Self-Care During Chemo Treatment

Chemotherapy is a "necessary evil" for many cancer warriors. Side effects differ depending on the protocol your oncologist prescribes, but one thing that is shared by most: the side effects can be horrific. Some of these symptoms affect the skin & mucous membranes; others can cause neurological symptoms (i.e., sensations, neuralgia, balance issues); and most treatments wreak havoc on the digestive system.

Self-Care for Skin During Chemo Treatment

Chemotherapy medications can cause rashes, blisters, dryness and cracking, to name just a few. In the heat of summer, hot weather can cause fluid loss through sweating. Take care to use a natural moisturizer without harsh chemicals or fragrance. It's a good idea to bring a water mister (some even come with fans attached!), lots of cool water, a powdered electrolyte packet, and wear a large brimmed hat or bring an umbrella if you'll be outside. Use sunscreen and sun protection clothing to help reduce sunburns on delicate chemo skin.

If you live in a climate that gets cold during the winter months, you'll need to take care to wrap up and dress in additional layers to prevent hypothermia. Hypothermia sets in when you lose body heat. Because of chemotherapy often causing fatigue, dehydration, and anemia, the body can become more prone to hypothermia.

If you are outdoors for any length of time, your body might not be able to maintain its normal temperature. Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, as well as anemia (low iron), can make matters worse in extreme temperatures.

Click here to download a PDF from CancerCare.org about how to care for delicate chemo skin.

Be sure to reduce your exposure to fragrances in anything that touches your skin including laundry detergent, fabric softener, perfume, cosmetics, and personal care products. Fragrances can be irritating to chemo-sensitive skin.

Self-care tips for your skin:

• Cold weather Tips: Wear layers so you can add or take away clothing as needed. Wear a soft beanie & scarf made of warm cashmere or chenille to retain heat (especially if you've lost hair during treatment).

• Carry a large thermos of hot liquid (tea or broth) to take with you if you have to be outside. Warm liquids can help keep your core temperature up.

• Protect your skin & lips from the elements by retaining moisture. Fragrance-free, chemical-free lotion & lip balm with petrolatum are very effective because they create a seal/barrier between you & the elements.

• Warm weather tips: Wear sunscreen, bring shade with you (hat & umbrella), wear protective clothing. Bring cold water, electrolyte powder mix, and a water mister fan to help keep you cool.

Self-Care for Neurological Changes from Chemo

Peripheral neuropathy is another potential side effect of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. This condition can make it hard to detect temperature changes, such as noticing when your skin is too hot or too cold. During the summer months, this can lead to burns on the bottom of the feet and overheating. During the winter months, this can put you at greater risk for frostbite of the fingers, toes, and tip of the nose.

With diminished sensation in the feet & toes, peripheral neuropathy can also increase the risk of tripping, falling, slipping & unsteadiness. Inside the home, tiled floors, area rugs, stairs, and inside the shower/tub are places where you'll need to exercise more caution. Outdoors, wet or icy surfaces can be a real danger for those with neuropathy.

If you're experiencing peripheral neuropathy, the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor. Your oncologist will help you find the right treatments to help. Swimming, light aerobic exercise, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and certain topical products can help alleviate symptoms to some degree. See more information here from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Self-care tips for neuropathy:

• Wear foot protection, whether you're in summer (sandals or thongs) or winter months (thick socks & waterproof boots).

• Wear winter gloves when outdoors, and keep a scarf handy to wrap around the nose & mouth area.

• Wear non-slip socks with silicone nubs on the bottom to help you stay steady on tiled floors.

• Use double-sided rug tape for area rugs to prevent tripping on the corners and edges.

• Install railing inside the shower to hold yourself steady. Always have a non-slip bath mat under your feet.

• When outdoors, wear boots that have extra traction on the bottom. Hold on to someone's elbow or use a cane.

• Wear sun protection at all times, try to find shade whenever possible or create shade by using a large umbrella or hat.

Self-Care for Gastrointestinal Changes from Chemo

Chemotherapy medications alone can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Try soaking in a warm bath or using a heating pad for stomach cramps. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to reduce nausea and stomach cramping. Pain medications you may be prescribed already can cause constipation (ugh!). Talk to your doctor about how to help get your bowels moving if you're struggling with this issue.

But what your doctor will also mention is that your immune system, your main defense against infections, will be diminished. As such, you'll be instructed to stay away from high-risk food items such as raw or under cooked meat, pork, seafood, eggs or dairy; honey, certain soft cheeses, raw sprouts, and much more. Places where food can be less safe or exposed to more potential germs is also a no-no (think buffets, street vendors, food trucks, etc.). For more on this topic, take a look at this information from the Simms Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, and then ask your doctor for guidance.

Staying hydrated is imperative, especially when you're not hungry or can't hold down food. Try bone broth (rich in gut-healing collagen), Jell-O, sports drinks, electrolyte powders in water, or watered-down juice (non-acidic). Call your doctor if you're unable to keep down any fluids for several hours in a row, as that could be a medical emergency that requires IV fluids or other medical interventions.

Self-care tips for digestive symptoms:

• Know what you can and cannot safely eat while doing chemotherapy treatment.

• Prepare your food at home whenever possible.

• Stay hydrated, even if you are too nauseous to eat solid food.

• Call your doctor immediately if you're unable to hold down fluids.