Tips for Physical Side Effects from Cancer or Chemotherapy

It's all going to be ok. Push youself, but don't go behond your physical barrier. If you need to gain weight, take an extra bite. If you need to lose, take one less bite and do a couple jumping jacks a day.

As bad as the chemo my be for you just know that living is worh it.

For nausea I would say to suck on some ginger candies, it works for awhile. Also I got a band for my wrist that sent little electric shocks to my vein in my wrist up to my brain, it was really helpful during chemotherapy.

Lemon drops hard candy really helps when your taste buds have gone funny.

Live by faith. Pray or meditate. Use convention medicine as well as complementary medical modalities and supplements such as the herb Ginger for digestive system problems related to the chemo/cancer.

Make sure to avoid hard to digest meats (especially pork) and instead eat steamed vegetables or soup. Miso soup is very soothing.

Relax and let others help you.

Rest

Rest, rest, more rest and prayer.

Take a good probiotic daily if possible.

There are supplements, like Coriolus Versicolor, that have proven to be an adjunt to chemo that help rebuild the immune system and reduce nausia.

There is no chemo or radiation for my cancer

take it one day at a time. and ask for meds to get you through the tough times.

Ask your doctors.

Be sure to take something for nasuea (Zofran), eat a lot and stay active, don't waste your days in bed.

Be vocal and an active participant in your treatment. Voice your concerns to your treatment team. Every question is a good question.

Great Nutrition, Enjoy your Solitude, and Fellowship with Positive People.

Hmm to try and exercise as much as possible without overdoing it.

I've read working out does help fight it a lot; I'll be trying it out and letting everyone know the results.

prilosec was my best friend

keep living

Keep praying, never give up.

keep smiling never give in ,

Rest

Support/Support/Support

try to get up everyday and walk a little.

Be glad you're alive to experience them

Bland diet, sitz baths, take your drugs...nobody gets extra credit for suffering.

canker cover for mouth sours

Change your diet! No sugar. No processed foods. Limit fats and animal proteins. Meditate. Yoga. Pilates. EXCERCISE.

get your rest, don't push yourself

Give yourself time, rest and self-indulgence and a caregiver

Look for natural remedies, they have worked for me!

lots of rest & aloe

Meditation and visualization

Never stop asking and researching

one day at a time

Positive patience

Read all the blogs here. Everyone has something to say.

rest when you need to, but keep exercizing if you can. I found Tai Chi energizing and was able to let go of my anxiety when doing it

Take it one day at a time

take lot's of drugs just kidding they did'nt work at all.

Take the anti-nausea meds before you go into treatment; stay ahead of your pain - don't be afraid to take the pain meds when you need them and don't wait until it is excruciating.

the Chemo cause chest pain, bloating, did not seem to ever drain from the body.

keep moving

Keep the environment positive and always be happy and look on the bright side

ativan definitely recommended for the day your mask is made and treatment days. The mask is very tight and confining and I never had problems with claustrophobia in he past

Build up immune system with naturopath

Hair is not that important!

Just relax and keep a positive attitude.

lots of nausea meds.

One hour at a time, literally.

Stay fit. I would never had healed if i wasnt.

Try to be as positive as possible! anger is very destructive!!!

tumeric for headaches from radiation

Acknowledge it and find good distractions...cry if you must; it is a great release of tension.

Allow yourself to sleep.

Ask GOD for grace & mercy every day.

be gentle on your body, set up to succeed - drink lots of lemon and water, watermelon. watch comedy on tv, listen to positive music, listen to guided meditation

Big Red gum works for metal mouth! Don't be stubborn and take the meds that are supposed to help you feel better. Hydrate! Laugh whenever you can. Drink water, hydrate and then drink more water.

Breathe

compassion

Days you feel like it, shower and put on clothes that make you feel good. Nap when you need to. Take walks when you can. Do what relaxes you.

Do everything your doctor tells you to do.

