Self care is a vital part of maintaining good health during cancer treatment. You may be unprepared for all the side effects of chemotherapy because your oncologist may have only mentioned the obvious ones, such as hair loss and nausea. Now is the time for you to focus on taking excellent care of your skin, your mouth, your diet and your bones. Before using any of the remedies mentioned below, consult with your doctor first.
Skin care
The chemotherapy drug Adriamycin (also referred to as the “red devil”) may cause the skin on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet to blister and peel off. This can come on suddenly and can be quite unsightly. Try rubbing Aquaphor healing ointment on your hands and feet every night before going to bed. Your hands and feet should return to normal within a few weeks.
Incisions from surgery or the implantation of a port-a-catheter can leave you with a large, pink, ropy scar. Try applying Jason Vitamin E moisturizing cream directly on your scar using a Q-tip. This is best done at bedtime which will allow time for the cream to soak into your scar. To avoid excessively dry skin during chemotherapy, use Cetaphil moisturizing cream daily on the rest of your body. Using a combination of all three creams will leave your skin feeling smooth and looking healthy.
Oral hygiene
The chemotherapy drug Cytoxan may cause sores in your mouth and throat. Instead of using commercial toothpaste, make a paste of your own by mixing 2 teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Using this paste daily on both your teeth and your tongue will help maintain an alkaline environment in your mouth.
Hot flashes, constipation and bone pain
Certain medications that relieve nausea and vomiting (Aloxi and Zofran, among others) during chemotherapy may cause constipation. Along with increasing your water intake to 8 to 10 glasses daily, try adding a Natural Calm drink to your diet once or twice a week. This Natural Vitality powder is a relaxing magnesium supplement which balances your calcium intake and gives you the added benefit of loosing your stools.
Bone pain can occur as a side effect from several chemotherapy drugs. Using Claritin allergy relief medicine along with Tylenol for the first four days of your chemo cycle may help alleviate the pain. For women who are suddenly experiencing menopause as a result of chemotherapy, try taking Evening Primrose Oil daily to relieve hot flashes. These remedies can be easily found at Vitamin Cottage or your local pharmacy.
(Photo credits: "Some wellness products in a basket," © Xeniaii/Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images)
(Photo credits: "Some wellness products in a basket," © Xeniaii/Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images)
