Eating:
It is important that you eat well during chemotherapy. Your treatment will work best if you are following a nutritious diet. Non greasy and less spicy foods are usually better tolerated. Also drinking fluids is very important. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of non caffeine containing liquids every day. If you are having trouble eating, the doctor, nurse and dietician will help you make a healthy diet plan. It is good to eat prior to your treatment and to take your usual medication.
Activity:
Your treatment and its side effects may affect your work and recreational activities. Some people notice very little change, while others experience significant temporary or permanent changes. Everyone’s experience with chemotherapy is different. Keeping physically active helps you feel better during treatment.
Alcohol use:
Alcoholic beverages can cause irritation of the digestive tract, cause dehydration, affect liver function, affect your blood counts and decrease your ability to care for yourself. You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages without checking with your Doctor.
Sexual Activity:
It is fine to remain sexually active during chemotherapy treatments. The use of a condom is recommended for 3- 7 days after chemotherapy to protect your partner from exposure to any chemotherapy in your body fluids. It is important for you to use effective birth control while you are on chemo. Chemotherapy has the potential cause birth defects in your unborn child.
Vaccinations:
Follow your doctor’s advice about when to have a flu shot. You should avoid babies, children or adults who have received live vaccination within 6-8 weeks. Live vaccinations may include chicken pox, measles, mumps, rubella, small pox and Rotateq. Exposure to a person who has recently had a live virus vaccine exposes you to the disease and puts you at risk of developing the disease. Other vaccination should be discussed with your oncologist.
Over the Counter Medications:
Avoid taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin while you are on chemotherapy. Over the counter medications which contain aspirin include: Alka Seltzer, Anacin, Ascriptin, Aspergum, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Excederin and Midol. Many over the counter cold medications also include aspirin. Please check the label or check with the pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medication.
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If you need a decongestant you can safely use: Actifed, Dimatapp, Mussinex
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If you need an antihistamine you can safely use: Dimatane, Chlor-Trimeton, or Benedryl.
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If you are having difficulty sleeping you may safely use: Benedryl or Tylenol PM. If these do not help let you physician or nurse know.
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If you have diarrhea you may take Imodium according to the package directions
Precautions While On Chemotherapy
Patients receiving chemotherapy are at higher risk for infection and bleeding. You should take the following precautions to help prevent these problems.
To Prevent Infection
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Avoid people with colds or other infections.
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Avoid large crowds
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Watch for signs of infection including fever, chills, redness or drainage from a cut or sore, and sores in the mouth.
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Practice good personal hygiene. Wash your hands often, especially before eating and after using the rest room.
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Do not clean bird cages, cat litter boxes or fish tanks.
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Wear gloves when working outside to prevent cuts and scrapes.
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Clean all cuts and scratches with soap and water.
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Avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen.
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Do not tear or cut your cuticles. Use creams or removers.
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Use an electric razor rather than a blade razor.
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Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after each meal and at bedtime. Do not use mouthwashes containing alcohol. You may use baking soda and water, hydrogen peroxide and water, salt water or any mouthwash that does not contain alcohol.
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Avoid straining when having a bowel movement. It can cause bleeding. You may take a stool softener such as colace, or a laxative such as senekot is you are having problems with constipation.
When to call your Doctor:
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Shaking chills
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Temperature of 100.5 or 38.0 C
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Headache not relieved by Tylenol
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Nausea/vomiting or inability to eat for more than 24 hours.
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Diarrhea (more than 4 loose stools per day or diarrhea lasting over 24 hours)
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Pain or burning when you urinate
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Redness, pain or soreness in your mouth
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Any unusual bleeding or bruising
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Pain that is not controlled by your current pain medications or pain in a new location.
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Unusual cough, sore throat, lung congestion or shortness of breath.
How to call your Doctor:
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Benesse Oncology Clinic is open for 8:00 am-4:00 pm Monday – Friday.
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The toll free number is 1-800-701-4461.
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The local direct line number is 317-421-1812.
If you need to reach the doctorafter hours, call 317-392-3211 for the answering service.
Safe Handling of Chemotherapy Waste Materials: These should be followed for 48 hours after receiving chemotherapy
Flush the toilet after each use with the lid down. If you have young children or pets that may have contact with the toilet, flush twice.
If you have vomiting, diarrhea, or urine that needs to be cleaned up by your caregiver, they should wear latex gloves. If any of these things come in contact with your skin or the skin of a caregiver, wash well with soap and water.
Soiled linens should be washed as soon as possible. If you are not able to wash them immediately, place them in a plastic trash bag until you are able to wash them and then discard the bag.
If you wear disposable diapers or pads, caregivers should wear gloves when assisting you and the pads and diapers should be double bagged in the trash.