not all chemo drugs have the same side effects.
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Do chemo patients sleep a lot?

Nearly everyone who has chemotherapy has some tiredness. It can be due to the direct effect of chemotherapy on the body. But anaemia may also cause tiredness. This is because chemotherapy can stop your bone marrow from making red blood cells for a while.
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How long does a chemo session take?

Chemotherapy treatment varies in length and frequency and depends on the individual treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Some last as long as three or four hours, while others may only take a half-hour.
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How do I prepare my home for chemo?

Stay healthy and strong.
  1. Take it easy.
  2. Don't compare your body to how it was before chemotherapy.
  3. Drink lots of water.
  4. Go for a walk every day, if possible.
  5. Try to eat something. ...
  6. Read the provided handouts regarding chemotherapy and its side effects.
  7. Try acupuncture to help alleviate pain and nausea.
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Does chemo get worse with each cycle?

The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.
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Does drinking water help flush out chemo?

Chemotherapy can be dehydrating. Drinking plenty of water before and after treatment helps your body process chemotherapy drugs and flush the excess out of your system.
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How much water should I drink after chemo?

Drink 8 to 12 (8-ounce) glasses of liquids every day for 1 week after your treatment. Take your anti-nausea medications as recommended by your doctor.
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How do you know if chemo is killing you?

Here are some signs that chemotherapy may not be working as well as expected: tumors aren't shrinking. new tumors keep forming. cancer is spreading to new areas.
...
Along the way, the timeline may have to be adjusted due to:
  1. low blood counts.
  2. adverse effects to major organs.
  3. severe side effects.
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How do you pass time during chemo?

Here are 5 things to pack in your to-go bag to keep busy during chemo:
  1. Adult coloring books. Who says coloring books are only for kids? ...
  2. Latest new release movie or TV series. Need a good laugh? ...
  3. Knit or crochet kit to create a scarf, hat or blanket. ...
  4. Favorite book or magazine. ...
  5. Puzzles and games.
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Do you need someone to drive you home after chemotherapy?

In most cases, your healthcare provider will ask you to get a ride home after your first session to see how you will tolerate the chemo. If you feel well the first time around, you may be advised that it's okay to drive home for future sessions.
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How painful chemotherapy is?

The actual chemotherapy process is usually painless. Some chemo drugs may cause a slight burning as they enter your vein. For example, if the IV is in your hand or wrist, you may feel the burning sensation moving up your arm. This is perfectly normal and will ease as the infusion progresses.
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How soon after starting chemo do you lose your hair?

Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after you start treatment. It could fall out very quickly in clumps or gradually. You'll likely notice accumulations of loose hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or comb, or in your sink or shower drain. Your scalp may feel tender.
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Can you take a shower after chemo?

Following the tips below will help protect your skin from damage and infection: Bathe every day and use warm water. Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs. Use a mild soap for bathing.
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Do chemo patients smell?

One of the oddest and sometimes most annoying side-effects of certain chemotherapy drugs is an awareness of bad smells, or consciousness of foul-smelling odours in various locations, particularly around the house.
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Can you sleep next to someone with chemo?

You may worry about the safety of family and friends while you are having chemotherapy. There is little risk to visitors, including children, babies and pregnant women, because they aren't likely to come into contact with any chemotherapy drugs or body fluids.
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How long after chemo Do you feel sick?

Acute nausea and vomiting usually happens within minutes to hours after treatment is given, and usually within the first 24 hours. This is more common when treatment is given by IV infusion or when taken by mouth.
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