By: Lauren Meadows
One of the possible drug treatments for cancer is chemotherapy. It is often the most common therapy used because of the rapid rate at which cancer cells grow and divide. Chemotherapy consists of powerful chemicals designed to kill fast-growing masses of cells. There are multiple different kinds of chemotherapy drugs that can be used alone or in combination to treat various forms of cancer.
Because of the intense chemicals, chemotherapy has a considerable number of side effects including fatigue, nausea, sore mouth, hair loss, and many more. To mitigate these symptoms, steps can be taken to improve the individual’s quality of life. To limit the longevity of the side effects, drinking lots of water will help with a smoother recovery. Other things like hot tea, healthy snacks, ice pops, headscarves, and hats can help provide comfort and support.
Hot tea is a good option for helping with some of the flu-like symptoms that come along with chemotherapy. Healthy snacks promote a good diet to fuel the body. Eating light and bland foods can help deal with nausea. For a sore mouth, eating ice chips or something else frozen like an ice pop can help alleviate discomfort. Head wraps, scarves, and hats, while they cannot help with physical hair loss, can help with comfort levels.
It is important to note, not all chemotherapy treatments produce the same side effects or combination of side effects. Here at The Pink List, we have Pink Kits made specifically for cancer patients currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. If you or a loved one needs a kit, you can request one here.