Don't be afraid to talk to oncologist about switching hormone therapy drug

Don't eat chocolate if you have heartburn, keep a glass of water with a straw next to your bed, also for hot flashed I keep a cotton t-shirt in bed so when the sweating starts the t-shirt is cool and also absorbs the sweat

Don´t get ashamed, you've already got enough going on.

Drink green tea and MOVE! Get up and move everyday, walk, bike something but move

drink lots and lots of water, gargle with baking soda after every meal; lemon drops for nausea and metallic taste

eat and drink whatever tastes good - it's hard to eat "right" when you feel so crappy. If all you can handle is popsicles today - then eat popsicles!!!

Educate yourself and ask for help and attention. I felt empowered when I found the RadiaplexRx product on the Internet and my doctor let me use itl. Now he recommends it.

Every treatment ,just think this is one less.

Expect them. Take your antinausea meds!! Sleep but also get outside even to just sit and have a different view. If you can do anything physical, DO IT!

get A bigger bed

Give yourself time to rest and recharge your battery. Let others help you, even if it drives you crazy. You cannot be Superwoman now!

Go Herbal...for nausia drink fresh ginger grated in hot water.

Good nutrition: High protein diet, lots of water, limit sweets & alcohol

Have faith

Hot baths, heating pad, exercise at least by walking

Hydrate during chemo, with water and Gatorade.

I have several wigs

I wrote about my approach and dealing with emotions in a an uplifting book "Mirror Makeovers & Savvy Insights for the Everyday Gal Surviving Cancer & Baldness with a Sense of Humor" it is helping many.

Just live one second at a time.

Just remember...each day is one more day down to being done with it.

Lemon drops and dried ginger help with the nausea. Rest, sleep, and rest.

Listen to your treatment team, they are the experts.

lots of sugar free mints drink lots of water even if you don't want to

massage

Medicinal Marijuana or marinol if its not legal in your state

MEDITATE

Meditation

One day at a time.

Only live in the NOW.

Pink Pockets - patient drain pockets for drains after surgery

Rest as much as you can!

Rest, Red popsicles and crap tv. :)

Rest....eat chicken noodle soup...read...watch funny movies!

see "I'm just sayin' Revisited"; liquids, walks; talking/listening

SLEEP

Sleep and eat well. Do what makes you feel good.

Stay active and do what you enjoy. Remember a positive mind can do the most healing!

Stay active.

Stay positive and Love Much!

Stay prayerful and full of good thoughts. Stay focused on healing, and think positive

take advice from others

Take it easy - one step at a time

Take it easy when you don't feel 100% and never feel obligated to do anything or go anywhere when you don't feel up to it.

Take the meds and try to stay ahead of the nausea...once you're nauseous, it's too late!

talk to your doctor, research, know when to call for help

This too shall pass

Try to always be positive and do not be afraid to rely on family and friends for help. If you're in pain ask the doctor for medication. Don't be afraid to say how your feeling.

Try to rest as often as you can & eat healthy food lots of fruits & vegies . Talk to people in your situation it helps to know how others feel & to have someone explaintheir treatments.

walk, run, walk, run, yoga,...move your little toe...focus..get out of bed

wish i had an answer for this one

take it one day at a time and know this too shall pass

Always have plastic bags with you!!! Nausea is awful

Ask for pain meds.

Don't be ashamed to cry.

Don't brush anything off. If you feel that it could be something, have it checked out. Talk about it. Never stop exercising--movement is important to survival, even if it is just a few minutes here and there!

for nausea: smaller more frequent meals. meds, if they work. if they dont work tell your doc and ask for a different med to try. keep trying till they find the one that does work.

Get lots of rest and rest whenever you want whether it's convenient or not to other members of your family. Don't feel guilty for not feeling like or being able to do the things you used to do before you took ill. This is the time to be selfish and take care of "you".

Get plenty of rest, don't worry about financial matters, focus on your health!

