The Top 7 Best Tips for Surviving Chemo for Breast Cancer
I researched the best tips for surviving chemo after I found out I had hormone-driven Breast Cancer. I was terrified of the diagnosis. My oncologist laid out my treatment plan after the biopsy came back positive for cancer. I was scared, anxious, and overwhelmed by it all. He said we would do Chemotherapy, Surgery, Radiation, and finally Hormone Therapy.
The part of the treatment that I was most concerned with was Chemotherapy. I have heard so many scary things about Chemotherapy but my oncologist said it would not be as bad as I imagined. He was correct, chemo was difficult but doable and I am willing to do everything in my power to survive breast cancer. Here are my top 7 tips to help you prosper through chemotherapy.
1. Stay Hydrated
In the paperwork I was given it said to drink 2-3 quarts of water every day. This is one of the things I did every day while undergoing chemotherapy. I made sure to stay hydrated because they test your blood at every infusion to ensure your body is healthy enough for the infusion.
You also want to make sure to drink plenty of water to flush out the chemo drugs after the infusion. This usually takes 48 hours. I think staying hydrated helped me get through chemotherapy more easily, so I recommend that you DRINK your water. You’ll be happy you did! I used this water bottle from Amazon that shows you how many ounces you have drank and a timeline of when to drink water.
2. Wash Your Hands
While undergoing chemotherapy you want to make sure to wash your hands to avoid getting sick because your immune system will be down. You will already feel like crap, so wash your hands often, especially if you have kids!
3. Eat Healthy Meals
While undergoing chemotherapy it is essential to eat healthy nutritious foods. This may be difficult if you are nauseous or are not feeling well. Make sure to eat whatever you can to keep your body sustained. Check out this post for foods to help fight cancer! Best Foods to Support the Fight against Breast Cancer
4. Reduce Nausea
Your doctor will prescribe anti-nausea medications. Make sure you continue to take them when you feel nauseous. Remember food is needed to help your body heal. Eat small frequent meals: this will help you feel less nauseous.
5. Avoid Crowds
I know sometimes it is hard to stay home. But during treatment you are at a greater risk of infection so avoid crowds and people with colds. Again, you don’t want to get sick during chemotherapy. Now is the time to take care of yourself to kick cancer’s butt.
6. Rest
Make sure to get plenty of rest so that your body has time to heal. Leave household work for your support people or just leave the mess until you feel better. You need to take some time to relax and let your body recover.
7. Exercise
Make sure you do gentle exercises to keep your body moving during chemotherapy. I was able to do a cancer fitness program at my cancer center and it was free. It helped me stay active when I did not want to do anything. Ask your oncologist or nurse navigator if there is a program at your cancer center. Trust me, exercising helped me feel better during chemo!
These are my top 7 tips to help you survive chemotherapy for breast cancer. I hope these tips will be helpful to you. Take care!
If you have any tips for what helped you get through chemo, let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear your story!
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