I have seen a few chemo goers post blogs with tips on how they have gotten through this difficult time. I thought I would share a few tips of my own that have helped me get through treatment so far.
1. Water
Keeping hydrated is key. After an infusion of chemo water can taste awful. I always add a couple of drops lemon and barley cordial to help get it down because it is important to stay hydrated.
2. Take your meds correctly-
Always follow instructions and stay on schedule. Use your reminder setting on your phone to stay up to date.
3. Moderate exercise
It is easy to get lazy when you have chemo cause you feel like absolute ass most of the time. Mild exercise has been a saving grace for me during chemo. You don’t need to work out crazily to get the positive effects of exercise. Exercise releases endorphins and makes you feel good. Yoga, slow walks and just taking the stairs when you can all helps.
4. Lavender oil
It is an amazing what a nice smell can do to your mental state. Put it on your pillow cases, in a diffuser, use it to massage your hands, anywhere! It’s juts so calming and yummy.
5. Balance
It is important to keep a good steady weight during chemo but remember, you are having a hard time so eat what you want but try to keep everything in moderation. A Maccas here and there isn’t going to hurt.
6. Working
Everyone has different severity of treatment so not everyone is able to work but this has been amazing for me mentally. If you can, keep working it helps to pass the days and gives you purpose.
7. Have someone take you to chemo and to appointments
Don’t go alone, have someone who can take you even if they can’t stay. They can just settle you in and pick you up. At catch up meetings you tend to get a lot of information thrown at you. It is great if you have a buddy who can help you re call the information.
8. Set small goals
Organise something nice for the weekend before your next chemo cause that is usually when you are feeling your best. Having something to look forward too can make all the difference during treatment.
9. Keep a diary
Write down your symptoms and how you feel mentally during every cycle. This a good way to re call to your oncologist at catch ups. Chemo brain can make you forget a lot of things so having it written down helps a lot.
10. Rest
You are not physically or mentally as strong during chemo. Don’t let yourself get sick, look after mental and physical health during treatment. Wash your hands between meals, don't get in crowded areas where there are a lot of germs and eat wisely. Low immunity means your more to germs and if you do get sick there is a risk of postponing treatment. Let's not drag this on any longer than we need too right?
So those are a few things that have helped me during my time doing chemo. Every cancer story is different and not all of these tips will help you, but these are some starting points :).