I didn't really suffer too many physical side effects. I did do weekly accupunture and lots of prayer.

nashia pills, sleep and lots of pain meds

Plenty of rest and exercise to your tolerance. Eat healthy

rest rest rest

Stay HeadSrong

Still trying to figure that out on my own.

there is always someone more alone and with more pain in the waiting room, focus on bringing them a smile

Try and stay positive. Remember the treatments are temporary

Communicate with others that have been there

Sleep and stay hydrated

anti-nausea meds are a must, lots of sleep and liquids

As hard as it may be just know that light is at the end of the tunnel

ask yourself what is your job to do today?

Carry on....

Drink lots of fluids, Get as much rest as you can, keep moving.

Drink lots of water. eat small meals Rest

eat small frequent meals, stay hydrated

Exercise seems key. Due to the colostomy I can't do a whole lot except walking. I try to get up and take a walk every day, even if I don't feel like it.

Get plenty of rest

Have faith....

Have lots of meals made before hand because you won't feel like cooking!

I had pancreatitis and it was extremly painful. My pain was to the right side of my ribcage and wouldn't go away. When I had chemo it would start again. I learned when the pain first started to stop eating and drink little and it the pain would lessen. If I went to the doctor they would admit me so I learned real quickly how to treat at home.

it is hard dealing with the side effects. but do try to live life normally as u can cause if u dont u will be brought down.

Keep a journal, and communicate with your doctors as soon as the side effects start.

Keep busy and set challenges. www.bananagiraffes.com is my challenge to myself

Keep laughing. Attitude is everything. Don't stress about outside crap...take care of YOU

learn to enjoy the sensations

Listen to your doctors and nurses because if they are worth their weight, they will tell you eveything you need to know and they will tell you to call them anytime with any questions or concerns. They will tell you that you do not have to suffer! Also, if your insurance company has a plan like mine for cancer patients, sign up for it. I have a nurse, or nurses that call and check on me regularly, and offer me advice about how to handle medications, what to eat to help the process, or what not to do. Often, THOSE oncology nurses have called me before my scheduled appointments so I'm well informed.

listen to your physicians and nurses and do exactly what they say

Lots of ginger!

massages, Therapy, eat lots of healthy veggies and soups, drink plenty of water get rid of all the negative things and negatve family and friends

Oral hygiene is very important to ensure mouth / throat sores do not get worse. Get plenty of rest in the days following treatment. Get a glutamine supplement, which will boost your energy levels and reduce the effects (sores, fatigue) of chemo-/ radio-therapy. Even if you do not have the appetite, you must eat. Think of what you like to eat, and eat that! Spread out meals over the day, eat when you can and when you feel like it. Eat in small quantities. If you have difficulty swallowing, drink cold liquids, blended juices and soups. Ice cream is a wonderful treat, and can be blended with fresh fruits!

Patience, Patience and patience...

Remember that you do not have to suffer with the side effects. There are medications that will help and it might take a few tries to get the right combination.

Rest up' but get out and get some fresh air and move your body.

Rest when needed but also push yourself to workout when you can. Short walks, stretches, non-aerobic activities like lifting light weights. When you are physically healthy it is easier to recover.stay engaged with friends, activities and work if you can.

rest, and ask for help

Rest. Rest. Rest. Most importantly, nourish your body or else you will land yourself in the hospital with dehydration.

So good so far - 1st time today

Support your body with good proper nutrition throughout the healing process.

Think positive, Find something to do with your mind when you feel bad (I play online poker and win $)

This too shall pass

tkae anti nausea pills before nausea takes a hold - similar with pain killers - there are no medals for bravery with this disease!

try to keep smiling through all of this; no matter how bad you feel

Try to stay active, drink fluids, and eat higher quality foods if you can handle it

drink drink drink for me is the difference between feeling sick for 2 days or a week

Know it is not like in on TV or in the movies it is not as bad as that much of the time no puking no emaciated appearance

Lots of guiltless rest, healthy food and more sleep. A minimum of smells that are anything other than just clean. Take your own pillow to the chemo suite, no matter what the nurses say.

