Tips
Food & Water
I
have tried to pick up things to help alleviate any side affects from
the chemo and lot's of info is to be found.
1)Foods with ginger in them including fizzy ginger ale, ginger cakes or any other food that contains ginger. Ginger helps with nausea and settles the stomach.
2)I am trying to take in lot's of protein like Chicken, Almonds, Lentils,
Sunflower Hearts, Pork and Mackrel.
2) I drink about 2-3 pints of boiled and cooled water every day to help the kidneys flush out all the dead cells and to help keep hydrated.
4) Eat high calorific foods as keeping weight is very important on several counts.
5.) You may find you crave certain foods. This is normal and something that you can allow yourself to indulge in, however fatty!
Hygiene
1) Anti viral and anti bacterial hand washes regularly also but this will not replace hand washing.
2) Using kitchen roll or some other disposable item that is used and then thrown away straight after rather than using cotton towels, this includes drying hands and washing up cutlery and dishes although tea towels are in use but changed regularly.
3) Anti bacteria wipes over computer keys, remote controls and mice are used inc car dash board and steering wheel, door handles in the home and banister rails.
4) Bathing regularly is important as bacteria from your own skin can cause infection.
Mouth Issues
I use a few different mouth washes (beware the listerine and such brands as they contain alcohol)
1)Corsodyl for every day washes
2) Difflam mouth rinse is very powerful and has anesthetic properties.
3) Saline mouth wash which can be used regularly throughout the day
4) Keeping teeth in good health with regular brushing and flossing in particular has proved very good at helping oral problems.
5) I was recommended a soft small brush to brush with but to be honest I have continued to use my electric sonic toothbrush without problem. 6) Also it is well worth visiting a dentist before any treatments as treatments during chemo or radiotherapy can be troublesome
Skin
I found that my skin did dry out and looked like a 70 year olds. Lots of water
1) Use good quality moisturising creams regularly.
2) My lips cracked and became sore so again a moisturising lip balm is very helpful
3) During any radiotherapy use aqueous cream well before you begin your therapy to stop severe dry skin and itching.
Nausea
1) Products with ginger in them are often very good as this settles the stomach.
2) The anti sickness tablets given by your hospital team are very good. I was given two types and but I only used the the first lot.
3) Eat little and often
Vitamins
Please always seek medical advice before you start taking any supplements.
1) B50 tablets for helping my mouth recover due to a few issues after radiotherapy.
2) B5 helps form antibodies
3) B6 cancer immunity properties as well as relieve allergies.
4) B12 Helps prevent anemia, helps prevent nerve damage and helps fertility
Temperature
Take note of what the chemo nurses tell you about what temps to look out for and what to do if/when those temps arise
1) Buy a good quality thermometer like a Braun thermoscan in ear version. very easy and quick to use.
2) Avoid the stick on head thermometers
3) Don't hesitate to do what is needed if your temp goes above the "danger" temp as you WILL go poorly very quickly due to the possibility of an infection.