How to Minimize the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

How to Minimize the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC
Updated: April 29, 2019
If you (or a loved one) are currently going through chemotherapy, you may be aware of some of the side effects this treatment has. While chemotherapy kills off cancerous cells, it can also take a toll on the healthy cells of your body. You may experience nausea and vomiting, fatigue, digestive problems, hair loss, and/or mouth sores, changes in mood, as well as increased risk for infections, depending on your particular chemotherapy regimen. Luckily, there are some ways to reduce the side effects caused by chemotherapy.

1
Controlling Nausea and Vomiting

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    Eat smaller meals and drink slowly. Large meals and large quantities of fluids can intensify nausea symptoms. Whenever possible, try to eat smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to a usual breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sipping beverages can also help.[1]
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    Avoid foods with powerful tastes and smells. Overly sweet or fatty foods, as well as fried foods, are more likely to cause nausea and vomiting than bland foods. The smell of food is just as important when it comes to preventing nausea, and you may find that eating foods cold makes them less aromatic.[2]
    • By cooking and freezing meals in advance of your next chemotherapy treatment, you can avoid nausea related to cooking smells.[3]
    • You may find other smells, such as soaps, detergents, or anything else, that also trigger your nausea. Do what you can to minimize your exposure to other triggering scents.[4]
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    Wear loose clothing. Pressure from a belt or a tight shirt against your abdomen can worsen the sensation of nausea. Try wearing loose shirts and pants during the worst of your symptoms to avoid increasing them, especially directly after meals.[5]
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    Freshen your mouth often. A bad metallic taste in your mouth is another common side effect of chemotherapy. The taste can lead to nausea or a simple lack of desire to eat. Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash or chew sugar-free gum to help combat any bad taste from the chemotherapy.
    • Another rinse you may want to try is adding one-half teaspoon each of salt and baking soda to a quart of water.[6]
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    Try herbal teas to reduce nausea. Some herbal teas are known for their ability to combat nausea. One study showed that ginger tea helped reduce nausea (but not vomiting) caused by chemo. Peppermint tea is another herbal tea that has been used to treat nausea; however, it lacks research with regard to nausea caused by chemo.
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    Avoid any “miracle” cures. Any high-priced (or even low-priced) herbal remedy or “superfood” that claims to cure nausea caused by chemo should be viewed with some skepticism. Look into the proven results (published studies in reputable sources) of any option before spending money on it.
    • You should also ask your doctor before taking any type of supplement to ensure that it won’t interact with any of your prescription meds.
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    Consult your doctor for an anti-nausea medication. Your physician will have a large selection of different anti-nausea medications to choose from, but the right choice for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the type of chemotherapy you are receiving.[7] Commonly prescribed anti-nausea medications include:[8]
    • Dexamethasone
    • Ondansetron (or Zofran)
    • Metoclopramide (or Reglan)
    • Motion sickness treatments such as Gravol (Dimenhydrinate) are often used to control nausea that persists for more than several days after chemotherapy treatment.
    • Cannabinoids
    • Anti-anxiety drugs such as Ativan
    • Proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2 receptor antagonists
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    Ensure you take all of your medications in the correct order. You’re likely to have quite a regimen of medications as you undergo chemotherapy. Ask your doctor for clear instructions on a medication schedule that will make any anti-nausea medication as effective as possible.[9]
    • Note that timing the anti-nausea medications properly in relationship to your other meds is key to effectiveness.
    • Also, since your treatment plan depends upon you taking all of your meds on schedule, contact your doctor immediately if you’re having trouble keeping liquids or your medications down.[10] In severe cases, this may require intravenous delivery of your medications (as well as fluids to help keep you hydrated if you are vomiting a lot).