Rest, drink plenty of fluids

Sleep...Sleep...Sleep & Phenergan

Help me see if this is right for me.

take your mind off them

Eat right. Get to know your body. Educate yourself about your specific type of cancer.

Just get used to it and remember its all to help you get cured. :)

Prayer and patience.

Take all and any help that is offered. People will ask, and if you tell them no, they probably won't ask again.

Take all anti-nausea meds religiously, don't skip them if you feel ok.

take meds as directed and get out of the house and laugh at the "poor pitiful her" stares

Use your anti-nausea medication around the clock! And get as much sleep as you can!

Chicken Soup! Among many other things.

Dealing with this phyicaly and mentaly should be done with a warriors mind set

Get out and walk!

Ginger eases the stomach, hot baths help with achey bones.

It is tough. listen to your own body. it is telling you things.

stand by

Stay active when possible, keep muscles moving and relaxed, lots of stretching or yoga.

Take coloxyl with senna one or two days before treatment. Have a heat pack and a perscription for endone

Try not to focus on the pain ... it only makes it hurt worse. I as filled my room with pictures and trinkets of flying birds. It reminded me not to stay grounded because the illness - and to let my soul ... my spirit fly. It always, still does help in every aspect of life.

BRAT diet, graham crackers, homemade protein fruit smoothies, dailey logs of 10 days of radiation,difficult to say what side effects were from

Stay close to your friends and family and Pray alot

Water. I'm also making him drink Noni and cranberry juice - he thinks I'm silly.

Dont be afraid to call your doctor and ask for help

dont bury yourself in the pain meds...feel some of the pain and feel alive!!

Have a strong support system with family and friends

i will tell you

stay hydrated

???

For joint pain, hot bath, spa, benedryl, icy hot or ben gay. Try to move around, don't stay in bed.

Make sure you talk to dietitian and doctor about how to get nutrients and avoid nausea

Wigs, Look good and feel better program, Hats

You tell me!

Keep your sense of humor.Help others smile it comes back when you need help.

Scars never go away. But they are only skin deep.

Get the right combination of meds to help fight the pain, you are not supposed to fight it with the right meds.

Keep smiling and laugh A LOT

its ok to cry, but know that this to will pass

get a support group or talk to someone who has been through it

Champagne is great for nausea!

Drink fluids and rest.

Drink lots of water, rest when you are tired, eat healthy foods to maintain energy

Eat healthy foods, don't feel sorry for yourself and eat sugar or processed meals, it'll only make you feel worse. Drink tons of water, clear those toxins! Rest.

eat oatmeal, flax and vitamin d...no constipation

Everyone told me to stay in bed...I'm not the type to sit on my butt all day, so I walked more than I layed.

exercise, let friends help you

grin and bare it!!

HAVE NOT STARTED ANY THEARPY FEAR THAT ALL THIS MESSING AROUND WILL MAKE IT TOO LATE FOR ANY HELP

I don't know where to turn.

if having r chop,eat bananas,sleep,keep moving when you can,walk in the fresh air,dont do any cooking,get other people to do it for you,give your self a brake,

Meditation and rest

Neulasta-premedicate with aleve 2 hours prior to injection. Take the zofran so you can keep eatting and drinking. When your body says go to bed, go to bed. Eat yogurt-choibani has tons of protein and easy to tolerate..great for gut and vaginal problems.

None, you tell me.

patience, lots of patience

Pray

Probiotics are a must - take everyday - even through chemo! Take a very high dose - I take one that has a total of 50 billion!

Read, read, and read. And ask as many questions as you want of your docs.

Report every side effect and ask your doctor for help. Make sure you are sleeping, every night.

