Things I've learned so far about getting through chemo

Here are a few things I've learned so far from going through 3 1/2 cycles of chemo. Feel free to add to this.

Take the Dexamethasone or Prednisone steroid to help with side effects

Try to keep something in your stomach which helps reduce the nausea

Drink at least 5 glasses of water a day

Get some light exercise every day you are able, but don't push yourself

Make sure to get the best night's sleep you can every night

Eliminate or severely limit alcohol intake (I do still have a few sips of wine here and there, but not more than that)

Limit salt intake

Don't eat greasy foods or fast food, eat healthy

Get an accurate thermometer to measure your body temperature and go into the hospital if it gets above 100.4 F or 38C

Don't allow the nurse that is bad at starting IVs to practice on the back of your hand

[paulofaus]

Thanks Greg, I would add, take loads of laxatives starting two days before an infusion. Also, use ice to help reduce neuropathy.

[bb66hotflash]

I have been taking pickled ginger for the dry heaves, vomiting and nausea. Helps me.

[eggraj8]

I would add, getting a port which eliminates need for the IVs to the hand veins.

Ice for hands and feet. Helps with nails and neuropathy.

I disagree with limiting salt intake. I have increased my salt intake and it has given taste to food and actually improved my blood pressure regulation. With the extra water needed in particular you need the salt.

[Hidden in reply to eggraj8]

I'm one of those who have fluid retention from Taxotere so I have to be careful with salt, try to stay out of the heat and I try to raise my legs for a few hours each day.

[Dan59]

Thanks for posting this Gregg and all who responded

[MrJack]

make sure you take stool softener and laxative , prune juice + laxative what ever you have to do to have a BM every day, and relax.

[Hidden]

I have the opposite problem: loose stools. So you have be prepared for both.

[MelaniePaul]

So informative, thank you!

[erjlg3]

Thanks everyone!