In most cases, you will be able to easily cope with these side effects, but if the symptoms get too severe, please let us know. It may be possible to adjust your dosage or prescribe a medication that will help decrease the side effects.

In general, side effects will potentially affect three major areas of your body; the intestinal, bone marrow cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets), and/or the skin. Please call our office to discuss the management of any chemotherapy-related side effect that is a persistent problem.

Nausea and Vomiting

What to Do:

• Eat smaller meals throughout the day.
• Chew food well.
• Avoid drinking fluids at mealtime, especially sweet, heavy beverages. Instead, drink fluids one hour before or after eating.
• Avoid food odors and other smells that might offend you.
• Rest after eating, but avoid lying flat for at least 2 hours after meals.
• Avoid hot, heavy foods. Avoid greasy or fried foods.
• Take slow, deep breaths through your mouth when you feel nauseated.
• Take the anti-nausea medication prescribed by your physician.

Constipation

What to Do:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day – a glass of prune juice or a glass of warm water (even coffee or hot tea) works well.
• Include high-fiber foods such as bran, raw fruits, and whole grain breads in your diet.
• Increase your level of exercise or activity

Diarrhea

What to Do:

• Try a clear liquid diet.
• Avoid milk and milk products in general, but cheese and boiled milk could be eaten since they have a constipating effect.
• Drink plenty of mild, clear liquids such as apple juice, water, weak tea, and clear broth.
• Avoid foods that can cause cramps such as coffee, nuts, cabbage, and sweets.
• Add foods that are low in fiber such as rice, cereal, and bananas to your diet.

Temporary Hair Loss

What to Do:

• Comb hair gently and avoid brushing.
• Do not perm, dye, or chemically treat your hair in any way.
• Wear a scarf, cap, or turban.
• Buy a wig or toupee before you begin treatment and have it styled and tinted to match your hair.
• Wash hair gently with mild, pH-balanced shampoo.

Dry Mouth or Throat

What to Do:

• Drink lots of liquids.
• Suck on ice or popsicles.
• Use sugarless hard candy or gum to increase moisture.
• Eat soft, moist cold foods such as fruit, ice cream, or gelatin.

Mouth Sores (Stomatitis)

What to Do:

• Avoid food and juices with a high acid content such as tomatoes, oranges, and grapefruits.
• Avoid salty and heavily spiced foods.
• Gently brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
• Avoid using commercial mouthwash products.
• Rinse mouth with soothing mouthwash made with one teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water.
• Use lip balm or Vaseline if lips become dry.
• Refrain from smoking, as it tends to irritate a sore, dry mouth.
• Try tilting your head back or using a straw to make swallowing easier.

Infection Prone Because of Lowered White Cell Count

What to Do:

• Wash hands often during the day, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Avoid crowds and people with contagious diseases.
• Prevent breaks in the skin by shaving with an electric razor.
• Use lotion or oil to soften dry, cracked skin.
• Check your temperature 2-3 times per day.
• Get plenty of rest.

Tiredness Brought on by Anemia or Low Red Blood Cells

What to Do:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Move or get up slowly to avoid becoming dizzy.
• Eat regularly and add more green, leafy vegetables and liver to your diet.

Tendency to Bruise or Bleed Easily Due to a Lowered Platelet Count

What to Do:

• Do not take any medication, especially aspirin, without first checking with your physician.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol.
• Take extra special care not to cut, injure, or burn yourself.
• Check with your doctor before having dental work done.

IMPORTANT: Call us if you experience the following symptoms:

• A fever of over 100.5 degrees
• Severe chills, sweating or night sweats
• A severe cough or sore throat
• Loose bowels for more than 2 days
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Nausea or vomiting that does not get better after 1-2 days, or does not respond to anti-nausea medicine
• Weight loss greater than 3 pounds per week
• Bleeding
• Bruises or red spots under the skin
• Blood in your stool or urine

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