Rest, sleep, eat, have no guilt.

So far keep the mind and body as active as possible.

Stay positive, stay strong, keep yourself busy. STRESS breeds cancer. So, to recover and start a fresh beginning...be selfish and stay STRESS free if possible. I'm dealing with two deaths in the family along with my diagnoses. It's my nature to be there helping my family recover. I've had to learn to be selfish...which is so against my nature. But, the two days I spent helping everyone. I spent 3 days with a total relapse. So, I learned the hard way.

Learning as I go I will try to update blog

One day at a time - meditate and stay focused

You have to dig deep. I don't know how bad it can get but if you can move you should. You have to fight harder than the disease.

Acupunture

BUY HATS LOTS OF HATS

dont feel guilty if you dont get out of bed

get lots of rest... keep a positive attitude... write... and PRAY.

Just hold on, it will get better, it takes time, so be patient.

Keep active. Go for walks.

Keep that last treatment date in sight

look in the mirror, breathe and thank God for another beautiful day... don't EVER let cancer break your spirit, you will always be you and what really gets me through is thinking that i'll be proving all those statistics wrong.. i'll LIVE

To early for me to give tips yet, but if I can I will soon.

Try and get some pot.

always think positive if u dont everything seems so much worse it is amazing if u have a smile on ur face how many smile back at u

diet, supplements, acupuncture

Do not lie in bed all day!

everyone reacts different, just be honest with yourself with how you are feeling on a dailey basis

stay strong, it won't last forever, it will pass!

Listen to your body. If you're tired, rest. Talk to your doctor about bothersome effects.

Get on the internet, Research everything

Keep your eye not on the side effects but on the main event: Life

Try and hold your head high and remember you didn't ask for this crappy stuff.

Don't leave the hospital thinking you will be fine. Make sure you will be fine even after you leave.

Drink at least 12 glasses of water a day, to ensure inner hydration and release toxins.

Fluids with electrolytes and little snacks often work well when nauseous (if able). Rest whenever you can!

get a good naturopath! I love mine, she made my first round of chemo nearly side effect free...the second round was brutal, but the naturopathic stuff did make a difference there too.

Get plenty of rest and take care of yourself

Humor, Peace, Medicine

Prayer and love

Keep active. Research shows that exercise can help allivate the side affects of chemo. Keep on moving.

Stay fit and exercise alot. Eat relevant foods as prescribed by your doc

take ur meds

Be strong. I lucked out and got demerol before my treatments, so I felt nothing but good during the actual sessions

I am just starting to recieve treatment Nov 8, 2001

I do not have that answer yet

Just stay focused on the end game and how happy you'll be when it's over

Always look on the bright side for your family and friends will always be there for you and your family. God will prevail and has a plan for all of us.

Don't be brave and try not to take the medicine to counteract the side affects

I know that when you're dealing with cancer, life seems to be at a stand still. but I think that being aware, arming yourself with information, and keeping positive are life savers, and sanity savers.

put your knees down and your head up!

Take non salted saltines with you to snack on while doing chemo.

Trust your instincts!

Wear your scar like a badge of honor!

Yoga breathing techniques

Give the fight all you've got because it is worth the battle and you can win the war!

Keep eating something, otherwise you will get weaker and weaker (I ended up at 102 pounds)

Lot's of prayer

Be positive... as hard as it is!

Be strong and have faith

Don't try to rush anything in recovery .. One day at a time..

Drink lots of water before and after chemo. Follow people in this blog. Loads of info and support here!

Embrace your side effects!(tip for me also)

Faith

Get the feeding tube early. You will not be eating after a few weeks of radiation.

Hang in there. Amazing how the body adapts over time.

Keep Swallowing stay hydrated swallow some more stay hydrated

Positive attitude, meditation, management of energy, spiritual healing

Stay focused and maintain your nutrition levels

The treatment will end and it does get better.

Too many to list and still learning.