Tips, Trick and Things You Should Know

Fluids, foods and rest are your best resources when dealing with side effects of cancer treatments.

Food – Try to eat 5-6 small snacks/meals daily – 3 tablespoons per snack/meal is great!!  This can be a tablespoon of yogurt, a piece of a banana and a ½ piece of toast OR 3 tablespoons of oatmeal OR a tablespoon of mashed potatoes a tablespoon of veggies and a few pieces of meat you get the idea…. You DO NOT need to sit down and try to eat 3 big meals a day

It is important to keep your stomach and digestive tract moving.  If you are eating or grazing throughout the day, it keeps those muscles working which can prevent acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea and all those gut issues.

Premier Protein or KaChava are my supplements of choice, but whatever you prefer if you are getting the protein without a ton of sugar.

When making rice or potatoes consider using bone broth instead of water!

Fluids – I cannot stress enough how important your fluid intake is.  If you feel like you can’t get enough fluid in on your own ask to get a bag of fluids 3-4 days after your treatment.  Dehydration happens FAST!  It creates many other uncomfortable side effects.  A few bottles of water are not going to do it.  Pedialyte, Gatorade and those things are ok to drink on a daily basis, but if you dehydrate you need IV fluids.

Nausea – Take your meds!!  Ginger tea works good to help control nausea.  An easy and convenient trick…..put a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place it into a snack size plastic ziploc bag.  When you feel it coming on open the bag and take a sniff.  It’s ok to have these everywhere you go.  I have one in my purse, nightstand, kitchen, etc…..

Bone Pain – be sure that you are taking NAME BRAND CLARITAN daily.  It really helps most patients who are getting boosters.  It is perfectly fine to take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening.

Rest – Listen to your body.  It’s ok to push it a bit but don’t overdue, fatigue is always a side effect of treatments.  This does not mean it is ok to lay in bed -all day-everyday.  Keep those muscles moving.

Remember cancer is a small piece of who you are, do not let it define you!!  If there is anything we can do to help or you have any questions just call the Hopestone 24/7 cell phone at 918-766-4673.  You’ve got this!!