Washing your hands frequently helps prevent illnesses your compromised immune system cannot.
Chemotherapy treatment uses a variety of chemical agents directed at killing cancerous cells in your body. This therapy involves taking a variety of drugs at specific intervals while under medical observation in a medical facility. Frequency of treatments range from every day to every few months. In addition to the cancerous cells, your gastrointestinal tract, immune system and scalp all suffer significantly during chemotherapy treatments. Several strategies ease the discomfort of these side effects during your treatments.
Appetite
Chemotherapy often inflames the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and tissues of the mouth during treatment. Persistent digestive and esophageal pain can decrease your appetite and result in weight loss. Eating nutritionally sound food will help you maintain the necessary endurance for future treatments. Consume small amounts of calorie-dense foods such as walnuts and raisins or liquid protein shakes to reduce the amount of chewing necessary. Combat nausea with mildly-flavored foods like brown rice, plain chicken and applesauce. Make your meals more enjoyable by eating with friends or family.
Hair Loss
One of the most physically recognizable side effects of chemotherapy is a alopecia (hair loss). Your hair typically begins to fall out after three weeks of treatment. This can be emotional, particularly for women, but having a plan before losing your hair can ease feelings of helplessness and depression. If you are male, shaving your head even before treatment begins is easiest. Obviously, some women feel uncomfortable shaving their head and prefer wearing a decorative headscarf while others choose a wig. If you decide on a wig, choose one before you are completely bald so you can match your natural hair color to your future wig. Protect your scalp outside with sunscreen if you choose complete baldness. Most patients' hair growth begins within two to three months of the last chemotherapy treatment.
Suppressed Immune System
Chemotherapy compromises your immune system, increasing the risk of infection and illness. Protect your body by limiting the possibility of injuring yourself. Avoid chopping vegetables or handling broken glass since even a small cut increases risk of infection. Wearing extra layers of clothing prevents bruising and helps keep you warm. Regular hand washing is also especially critical in preventing infection and germs. Ask that your friends and coworkers wash their hands frequently as well. Avoid people who are ill with the flu or even a cold
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