What should I do the day after chemo?

Stay active by walking. Slowly increase how far you go based on how much energy you have. Eat enough protein and calories to keep your weight up. Ask your provider about liquid food supplements that can help you get enough calories and nutrients.

What happens the first day after chemo?

You may be feeling tired, relieved, anxious, and happy all at the same time after your first treatment. Once you are home, follow all instructions given to you. Take your medications on time, rest, hydrate, and eat. Keep track of any side effects or new feelings you have, and report these to your care team.

What should you not do after chemo?

Contact with body fluids after treatment

Because chemotherapy drugs can affect healthy cells, coming into contact with them in various body fluids can be potentially harmful to yourself or others. That's why it's a good idea to avoid contact with body fluids that may contain them.

What is the fastest way to recover from chemotherapy?

How do you feel the day after chemotherapy?

What to Expect After Your First Chemo Infusion

Is the first day after chemo the worst?

For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.

Do you sleep a lot after chemo?

You may experience fatigue if cancer treatment damages healthy cells in addition to the cancer cells. Or fatigue might happen as your body works to repair damage caused by treatment. Some treatment side effects — such as anemia, nausea, vomiting, pain, insomnia and changes in mood — also may cause fatigue.

How long should I rest after chemo?

Plan on about two months of recovery time for every one month of treatment, says oncologist.

Is resting good after chemo?

Good night's rest

A full night's sleep is vital for anyone who has had chemotherapy. Patients should get at least eight hours of sleep if possible. To help sleep throughout the night, recovering patients should not consume beverages or food high in caffeine at least eight hours before retiring for the night.

How long are you sick for after chemo?

Feeling and being sick

Sickness caused by chemotherapy can start within a couple of hours of starting your treatment and only last a day or so. Or it can come on more than 24 hours after the start of treatment. This is called delayed onset nausea and vomiting and usually lasts about a week.

What's best to drink after 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.

Does and don'ts after chemo?

Take care not to get infections for up to one year or more after your chemotherapy. Practice safe eating and drinking during cancer treatment. Do not eat or drink anything that may be undercooked or spoiled. Make sure your water is safe.

Can I drive straight after chemo?

Ask your provider if the chemotherapy has fatigue or drowsiness as a side effect. In most cases, your healthcare provider will ask you to get a ride home after your first session to see how you will tolerate the chemo. If you feel well the first time, they say that driving home for future sessions is okay.

How can I boost my energy after chemo?

Can you take a shower after 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.

Does chemo make you lose weight?

Moderate weight loss is a normal and common side effect of cancer treatment.

What foods help with nausea from chemo?

Eat bland foods, such as dry toast and crackers. Eat food cold or at room temperature to decrease its smell and taste. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy, or very sweet foods. Try small amounts of foods high in calories that are easy to eat (such as pudding, ice cream, sherbets, yogurt, and milkshakes) several times a day.

Can you be left alone after chemotherapy?

Yes. It will take some extra planning and working out who can support you but it's possible to continue living alone when you have cancer. Having cancer and going through treatment raises many challenges and emotions. These may be harder to deal with when you live alone.

Why can't you touch chemo pills?

As you already know, chemotherapy drugs are hazardous both to cancer cells and normal cells in the body. If you get some of the medication on your hands and then touch your skin—or objects that others may touch—it is possible to expose yourself or other people unnecessarily to the chemicals it contains.

What foods should I avoid while on chemo?

Can I wash my hair after chemo?

Caring for your hair

Chemotherapy can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, so take good care of it. Use a neutral pH shampoo and conditioner (baby shampoo is too alkaline). Cut down on the number of times you wash your hair each week. Use a wide-toothed comb to avoid pulling at your hair and hair roots.

How do you wash clothes after chemo?

Any clothes or sheets that have body fluids on them should be washed in your washing machine – not by hand. Wash them in warm water with regular laundry detergent. Do not wash them with other clothes. If they can't be washed right away, seal them in a plastic bag.

Can you hug someone after chemo?

It is safe to touch other people while on chemotherapy. You can hug and kiss. But you do need to protect others from coming into contact with your medicine.

What foods give you energy after chemo?

Eating small meals or a snack every three to four hours will help keep your energy level constant. Try 1/4 cup of nuts or seeds, whole grain crackers topped with 2 teaspoons of peanut butter, or 2 tablespoons of hummus as a dip with baby carrots to boost energy. Eat more when you're feeling well.

What tastes good during chemo?

Try marinating meat, chicken or fish in marinades, soy sauce, sweet fruit juices, wine or Italian-style dressings. Try salty, spicy or smoked meats, such as seasoned beef steaks, pork loins, ham, sausage or cold cuts. Try high-protein foods that may taste better cold or at room temperature.