Things not to do while on chemotherapy
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Things Not to Do While on Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a critical component of cancer treatment, but it comes with a range of side effects that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Understanding what to avoid during chemotherapy can help mitigate these adverse effects and improve overall well-being.
Avoid Familiar Foods Before Treatment
Food Aversions and Chemotherapy
Patients, especially children, often develop aversions to familiar foods consumed before chemotherapy sessions. This is because these foods become associated with the unpleasant symptoms of the treatment, such as nausea and vomiting. To prevent these aversions, it is advisable to avoid eating favorite or commonly consumed foods right before chemotherapy sessions.
Do Not Ignore Nutritional Needs
Impact on Eating Behaviors
Chemotherapy can lead to various side effects that affect eating behaviors, such as nausea, mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes), and changes in taste . Ignoring these issues can result in poor nutritional intake, which is crucial for maintaining strength and supporting recovery. Patients should work closely with healthcare providers to manage these side effects and maintain a balanced diet.
Changes in Food Preferences
Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have been observed to change their eating habits, often reducing the intake of foods like pasta, bread, red meat, and dairy products, while increasing fruit consumption. While these changes can lead to healthier dietary patterns, it is essential to ensure that the diet remains balanced and meets all nutritional needs.
Avoid High-Anxiety Situations
Managing Anxiety and Stress
High levels of anxiety can exacerbate the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and elevated blood pressure. Techniques like cognitive distraction and relaxation training have been shown to reduce these symptoms effectively. Patients should avoid high-stress situations and consider incorporating relaxation techniques into their routine.
Do Not Overlook Self-Care Strategies
Nonpharmacologic Interventions
Several nonpharmacologic strategies can help manage common chemotherapy side effects. These include cognitive distraction, exercise, hypnosis, relaxation, and systematic desensitization for nausea and vomiting, as well as psycho-education for fatigue and scalp cooling to reduce hair loss. Patients should not overlook these self-care strategies, as they can significantly improve quality of life during treatment.
Avoid Physical Inactivity
Importance of Exercise
Physical activity can help reduce treatment toxicity and improve chemotherapy completion rates. A study found that women with breast cancer who participated in a diet and physical activity intervention had higher rates of chemotherapy completion compared to those who did not. Patients should avoid physical inactivity and aim to incorporate regular exercise into their routine, as advised by their healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy presents numerous challenges, but by avoiding certain behaviors and adopting proactive strategies, patients can better manage side effects and maintain their quality of life. Avoiding familiar foods before treatment, addressing nutritional needs, managing anxiety, utilizing self-care strategies, and staying physically active are all crucial steps in navigating chemotherapy effectively.
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