Can I chew gum during chemo?

For mouth dryness: Drink plenty of liquids. Ask your physician if you can suck on ice chips, Popsicles®, or sugarless hard candy. You can also chew sugarless gum.


What should you avoid during chemotherapy?

9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatment
  • Contact with body fluids after treatment. ...
  • Overextending yourself. ...
  • Infections. ...
  • Large meals. ...
  • Raw or undercooked foods. ...
  • Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ...
  • Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ...
  • Smoking.


Can chemo patients have candy?

Hard candy helps to decrease the unpleasant aftertaste caused by the chemotherapy. By having the candy in the chemo bags, patients know they are just a reach away when needed,” Barb said.


What can you not do while on chemo?

A person undergoing chemotherapy should avoid eating undercooked or raw food, interacting with actively infectious people, overexerting themselves, and consuming too much alcohol. There are also things that a person can do to minimize risks during chemotherapy.

How can I protect my teeth during chemo?

Oral hygiene instructions:
  1. brush three times a day with a soft toothbrush.
  2. floss daily.
  3. apply fluoride gel to teeth with custom tray twice daily.
  4. eat a nutritionally balanced diet, low in sugar.


What to eat during chemotherapy? 10 Foods you should eat during chemo



What toothpaste can I use during chemo?

Use a fluoride toothpaste or baking soda with fluoride.
...
Some examples of these are:
  • Biotene® Supersoft Toothbrush.
  • Sensodyne® Extra Soft, Gentle Toothbrush.
  • Colgate® 360 Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothbrush, Compact Head, Extra Soft.
  • Oral-B® Indicator 35 Compact Head Toothbrush, Soft.


Do teeth fall out with chemo?

Chemotherapy causes other side effects in children, depending on the child's age. Problems with teeth are the most common. Permanent teeth may be slow to come in and may look different from normal teeth. Teeth may fall out.

Can you go out to dinner on chemo?

When undergoing chemotherapy, if you feel up to it, it is generally fine to visit public places. Just remember your immune system is weaker than usual and it may be harder for your body to fight off infections.


Can I shower during chemo?

Bathe every day and use warm water. Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs. Use a mild soap for bathing. Use a soft towel to gently wash skin.

What makes chemo patients feel better?

Get some rest

So, get plenty of rest and avoid pushing yourself too hard, even if you feel good. Be patient with yourself and others since it may take some time to get back to your regular energy levels. And, remember that it's OK to ask for help so that you can take it easy.

What is best to drink during chemo?

Drink fluids frequently—this will prevent dehydration and remove some of the byproducts of the chemotherapy. Water is the best, but there are other sources of fluids such as: Apple and grape juice. Fruit nectars.


What tastes good to someone on chemo?

Try foods that are less sweet:
  • Drink beverages such as diluted fruit juice, milk, buttermilk, lemonade, ginger ale or sports drinks.
  • Choose desserts that aren't as sweet, such as yogurt, custard, pumpkin pie, fruit, baked fruit, fruit with cottage cheese, fruit crumble, plain doughnuts, or graham crackers.


Can I bring snacks to chemo?

Bring snacks (e.g., crackers, fresh fruit, chicken broth, ginger tea) to stay nourished. Chemo can cause dry mouth and taste changes so bring mints, lemon drops, ginger chews or hard candies. Books/tablet or magazines.

Should I eat breakfast before chemotherapy?

Eat Light Ahead of Time

Two to three hours before an infusion, eat a light, high-fiber snack. The drugs commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy can also be constipating. Between staying hydrated and eating fiber, you should gain the upper hand on constipation.


Can you drink orange juice while on chemotherapy?

Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as lemons, limes, tomato sauce, oranges, and orange juice. Try moist, bland foods such as oatmeal, pudding, and custards.

Does chemo get worse with each cycle?

Each chemo experience is unique. Don't plan your chemo response until you've gone through your first infusion. The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle.

Does drinking water help with chemo?

Drinking a lot of water during your chemotherapy treatment is also important. Your treatment and some medications have side effects that could cause severe dehydration. Make chemotherapy hydration a priority. When you drink plenty of water during treatment, it can help make your recovery a smoother process.


Can you sleep during a chemo session?

But if you're undergoing treatment for cancer, you may have special needs where sleeping is concerned. The drugs used for chemotherapy can cause you to feel tired or fatigued. So you may take naps or sleep during the day, which can lead to difficulty falling or staying asleep at night.

Can I do housework during chemotherapy?

Housekeeping and Disinfecting

If possible, don't do household chores if you don't feel well. It is better to rest if you are tired or not feeling well, as this will help your body recover from chemotherapy.

Is ice cream good for chemo patients?

Eat high calorie foods: milkshakes, ice cream, sauces, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Ensure, and Boost. These foods replace the energy your body is using to fight the cancer cells. Stay away from fatty, fried, and greasy foods. Your appetite will come back in 2-6 weeks after your chemotherapy is over.


Are eggs good for chemo patients?

During treatment, your body needs a little extra protein to manage all the extra work it's doing fighting cancer cells and taking care of your healthy ones. Eggs are mild, soft and high in protein — a winning combination for nutrition during chemotherapy.

How long do you sleep after chemo?

Fatigue caused by chemotherapy may last for some weeks or months after a treatment cycle ends. Many people find that their energy levels return to normal within 6–12 months of treatment ending. While fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it can also be a symptom of depression.

What does chemo do to your tongue?

Five to 10 days following an initial chemotherapy treatment, inflammation and sores can develop on the tongue, gums and anywhere along the digestive tract. This can lead to discomfort and a loss of taste.


Does chemo affect your nails?

Nail changes during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can disrupt the growth cycles of new cells in your body. The keratin-rich cells that make up your skin and nails can be especially affected by this. Approximately 6 to 12 months after finishing treatment, your natural fingernails and toenails will start to regrow.

Does chemo affect your eyes?

Some chemotherapy drugs and targeted cancer drugs can make your eyes very dry and sore. They might feel gritty, as though there is something in your eye. This is because the drugs cause a reaction on the inside of your eyelids. Or you may not be making enough tears.