According to the World Health Organization, cancer cases are increasing globally, with new cases expected to jump from 11.3 million in 2007 to 15.5 million 2030. With these increases mean more people on chemotherapy. Here are ways to manage these side effects that come with undergoing a chemo regimen:

• Know What To Expect - Ask your oncologist about each medication in your chemotherapy regimen and supplemental medicines and what to expect as far as side effects. Write them down and staple all your prescription inserts into a notebook. If you know someone who has undergone chemotherapy, ask them tips and tricks for managing side effects. Finding an online message board dedicated to your cancer is a good way to find others who have been through the regimen you have.
• Ask About Anti-Side Effect Medication - There may be medications to manage your side effects, such as pain killers, laxatives and anti-nausea pills. Ask your oncologist what is right for you.
• Keep Track Of What You’re Feeling - Keep a daily diary of what you feel, how intense any feelings or sensations are and how many times you felt side effects of the medication. Your oncologist may ask you how you’ve been feeling and this will be a good reference.
• Let Your Oncologist Know Of Any Abnormal Side Effects - If you feel anything outside of what to normally expect, including type, frequency and intensity, report it to your oncologist right away.
• Realize You May Not Be Up For Normal Activity - One of the side effects of chemotherapy is usually fatigue, so realize you may not be up to your normal activity. Take everything day by day and try not to make solid plans until you know how you feel.
• Limit The Amount Of People Around You - Chemotherapy and its side effects may make your tired, irritable and/or prone to infection, which are good reasons to limit the amount of people around you. Never feel bad about limiting the amount of visitors you receive or saying “no,” to seeing someone at all - they should understand.
• Prepare For Mouth Problems - Many chemotherapy medications give you side effects like dry mouth and mouth sores. Before you start chemotherapy, it’s a good idea to get a full dental checkup, as your oncologist may advise against it during treatment. Confer with both your dentist and oncologist about what to do if you have oral side effects. You may ask for a prescription of “Magic Mouthwash,” to numb any pain. You’ll probably want to switch to a gentler toothpaste and softer toothbrush, as well; Colgate Spongebob Squarepants (or Cat In The Hat) kid’s toothpaste doesn’t hurt mouth sores as much as most regular formulas. Also keep soft foods on hand and nutritional drink mixes, such as Carnation Instant Breakfast, in case it hurts to eat.
• Modify Your Diet - Both your sense of taste and smell may change, and you may find yourself getting horribly nauseated. For these reasons, it’s best to stick to blander foods. Remember that what goes down may come back up, so do you really want to be tasting pizza on the way out? Also, avoid eating your favorite foods - you may connect them with being nauseated and hate them after you finish chemotherapy.
• Prepare For Hair Loss - Many chemotherapy medications come with the expected side effect of hair loss, whether thinning or bald. If you’re expecting hair loss, you may want to cut your hair short or shave it to make yourself comfortable and minimize the amount of hair falling on to your pillow and inside your drain. If you’re going to get a wig, save a lock of your hair to match it to the wig’s color. And remember to get hats or head scarves - you’ll want to protect your noggin from the elements.
• Stay Comfortable - Try and stay as comfortable as possible. Moisturize your skin and stay well-hydrated. Wear non-binding clothes, stay away from perfumes and heavy makeup, and have a place where you can go and quietly rest.

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