2
Coping with Fatigue

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    Try to stay active. Although it sounds contradictory, those who stay active tend to preserve energy levels more so than those who try to stay off their feet completely in the days after chemotherapy treatments.[11] While you should stay active, don’t push yourself too hard.
    • Instead of vigorous exercise, simply try to take one or two walks a day.[12]
    • Generally speaking, try keeping up the activities you enjoy, but try shorter, easier versions of them.[13]
    • Some forms of chemotherapy are particularly exhausting in the days after treatment. If this is the case for you, and it is too hard to even get out and walk or exercise, be forgiving of yourself and speak to your doctor for additional advice and guidance.
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    Ration your energy. Keep track from day to day, and you’ll likely notice a trend for when you feel most up to activity. Schedule your favorite or most important activities for this time period.[14]
    • Some people have a few "bad days" immediately following treatment, followed by "good days" before the next treatment begins. You can use these "good days" to be more productive and to get the things done that you need to do.
    • On your "bad days," it is important to give yourself permission to rest to allow your body to heal.
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    Take breaks. Listen to your body. Don’t feel guilty for napping during the day if you need to. Try to keep naps to an hour or less and take them in a comfy chair rather than in your bed because this makes it easier to get up and resume your day.[15][16]
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    Control insomnia. Depending on the type of cancer, anywhere from 30 to 75 percent of patients have reported insomnia as a symptom.[17] Proper rest is more important than ever while your body and immune system battle both cancer and the effects of the chemo. Consult your doctor who will be able to prescribe sleep medications as needed.[18]
    • Some of the best ways to fight insomnia include avoiding stimulants like caffeine in the evening and ensuring that your room is quiet, dark, and comfortably cool in temperature.
    • You can find more info on controlling insomnia at How to Prevent Insomnia.
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    Watch your blood cell counts. One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is diminished red blood cell and white blood cell counts.[19]
    • Low red blood cell counts is called anemia. It leads to increased fatigue. Treatment includes iron and Vitamin B12 supplements, as well as the option of Epogen injections which are given by some physicians between chemotherapy cycles to boost your blood cells counts.
    • Address underlying anemia. Low levels of red blood cells can also cause fatigue. If you have anemia, you may be particularly susceptible to fatigue during chemotherapy treatments. Ask your doctor for help if you are experiencing very low energy levels.
    • White blood cells also drop during chemotherapy and this is called neutropenia. White blood cell are important for fighting infection; therefore, talk with your doctor throughout your chemotherapy treatments to monitor both your red and your white blood cells.
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    Try some relaxation techniques. Often, people going through chemotherapy develop anxiety which in turn leads to fatigue. To combat this feeling of anxiety, try some relaxation techniques. Activities like meditation, yoga, and different breathing exercises can help to calm you down and reduce your anxiety-induced fatigue.[20]
    • Join a support group to interact with people who are sharing your experience. Or, ask for a referral to see a psychologist who works specifically with patients with cancer.
    • If you’re specifically interested in yoga and the spiritual side of meditation, you can even try visiting a local Buddhist temple for more info—and for much cheaper than attending most yoga classes.
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    Eliminate other forms of stress. While going through chemotherapy is stressful enough, you may have other stressful things you are dealing with as well. If you can, eliminate them from your life. Other stressful things and ways to combat them include:[21]:
    • Chores - you can have a friend or loved one help around the house. You can also schedule your activities to take advantage of your good days. For instance, prepare meals for the week on your day off and refrigerate or freeze them, so you don’t have to worry about cooking after work.
    • Work - ask your employer about the possibility of working from home for part of your day during the worst of your side effects. While you might not be able to take time off work, you may be able to split up your workload in a way helps you manage your fatigue.

3
Reducing Effects on Your Bowels

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    Stay hydrated. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids while going through chemotherapy. Added fluids can also prevent constipation. Aim to drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day, or more if you exercise, are sweating a lot, or if it is very hot outside. If you desire, add mint or fruit to your water to flavor it.[22]
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    Eat fiber-rich food to prevent constipation. Fiber-rich foods will add bulk to your stool, which helps keep it moving along your digestive tract. Many fiber-rich foods also fall into the low-sugar, low-fat category that will make them more appetizing while combating nausea. Foods that are high in fiber include: [23]
    • Whole Grain Breads: Bran flakes, wheat bread, and rye.
    • Fruit: Prunes, apples, mangoes, pears, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
    • Legumes: Pinto beans, kidney beans, lentils, and black beans.
    • Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, and peanuts.
    • Vegetables: Artichokes, brussel sprouts, winter squash, broccoli, soybeans, peas, spinach, okra, and carrots.
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    Stay active. In addition to helping to fight fatigue, physical activity also helps to keep your digestive system active.[24] Even if you can’t exercise vigorously, try to go for at least one walk each day.
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    Take a stool softener. A wide array of stool softeners are available both over the counter and with a prescription if you are struggling with constipation.[25] Speak to your doctor for suggestions specific to the type of chemotherapy regimen you are on.
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    Consult your doctor for persistent diarrhea. While some people experience constipation due to chemotherapy, others experience diarrhea. Uncontrolled diarrhea can lead to dehydration and dangerously low levels of potassium, which your body needs to function. Consult your doctor if your symptoms persist for more than a day or two.[26]
    • Choose high protein well-cooked foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, poultry instead of fried or fatty foods.
    • Choose cooked vegetables instead of raw ones.
    • Choose fresh fruits without the skin or canned fruit (except prunes).
    • If you have only occasional mild diarrhea, drink extra water to stay hydrated.
    • Severe diarrhea warrants seeing a physician and may require a dose reduction in your chemotherapy treatments.[27]

