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Chemotherapy is an important part of many cancer patients' treatment. It is the use of one or a combination of drugs that can kill or damage cancer cells.

The chemotherapy experience

Most chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously (in the vein), not in a pill you can swallow. If you feel stress about this, it may help you to have a friend or partner provide support by staying with you during the sessions. Let your chemotherapy nurse know what your needs are and how she or he can make you more comfortable.

Side effects. Medicines usually have side effects. Chemotherapy affects body cells that, like cancer cells, divide or reproduce more rapidly. Most chemotherapy affects the white blood cells that fight infections, and some temporarily cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Some cause temporary hair loss or thinning.

Some anti-nausea medicines help prevent or minimize nausea and other side effects. It's important to realize that these side effects are usually temporary.

Preventing Nausea

How to deal with nausea from chemotherapy

Nausea and vomiting are common occurrences with chemotherapy. Here are some suggestions to help prevent nausea or deal with it if it occurs.

1. An anti-nausea pill, suppository or shot can be taken before or during chemo. Take the medication on the prescribed regular schedule around the clock, even if you are feeling okay; it may prevent nausea. Don't hesitate to try a variety of anti-nausea medications; if one doesn't work, try another. Try Zofran or Ativan.
2. Drink liquids frequently (but not with meals). Chicken or beef broth and Gatorade have salt that can replace the body's loss of water and salt if there is vomiting. Sucking on ice chips may help. Try flat, non-caffeine sodas.
3. Take fluids only -- no solid foods -- for several hours after chemo. It may be helpful to eat very lightly before the treatment.
4. Eat crackers or toast, or suck on hard candy, when nausea occurs; this may prevent dry heaves.
5. Avoid greasy foods because they take longer to leave the stomach. Carbohydrate-type foods like pasta and rice leave the stomach more quickly and are tolerated better.
6. Eat small snacks five or six times a day.
7. Avoid hot, spicy foods, strong smells and visual motion. Even rocking chairs can make you feel nauseated.
8. Use imagery, relaxation and visualization before, during and after treatment.
9. Try an anti-nausea wristband that places pressure on acupressure points. You can purchase these at drugstores.
10. Rest often. It might be more comfortable to sit rather than lie flat. At least have your head raised about four inches.
11. Have someone drive you to the treatment, and put a pillow in the car.
12. Wear comfortable clothing that does not constrict your waist. Some studies find that 1600 units per day of Vitamin E taken seven days before treatment can lessen the side effects of chemotherapy.
13. Try folk medicine: Ginger helps prevent nausea. Try eating a gingersnap cookie or drinking ginger ale during treatment. Additional foods that can help when someone is nauseated:

    Apple or grape juice
    Cold melon
    Fruit smoothies or juices
    Sherbet, popsicles
    Jello
    Applesauce
    Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat
    Angel food cake

    Diarrhea

    Here are some foods to try for diarrhea:

    The BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and weak herbal tea
    Yogurt with active cultures
    Smooth peanut butter
    White bread
    Noodles

    Avoid coffee and chocolate, greasy foods, raw fruits and vegetables, carbonated drinks and milk products.

    Relaxation techniques

    Many people have found that relaxation techniques, such as meditation, bio-feedback and yoga, can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Many health care facilities are providing such programs or can refer you to them.