When to Start Chemotherapy

 

Chemotherapy is treatment to cure cancer. Chemotherapy drugs that are used in treatment kills cancerous cell. Chemotherapy is helpful for stopping or slowing down growth of cancer.

Though chemotherapy treatment is effective, it also associates with some serious side effects such as vomiting, nausea, fatigue, hair loss and many others. Chemotherapy treatment can also be tough on body and mind. So, if you prepare for chemotherapy in advance, it will make the process much easier. Following are some points that you should keep in mind before going for chemotherapy.

Do not diet and eat right.
It is important for you to keep your fit and working for chemotherapy treatment. Nutrition is important in order to keep the body working and fit. Prepare healthy eating plan. Your diet plan should include lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of low fat meats and dairy products.

People who are preparing for chemotherapy treatment may also require high calorie, high protein foods such as milk, cream, cheese, and eggs. It is also recommended that cook your food with more sauces, gravies, butter, margarine, or oil. Usually, at the beginning of treatment, your appetite is get affected. In such cases, these nutrients are helpful as energy reserves. with the energy reserves needed. Consult with your medical team including nutritionist before commencing treatment.

Reduce stress or manage it better
When you are dealing with cancer and chemotherapy treatment, it always causes additional stress and even crisis. Patients should be provided with as much information as possible about their cancer and the recommended treatments, it will help them to alleviate some of the stress. Discuss about your cancer and chemotherapy treatment thoroughly with your medical team.

Get enough rest and sleep
Another important aspect of preparation is to get enough rest. Patient needs to get good sleep as well rested person is more able to cope with the stress of cancer and its treatment. If you are having problem with sleeping or relieving stress, you should talk with counselor and also discuss with your medical team.

A dental check-up
You are become more vulnerable to bleeding and infections due to chemotherapy treatment. It also includes the mouth area. If you have teeth problem, these symptoms are more difficult to treat. So it better to visit your dentist for a check-up or a dental procedure before beginning chemotherapy treatment.
Be prepared for hair loss

Most of chemotherapy treatments causes hair fall. However, your hair can grow back once chemotherapy treatment is over. In such case, to avoid annoyance, a wig can be a great help. Also, wig-maker can refer to your own hair and haircut while making wig for you.