Important things to keep in mind while going through chemotherapy treatment
Chemotherapy is a usual way to treat cancer. It means giving special medicines to kill the bad cancer cells in the body. But, while it can work well, it also brings some problems. These medicines hurt both the bad cancer cells and the good cells, making you feel different in your body and your mind. You might feel like throwing up, lose your hair, feel very tired, get sick, and even feel worried or sad. After you’re done with all the chemotherapy, you need to take good care of yourself to feel better, heal up, and get back to being well again.
Eating Balanced Diet and Stay Hydrated:
Having a balanced diet and drinking enough water are ways to help your body stay strong and heal. Chemotherapy can make it hard for your body to take in and use the good things from food. The healthy cells in your stomach that soak up good stuff might get hurt by chemotherapy. So, eating healthy food is extra important now. Try to eat lots of fruits and veggies, lean meats, whole grains, and good fats. Stay away from packaged foods, sugary drinks, and having too much alcohol.
Exercise Regularly
Before beginning a workout plan after chemo, talk to your doctor first. Begin with easy things like walking, stretching, and yoga. Then, make things a bit harder and last a bit longer over time. Always pay attention to your body. Take rests when needed, and wear the right clothes and shoes. If you feel pain, can’t breathe well, get dizzy, or have other problems, pause exercising and talk to your doctor.
Besides planned exercises, adding physical activity to your daily routine is also good. This could be doing gardening, house chores, or walking instead of using a car. Remember, even a little bit of activity is better than none. Do things you like and fit them into your everyday routine. Studies have found that exercising can lower the chance of cancer coming back, make life better, make muscles stronger, and lower the risk of other ongoing diseases like heart problems and diabetes.
Taking Rest
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can make you very tired, and this can make sleeping well a bit tricky. Try to sleep for about 7 to 8 hours every night. Avoid using phones or watching TV before sleep. Make your bedroom comfy by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. During the day, it’s good to be active, as this can help you sleep better at night. Taking short naps in the daytime can also help you feel less tired and more energetic. Take short, relaxing breaks during the day to recharge. If you’re having trouble sleeping, your doctor might suggest changes in what you do or give you some medicine to help you sleep better.
Managing Stress:
After chemotherapy, it’s important to handle stress to keep your body and mind healthy. Here are some good ways:
- Mindfulness Meditation: This means focusing on what’s happening right now and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judging them.
- Deep Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help calm your body. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Yoga: Doing yoga can make you more flexible and strong, and it also helps you feel less stressed and anxious.
- Exercise: Moving your body regularly can help lower stress, make you feel happier, and give you more energy.
- Doing Creative Stuff: Things like painting, writing, or playing music can help you relax.
- Being with Loved Ones: Spending time with family and friends, and joining social things, can make you less stressed and happier.
- Managing Time: Organizing your tasks and setting goals that make sense can help you get more done and stress less.
Maintain Good Hygiene Practice:
After chemotherapy, your body’s defence against germs can be weaker. So, it’s really important to do things that stop infections. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Don’t touch your face, nose, or mouth, because this can spread germs from your hands. Also, make sure your living space stays clean by cleaning things like counters, doorknobs, and light switches. Try not to be around people who are sick, and avoid places with lots of people. This helps keep you safer.
Follow up Appointment with Doctor:
After getting strong cancer treatment, it’s a good idea to visit your cancer doctor for check-ups. This helps them keep an eye on your health, see how you’re doing, and talk about anything worrying you. These visits might include physical check-ups, lab tests, pictures of your insides, or other tests to catch problems early before they get worse.