4
Coping with Hair Loss and Scalp Itchiness

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    Ask your doctor if you should expect hair loss. Not all chemotherapy treatments cause hair loss.[28] One of the best ways to cope with chemo-related hair loss is simply to be prepared for it. Talk to your oncologist and ask if you should expect hair loss due to your treatment. If the answer is yes, then expect to begin losing your hair anywhere from seven to twenty-one days after your first treatment.[29]
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    Treat your hair gently. Avoid bleaching, perming, or other harsh treatments to your hair (even preceding your chemotherapy treatment) to give yourself the best chance of keeping it.[30] You should also use a soft brush and a very gentle shampoo, such as baby shampoo, to try to keep your hair.[31]
    • Baby shampoo will also help reduce any associated scalp itching.
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    Apply a hydrocortisone cream for any itchiness. You may also experience itchiness on your scalp. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help reduce scalp itch. Apply as directed.
    • You can ask your local pharmacist for help in picking this out at the drugstore.
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    Consider shaving your head. You can help control itchiness caused by the hair-shedding process by simply shaving your head when the symptom starts.[32] For some patients, getting the hair loss process over with by shaving their heads also helps prevent the embarrassment and anxiety related to the shedding process and associated patchiness.
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    Cover your head. Many people who lose their hair after cancer chose head coverings such as a scarf, turban, hat, or wig. You can find scarves in beautiful patterns and fabrics, as well as fun and fancy hats. Some insurance plans will even cover the cost of a head covering.[33]
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    Wear head protection. If you do experience hair loss (or shave your head), it is important that you protect your scalp from both sunlight and extreme cold. Make sure to put on sunscreen before going out in sunlight, even if you are wearing a head covering.[34]

5
Coping with Changes in Mood

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    Recognize changes in mood. Sometimes chemotherapy patients have mood changes after receiving treatments. Changes in mood can include anxiety, fear, uncertainty, anger, and sadness. Think about how you feel each day, or keep a journal to record your moods so you can recognize changes.[35]
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    Talk to your medical doctor. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your mood changes. They may be able to help you determine if the changes are due to stress or are directly related to your treatments and/or medications. They may be able to change your medications to ones with fewer side effects.[36]
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    Seek help from a mental health therapist. A mental health therapist can help you learn strategies to cope with your mood changes. You may be asked to participate in cognitive behavioral therapy or other therapeutic methods. Sometimes, medication is prescribed to combat mood changes, as long as it won’t interfere with your current treatment plan and chemotherapy medications.[37]

6
Preventing Infections

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    Avoid crowds and sick people. Chemotherapy patients are more susceptible to infection than others. To reduce your risk of infection, avoid sick people or anyone with cold, flu, fever or any other infection. You should also avoid crowds such as in schools, shopping malls, and public gatherings.[38]
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    Keep clean. To reduce risk of infection, it is important to wash your hands regularly and especially before eating, after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing or petting animals. You should also bathe every day. Be sure to clean feet, groin, armpits and other moist, sweaty areas.[39]
    • Don’t get into hot tubs, and don’t wade, play or swim in ponds, lakes, rivers, or water parks. There may be germs in the water that could make you sick.
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    Protect your skin from germs and scratches. Dry skin is more easily wounded, so keep your skin moist by applying lotion daily. Wear gloves and other protective gear when doing activities that could lead to injury. If you do get a scrape, be sure to clean it immediately. You should also cover the scrape with a bandage to prevent germs from entering your system. Avoid contact with dirt and dirty objects.[40]
    • Avoid contact with cat litter boxes, bird cages, and fish or reptile tanks.
    • Wear gloves when gardening and wash hands afterwards.
    • Don’t keep fresh flowers or live plants in your bedroom.
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    Cook your food thoroughly. Undercooked or raw food can lead to infections. Steaks, roasts, and fish should be cooked to 145º F (65.5º C) and poultry to 160º F (71º C). Be sure to keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination. Keep cutting boards, countertops, and utensils clean.[41]
    • Choose pasteurized products rather than unpasteurized ones, such as dairy and honey.

7
Fighting Mouth Sores

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    Stay away from certain foods. Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods, such as oranges or hot peppers. You should also avoid food with sharp edges, like potato chips or cereal. Patients have reported that sucking on popsicles or ice cubes, as well as eating ice cream (warmed up a little bit), may soothe and decrease the inflammation caused by mouth sores.[42]
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    Avoid alcohol or caffeine. Both of these substances can irritate your mouth sores. Try to stay away from any alcoholic beverage, coffee, tea, or energy drinks. If you do consume one of these drinks, rinse your mouth with water immediately following your drink.
    • Whether or not you should drink alcohol at all during your treatment depends on the specific chemotherapy drugs you’re on. Consult your doctor to ensure that alcohol won’t interact with your treatment.[43]
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    Keep your teeth or dentures clean. Use a soft swab or very soft toothbrush to clean your teeth to avoid irritating any mouth sores or inflamed parts of your mouth. You should also rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water after every meal. This will help to clean the mouth sores and ultimately heal them.[44]
    • Avoid any alcohol-based mouthwashes as they can be irritating.
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    Take medication to get rid of your mouth sores. Your doctor may prescribe mouth rinses such as "Magic Mouthwash" (a combination of Maalox and Lidocaine gel) to help reduce mouth sores and ulcers.[45]
    • Most often, mouth sores that persist can be easily treated by your doctor with medicated mouthwashes.

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Tips

  • Keep your spirits up. One of the most important parts of overcoming these side effects is having a positive outlook.

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