How to Make Chemo Easier

Two of my recent Instagram posts featured products and organizations that have been helpful for me throughout surgery, recovery, and chemo. In this post, I’m sharing some tips and links for those interested in learning more. Follow me on instagram and TikTok (@anjscancerjourney).

Chemo Side Effects

The following remedies were ones I found helpful throughout treatment (and some as added support to medications). As always, I am not a medical professional, and encourage speaking with your care team about any side effects and how to properly treat them.

Low Appetite:

• Try eating pickled plums (ume) or fresh citrus fruits before eating to kickstart the taste buds

• Dine with family or friends, change your environment (e.g. eat outside or in another room) or put a show on while eating

• Keep a list of cravings or comfort foods that you can turn to when you feel hungry

• Set phone reminders to eat throughout the day (if larger meals are hard, try to eat more frequent, small portions)

Nausea:

• Drink ginger or herbal teas

• Suck on ginger candies or Queasy Drops/Pops (these come in a variety of flavors; I like them all!)

• Try acupuncture or an acupuncture mat

Heartburn:

• The most effective remedy for me was fresh aloe (either about 1 tsp raw or 2 tbsp blended with water)

• Sleep with your upper body elevated using two pillow or a wedge pillow

• Try to take a short walk after eating

Constipation

• Organic prunes or bananas

• Light exercise if you feel up to it (e.g. a short walk or yoga session)

Diarrhea

• Avoid spicy and raw foods

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - I found Nectar drink mixes helpful as a healthier swap for Liquid IV

Fatigue

• Light exercise

• Take naps when you feel tired

• Consistent bedtime routine and limiting screen use/using blue-light glasses before bed

• Epsom salt baths

• Meditate: I like using the meditations in my Peloton app

Sore Throat and Mouth Sores

• Warm water with honey and cold beverages

• Beekeepers Naturals honey lozenges

• Wise Woman Herbals throat mist (if not available try the Beekeepers Naturals spray)

• Prevention Oncology mouthwash

• Saline rinse (I put 1 tsp each of salt and baking soda in 1 qt of water)

Brain Fog

• Try to keep the brain engaged throughout the day with activities such as crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and books/magazines

• Use a planner such as CanPlan to track side effects, medications, and appointments

• Keep a running To Do list but don’t overload it

Neuropathy

• Icing throughout treatment (this worked for me; I only developed neuropathy in two of my fingertips): Popsicle molds, freezer-safe bag, cold mitts, cold booties, cooler

• Lymphatic movement using a dry brush, baths, and exercise (I used a rebounder)

Programs and Freebies for Breast Cancer Patients

The following are programs, care packages, and head covering offerings I researched, vetted, and personally found useful. All of these are free for breast cancer patients, and some for other cancer/hair loss patients as well. Each is also provided by a nonprofit, so please consider sharing their mission and/or donating to support their vital work.

Programs

• Unite for HER: An amazing integrative wellness program that includes everything from healthy food deliveries to acupuncture and reiki. This has been one of my favorite programs to be a part of.

• Sharsheret: Though it has Jewish roots, this organization serves those of all backgrounds and offers care packages, peer support, and online resources.

Care Packages

There are many nonprofits who mail free care packages to patients recovering from surgery or completing treatment such as chemotherapy. This is not an exhaustive list but rather care packages I researched and received that provided me the most comfort.

• HOPE Kit: Comfort kits provided by the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

• Bags of Hope: Founded by a breast cancer survivor for fellow patients.

• Boxes of Hope: Thoughtful care packages and mastectomy pillows for those in active treatment.

Head Coverings

Here is a link to my head coverings roudup. Most of the organizations that donate head coverings to patients are open to all types of treatments or illnesses that cause hair loss.

• Hope Scarves: This “Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarves” sends a free scarf and sisterhood story to patients facing any type of cancer.

• Good Wishes: Stylish head wraps designed by the owner of a hair accessories company.

• The Turban Project: Angel volunteers hand sew turbans, caps, beanies, and face masks for patients experiencing hair loss.

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