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.
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What should you not do during chemotherapy?

10 things to avoid while receiving chemotherapy
  • Don't eat raw meat or seafood. ...
  • Avoid foods that may aggravate cancer treatment side effects. ...
  • Don't start taking any new medications or supplements. ...
  • Don't smoke or drink alcohol. ...
  • Avoid excessive UV exposure. ...
  • Don't risk pregnancy or chemotherapy exposure with sexual partners.
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How often should you wash your hair during chemo?

Wash and condition your hair every 2 to 4 days. Use baby shampoo or other mild shampoo (such as Aveeno® or Vanicream™). You should also use a cream rinse or hair conditioner. Use shampoos and conditioners that have sunscreen to prevent sun damage to your scalp.
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Does drinking lots of water help with chemo?

Drinking a lot of water during your chemotherapy treatment is also important. Your treatment and some medications have side effects that could cause severe dehydration. Make chemotherapy hydration a priority. When you drink plenty of water during treatment, it can help make your recovery a smoother process.
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Can I use the same bathroom as a chemo patient?

For 48 hours after receiving chemotherapy, patients and caregivers should follow these precautions: Flush toilets twice each time they are used. If possible, patients should use a separate toilet from others in the home.
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12 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE STARTING CHEMO | Chemo tips; My 2nd Cancer Journey



Should chemo patients shower everyday?

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.
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Is the first week after chemo the worst?

For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment.
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What is the best drink for chemo patients?

Drink fluids frequently—this will prevent dehydration and remove some of the byproducts of the chemotherapy. Water is the best, but there are other sources of fluids such as: Apple and grape juice. Fruit nectars.
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What gives you energy after chemo?

Drinking lots of fluids and eating well can help keep your energy reserves up. If nausea and vomiting make it hard to eat, talk to your doctor about these side effects. Get moving. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, riding a bike and swimming, throughout the week may help you preserve your energy level.
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How many days after chemo do you feel better?

Nausea, vomiting, and taste changes

You may experience nausea (feeling like you might throw up) and vomiting (throwing up) after your last chemotherapy treatment. It should go away in 2 to 3 weeks. Your appetite may continue to be affected due to taste changes you may have experienced during your treatment.
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Can I use deodorant during chemo?

The study found that using antiperspirants doesn't increase the amount of radiation delivered to the skin.
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How do you wash clothes after chemotherapy?

Any clothes or sheets that have body fluids on them should be washed in your washing machine – not by hand. Wash them in warm water with regular laundry detergent. Do not wash them with other clothes. If they can't be washed right away, seal them in a plastic bag.
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What do you wear on your head during chemo?

Scarves and hats are an easy, comfortable way to hide your hair loss, help keep you warm, and protect you from the sun. Many people who lose their hair due to chemotherapy or other breast cancer treatments discover that scarves and hats are the easiest, most comfortable, and versatile head coverings.
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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.
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What makes chemo patients feel better?

Stay hydrated

Diarrhea, vomiting and other chemotherapy side effects can cause you to become dehydrated. Not only can this cause you to have low energy, but it can also cause other health issues. So, be sure to drink plenty of water during your treatment. Decaffeinated tea, juices and milk can also help.
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Is sleeping good for chemo patients?

During cancer treatment, the need for sleep may increase some, as the body repairs itself. Most people need from 7-9 hours of sleep.
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What is the best food after chemo?

Suggested foods
  • Cream of wheat, oatmeal and plain rice and corn cereals.
  • Canned fruits, nectars and applesauce.
  • White rice, pasta and potatoes without skin.
  • Sandwiches on white bread.
  • Soups without cream.
  • Cheese and crackers, graham crackers and peanut butter.
  • Eggs.
  • Jell-O and popsicles.
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How do you stay strong during chemo?

Six ways to stay strong during chemo
  1. Boost your nutrition. Eating a healthy diet helps you deal with side effects and fight infections. ...
  2. Stay well hydrated. Chemotherapy can be dehydrating. ...
  3. Tackle physical changes. ...
  4. Avoid germs. ...
  5. Keep exercising. ...
  6. Get your R&R.
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What are good foods for chemo nausea?

Eat bland foods, such as dry toast and crackers. Eat food cold or at room temperature to decrease its smell and taste. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy, or very sweet foods. Try small amounts of foods high in calories that are easy to eat (such as pudding, ice cream, sherbets, yogurt, and milkshakes) several times a day.
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What is the best candy for chemo patients?

12. Hard candy: Dry mouth can be a side effect from treatment, but hard candy can help. Try ginger candies or lemon drops, which may satisfy your sweet tooth and combat nausea, too.
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Is orange juice OK to drink during chemo?

Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as lemons, limes, tomato sauce, oranges, and orange juice. Try moist, bland foods such as oatmeal, pudding, and custards.
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Is it OK to drink orange juice during chemotherapy?

Water gives fluid; soups give salt (sodium); juices give potassium, and other drinks and watery foods give calories. Acid juices like orange juice can be irritating to your already sensitive stomach. Orange flavored drinks are fine.
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What day is the hardest after chemo?

Around the third day following a chemotherapy treatment, some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and pains. If you experience these aches, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil. If necessary, contact your doctor for stronger medication.
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What days are you most vulnerable after chemo?

Find out from your doctor when your white blood cell count is likely to be lowest, since this is when you're most at risk for infection. This usually occurs between 7 and 12 days after you finish each chemotherapy dose, and may last as long as one week.
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Does each round of chemo get harder?

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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