Chemotherapy is one of the most effective cancer treatments. Unfortunately, it does come with some unpleasant side effects of its own. However, there are some strategies you can use to lessen their impact. Here are some tips for dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy.
Develop a Strategic Diet
Developing a strategic diet is one of the effective ways to manage your chemotherapy side effects. Nausea and vomiting are two significant side effects of chemotherapy that you may experience during treatment. While these effects can disrupt your daily life, there are a few ways to manage them. Your diet impacts how your body deals with nausea and vomiting, so you’ll want to develop a diet that works positively with these side effects rather than against them. For example, you can eat several smaller meals daily instead of three large ones. You can also avoid strong-smelling and fried or fatty foods that can induce nausea. Try to eat slowly and take your time with your meals so your stomach can settle.
Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure
The second strategy for dealing with chemotherapy’s side effects is avoiding too much sun exposure. During and after chemotherapy treatment, you may experience increased sunlight sensitivity. Therefore, it’s essential to protect yourself and your skin. For example, you can start by staying out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest throughout the day. You should also apply a strong SPF sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors. You can wear clothing and hats that shield your face and skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun to prevent sun damage.
Consult With a Medical Professional
Consulting with a medical professional is another helpful way to manage the effects of your cancer treatment. One of the most critical steps to take after a diagnosis is contacting and consulting with a doctor or medical professional. A trained oncologist can give you guidance and helpful tips on the best methods and steps to take during and after treatment to achieve the best quality of life. They can help you understand how to deal with challenging chemotherapy side effects and what you need to do to manage them effectively. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions and get clear answers and solutions during this time.
Keep these tips for managing chemotherapy side effects in mind as you go through treatment. The more steps you take to deal with and manage your side effects, the easier it will be to complete your chemotherapy treatment. If you’re caring for a loved one going through chemotherapy, be sure to follow important self-care tips to ensure you can provide the support they need.
Dianne Pajo is a Certified Personal Trainer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her outdoors and performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.