Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects

Anti-nausea medicines work best when taken on schedule, starting before chemotherapy and continuing for the days afterward as prescribed. Waiting until you feel sick makes nausea harder to control. Eating small, bland meals, sipping fluids often, and avoiding strong smells can help. If nausea or vomiting keeps you from drinking enough fluids, call your team. Different medications can be tried, and dehydration can affect kidney function, which matters with platinum drugs. Ginger candies or plain crackers help some people between meals. Let your team know if a medicine makes you drowsy or constipated, because alternatives exist. Noting when nausea occurs helps adjust the plan for future cycles.

Chemotherapy can lower white blood cells, which fight infection. Your team checks blood counts before each cycle. Between visits, a fever may be the first sign of a serious infection. Ask your team what temperature should prompt a call, and keep a thermometer at home. Wash hands often, avoid people who are sick, and take care with food safety. Low red cells can cause tiredness and breathlessness, and low platelets can cause easy bruising. In some situations, your team may prescribe medicine to support blood counts. Keep emergency contacts handy and know which hospital to use if a fever occurs after hours.

Fatigue often peaks in the week after treatment. Planning rest and important activities around this pattern helps. Mouth sores can be eased with gentle oral care and rinses recommended by your team. Constipation may come from anti-nausea medicines, while diarrhea can also occur. Keep track of bowel habits and report changes. A rash can occur with pemetrexed, which is one reason steroids may be prescribed. Tracking symptoms in a simple diary helps your team adjust support. Report any tingling in the hands or feet. Staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods can help keep bowels regular.

1. 1

   Take anti-nausea medicines on the schedule given, even if you feel well.

2. 2

   Ask your team which temperature should prompt an urgent call and keep a thermometer nearby.

3. 3

   Keep a daily symptom diary for the first week after each infusion.

4. 4

   Report vomiting, diarrhea or poor fluid intake the same day it begins.