PVs tips to chemo takers and care givers

SIDE EFFECTS

Possible Nausea

Nails will darken or become striated

Pain in joints, like knees. Putting ice on the joints gives some relief. If the pain goes to your feet – soak your feet in cold/iced water for a little while.

Hair fall – if your hair loss is severe do not try cutting it short. Instead shave it completely as the short hair falling into your food, on your bed, in your clothes etc is a bigger irritant and can get very messy.

Skin peeling off. If this happens, use a light scrubber like a loofah to scrub off the dead skin on a regular basis.

Discolouration of teeth. Avoid any major dental work while you are on chemo. But brush your teeth gently and floss regularly after meals to ensure that your teeth are not extensively damaged during the treatment.

Numbness in the tips of your fingers and toes.

Dryness in your mouth – suck on boiled sweets or lozenges

Pain in the hands if you are taking the chemo through the veins in your hands. You can apply a cream called ‘Thrombophob’ which will provide some relief. You can also apply ice wrapped in a cloth, on your hands.

You will probably experience constipation. Either ask your doctor to prescribe a laxative or alternatively you could start taking ‘Isabgol’ which is a natural laxative. (One spoon mixed in water every night or every morning).

Small red spots on your skin. These could be a sign your WBC counts are dropping.

For women, you might stop getting your period on time, or at all, for a few months.

You may feel tired more often and feel your energy levels dropping.

Rest as much as you need to and get plenty of sleep.

Check colour of nails and colour of lips. When these look “white” know that haemoglobin levels are dropping.