Facing chemotherapy can be an overwhelming experience, filled with uncertainties and lifestyle adjustments. As you embark on this journey, it's crucial to understand the things not to do while on chemotherapy, while also exploring the possibilities of what you can do to maintain your well-being and quality of life. It’s also important to know the things you can do, such as taking ondansetron for nausea, that allow you to do the things you want to do.
Let's delve into some essential guidelines to help you navigate through this challenging phase.
The things not to do while on chemotherapy
It probably feels as though your daily activities have been curtailed enough, but it’s important that you know about the things not to do while on chemotherapy. This ensures your chemo works as effectively as possible, you stay safe, and can enjoy life as best you can.
So, here’s our list of what not to do:
Don’t ignore your nutritional needs: One of the things not to do while on chemotherapy is neglecting your nutritional requirements. Chemotherapy can take a toll on your appetite and digestive system, making it essential to prioritize nourishing foods, but try to prioritize your nutrition. You also need to avoid raw meat, seafood and blue cheese to eliminate the risk of catching unpleasant illnesses like salmonella. You will probably want to avoid spicy, acidic and possibly hard foods, as they can make any mouth sores worse. Some people experience cold-sensitivity on chemo. If so, you might want to avoid very cold food, like ice cream. Your liver is working very hard during chemo to process the chemo drugs. As such, most doctors recommend that you don’t drink alcohol while on chemo. Alcohol can also make you dehydrated which will make you feel worse.
Don’t expose sexual partners: Sex is fine while having chemo, if you want, but you will need to take extra precautions by using a barrier contraceptive method. This is because chemo can have a detrimental impact on sperm and egg cells, so pregnancy should be avoided.
Don’t expose yourself to unwell people: During your chemo treatment, your immune system doesn’t work as effectively as before. This puts you at greater risk of illness from commonly circulating illnesses such as Covid and flu. Stay away from anyone with a known illness, and ensure there’s excellent hand hygiene on both your part and that of people you mix with even when they are well. Even if you were previously immune to an infection, such as chicken pox, it’s still important to avoid it while on chemo.
The things you can do while on chemotherapy
It’s a tough time, but there are many things you can do while on chemo, either to enjoy normal life, or to help you feel better. Here are some of our top suggestions: