I started chemotherapy on Monday for breast cancer and wondered if anyone has got any good tips to get through it please. I have felt terribly sick and am trying to drink a lot
the other forum user has provided some very helpful suggestions which may help ease your symptoms.
It is a bit of trial and error working out the best medication and diet to help control your symptoms. It is important to let your team at the hospital know about the sickness that you have experienced so they can adjust your anti sickness medication at your next appointment. Everyone is so different and what works for one person does not always work for another.
Small frequent meals can help as nausea can be worse on an empty stomach. Some patients keep a tin of biscuits by their bedside which they can nibble on if they are feeling nauseas. Ginger biscuits may be helpful.
We have some general tips on sickness and what can help which you can seehere
Chemotherapy can have an effect on your taste buds making food taste bland or metallic. It really is a question about working out what works for you. Some people find that ginger can be beneficial for nausea. You can buy fresh ginger which you can add to boiling water. Thinly slicing a few pieces which you can add to the water may be helpful. Plain boiled sweets can also help. Sometimes sucking ice lollies may help with the sickness or even chips of ice.
It is important to drink regularly which is what it sounds like you are doing but try to do it throughout the day.
If your symptoms continue before your next appointment then do get in touch with your team at the hospital for advice. You have probably been given a helpline number to ring in emergencies and if you have persisting symptoms it is important to let them know.
If you have a Maggie Centre near you you may find it helpful to access some of their courses. they have online or face to face courses which may include diet and nutrition whilst having chemotherapy. Have a look at their details here
I hope that as time goes on the symptoms will get better. It does take time to adjust to having chemotherapy but it is important to try and manage the symptoms as best you can. Taking regular exercise can also help.
If you would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the nurses on the helpline then you are welcome to do so. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
the other forum user has provided some very helpful suggestions which may help ease your symptoms.
It is a bit of trial and error working out the best medication and diet to help control your symptoms. It is important to let your team at the hospital know about the sickness that you have experienced so they can adjust your anti sickness medication at your next appointment. Everyone is so different and what works for one person does not always work for another.
Small frequent meals can help as nausea can be worse on an empty stomach. Some patients keep a tin of biscuits by their bedside which they can nibble on if they are feeling nauseas. Ginger biscuits may be helpful.
We have some general tips on sickness and what can help which you can seehere
Chemotherapy can have an effect on your taste buds making food taste bland or metallic. It really is a question about working out what works for you. Some people find that ginger can be beneficial for nausea. You can buy fresh ginger which you can add to boiling water. Thinly slicing a few pieces which you can add to the water may be helpful. Plain boiled sweets can also help. Sometimes sucking ice lollies may help with the sickness or even chips of ice.
It is important to drink regularly which is what it sounds like you are doing but try to do it throughout the day.
If your symptoms continue before your next appointment then do get in touch with your team at the hospital for advice. You have probably been given a helpline number to ring in emergencies and if you have persisting symptoms it is important to let them know.
If you have a Maggie Centre near you you may find it helpful to access some of their courses. they have online or face to face courses which may include diet and nutrition whilst having chemotherapy. Have a look at their details here
I hope that as time goes on the symptoms will get better. It does take time to adjust to having chemotherapy but it is important to try and manage the symptoms as best you can. Taking regular exercise can also help.
If you would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the nurses on the helpline then you are welcome to do so. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
