Managing Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Debra Forman, RN, BSN, OCN

Overview Nausea and Vomiting Taste and Smell Constipation and Diarrhea Neuropathy Fatigue and Insomnia Exercise, Skin Care Survivorship

Nausea and VomitingMedications to

combat Nausea Compazine or Reglan Kytril and Zofran IV regime: Aloxie,

Emend, Decadron, Benadryl

Additional Options: Ativan, Haldol, Marinol, Phenergan, Emend

Types of Nausea

› Acute

› Delayed

› Anticipatory

Nausea and Vomiting Tips

Nausea and Vomiting: Options

Acupuncture

Acupressure Bands

Guided Imagery

Music Therapy

Ginger

Nausea and Vomiting: Congee RecipeIngredients: 1 cup uncooked

Jasmine Rice 10 cups water 1-2 carrots, chopped 1-2 stalks celery,

chopped 1-2 servings protein

(such as chicken, duck, tofu)

5-10 slices of fresh ginger

Directions: Bring rice to a boil and

simmer for 30 minutes Add carrots, celery,

ginger and protein Simmer 10-15 minutes Add seasoning, such as

green onions, cilantro, sea salt and/or soy sauce

As the congee soaks after it is cooked, the rice will continue to expand by absorbing more water.

Each time you reheat, add more water

Taste

Taste: Tips Use Magic Mouth wash

› And avoid over the counter mouth washes

Rinse your mouth with Salt Water after meals

Use a soft Toothbrush

Smell

Lubricate with Ocean Nasal Mist

DietEat more of this: Eat less of this:

To beat the weight gain… www.five2thrive.com

› Spirit› Movement› Diet› Rejuvenation› Supplements

Constipation Goal: to prevent painful fissures and

hemorrhoids

Mush, Push and Gush

Stimulating laxatives: Ducolax, Senna, Doss, Miralax

Avoid Caster oil, Enemas

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Diarrhea BRAT Diet

› Bananas, Rice, Apple sause, Tea and Toast

Lomotil

Lactose Intolerance?

Avoid greasy, fried foods

Peripheral Neuropathy Numbness, tingling, burning pain most

common in fingers and toes

Suggestion: Glutamine Powder

FatigueWhy am

I so tired??

Tips for Fatigue Short Naps Food is Fuel Regular Bedtime Daily Exercise Ask a Buddy Gum Massage Vanish the Vampires

Insomnia Suggestions:

› Cool, dark room› Limit caffeine intake› Warm bath› Consider

antidepressant› Avoid spicy foods› Layer clothing› Void before bed› Back rub› Relaxing music

Exercise

Exercise

Resources:› It’s not About the Bike, Lance Armstrong› It’s not about the Hair, Debra Jarvis

Tips:› Don’t expect

instant results› Forget about your

weight› Yoga› Find a walking

buddy

Skin: First Line of Defense Lip Balm with

Lanolin

Sunscreen

Eye drops

Replens

Skincare Lotion, lotion, lotion

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Nail care› Burrow’s Solution

Make up

Turning a Corner

Red SunshineKimberly Allison, M.D.

Allison, K. Red sunshine: A story of strength and inspiration from a doctor who survived stage 3 breast cancer. Hobart, NY: Hatherleigh Press, 2011. 100-101. Print.

SurvivorshipTreat yourself!

Favorite Ice Cream

Go Shopping

Plan a Weekend Away

Thank you…