COPING WITH CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy has a lot of side-effects which are many a time difficult to go through. Every person who is undergoing chemotherapy will experience different side effects. At treatment centers for cancer, doctors will advise you about the various side effects you might experience.
Fever or flu-like symptoms are common during chemotherapy. If you are experiencing muscle aches or pains which are symptoms of flu, you can take easily available medications such as Advil. Or, if you want something more powerful you should call your cancer treatment center. Some people also feel tired and this fatigue tends to get worse over time. But once you stop chemotherapy, the fatigue goes away. However, one can try exercising everyday to keep their energy up. Swimming, walking or yoga are all excellent forms of exercise.
Some people also tend to experience diarrhea and constipation. If you are going through this, over the counter medications are not advised. You should immediately contact your cancer treatment center. Diarrhea may also lead to de-hydration. Hence, it is recommended that you drink lots of water- about 8 to 10 glasses every day to make up for the loss of fluids. To help with constipation, high fiber food definitely helps.
Hair loss is one of the most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy. But not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. Generally, hair loss starts after two weeks of starting chemotherapy. The amount of hair loss differs. Some people may lose very little while some may go bald and even lose body hair. The hair grows back after two to three months of stopping chemotherapy, but to get through the time you may want to consider buying a wig or covering your head with scarf or a hat.
Mouth sores are a common side effect of chemotherapy. If your sores get too painful you should contact treatment centers for cancer as they may prescribe a special mouth rinse. At home one can try rinsing their mouth with a solution of one teaspoon baking soda and one teaspoon salt in a glass of lukewarm water.
Another side effect of chemotherapy is nausea and loss of appetite. This may also be followed with change in taste. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding caffeine helps with the nausea. Try having herbal drinks and fresh juices. Anti-nausea medications may also prove helpful. You may also find that you can tolerate only certain kinds of food. It is recommended that you eat whatever appeals to you.