Chemotherapy Tips

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This web site or any of the links from it are not intended as a replacement for medical care. To this end we are unable to offer any information regarding specific medical conditions/diagnosis. Every effort has been made to make sure the info on this site is accurate CHORLEYS ANGELS can’t accept liability for any of the information supplied by the links on this site. Chorleys Angels is not a charity, neither is it able to offer monetary assistance for visitors suffering financial hardship as a result of their diagnosis.

The following tips/advice may help you during and after your chemotherapy. No two people or treatment are alike and as a result of this side effects can vary greatly person to person. All opinions expressed are my own, based on personal experience unless otherwise stated - please disregard the notes that do not apply to you. None of the points listed are meant as a replacement to Medical Care. Please check with your Breast Care Nurse or Consultant prior to using any of the advice on this site.

Please note treatments may have changed since these tips were written

If you would like to add to these points please contact CHORLEYS ANGELS

- Never have chemotherapy on an empty stomach

-Ice Lollies are very refreshing and soothe the throat

-Eat a mint or boiled sweet when the chemo is being administered this will help mask the strange metallic taste

-Use baby products on your hair and keep blow drying and vigorous styling to a minimum

-Be aware of all the side effects but, don’t dwell on them deal with them as and when they occur

-Don’t suffer in silence check with the hospital or Breast Care Nurse if there is anything you can do or take to alleviate any of the side effects you may be experiencing

- Should you suffer with constipation during treatment no amount of water, fruit or healthy eating will alleviate this problem talk to your GP who will be able to offer a solution

-Sipping Peppermint tea or Ginger Tea can help if nauseous

-Try not to compare yourself with other patients no two cases or treatments are alike

-Rest when your body tells you to rest

-Drink water during and after treatment

-Avoid Alcohol

-Aloe Vera Juice can be soothing if your are experiencing digestion problems (not particularly pleasant to drink though) Seek advice first

-Fresh Pineapple can help with the prevention/healing of mouth ulcers

-Don’t be afraid to ask for help

-Contact CancerBACUP for literature associated with your chemotherapy, it may guide you to ask questions about the treatment & recovery etc.,

-Should you experience digestion problems Liquidising food can help.

-If hair loss is associated with your treatment and it is your intention to get a wig , try and go before you lose your hair as it will make it easier to match the wig with your normal hair colour. If you have long hair consider having your hair cut in a shorter style

- Wessex Cancer Trust do an good leaflet on How to cope with Hair Loss (No.15 in their Help Yourself series) contact them for more information via Email

-Take a companion and a good book when you are having treatment in a day unit

-Should you suffer from acid indigestion (especially at night) try to sleep in a semi upright position and speak to your GP about indigestion remedies

-Don’t forget to send a card and chocolates to all the staff you have screamed at during your treatment!