Healthy living

There are things you can do to stay as well as possible during and after your treatment.

Good hygiene

Wash those hands
Yes, it’s important. Always wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet.

Look after your bum
If it becomes sore make sure you tell someone – if it’s not treated quickly it could lead to a serious infection.

Wash
Have a bath or shower every day, and dry your skin thoroughly – but carefully.

Keep a look out for…
Minor sores, cuts, spots, ear piercing or toenails that show signs of infection – such as being red and feeling sore.

Stop with the body art
No new piercings or tattoos as they may cause infection.

No snogging...
(or close contact) with people who have colds, coughs or flu.

Good mouth care

This is very important. The cells in your mouth are rapidly dividing cells – just like your blood cells and hair cells. Chemotherapy kills the “bad” cells that are rapidly dividing, but can affect the cells in your mouth.

You may get mouth ulcers and sores about seven days after the start of your chemotherapy treatment. It’s a good idea to tell your doctor about these immediately as they need to be treated before they get too bad. You can also help yourself by…

• Cleaning your teeth and mouth gently after each meal and before you go to bed. Use a soft, small toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Do this gently - even if your mouth is sore.
• Changing your toothbrush every three months.
• Check your mouth every day for sores, and tell your doctor if you discover any. There are mouthwashes you can have to help.

If your mouth does become sore, avoid dry foods and drink water to keep your mouth moist. Speak to your nurse or doctor as they can suggest other ways to help.

A healthy diet

Eating good, healthy food – especially when you are on treatment – will really help your body get stronger and make all those new, healthy cells.

Try eating foods that contain protein (to help you make new cells) and calories (to prevent weight loss).

High-protein foods include:

• Dairy products
• Meat
• Fish
• Nuts
• Lentils
• Beans

High-calorie foods include:

• Peanut butter
• Potatoes
• Rice
• Cake
• Cream
• Ice-cream

If you can’t face the idea of eating your doctor can prescribe you high protein, high energy drinks. Your nurse or dietician can also advise you about you about what to eat to keep you as strong and healthy as possible.

Keeping active

When you are well and not in hospital having treatment it’s a smart move to try and keep active. No contact sports though (such as football or rugby). Even getting outside for a walk can keep your muscles strong and healthy.

Keeping your mind healthy

It’s all very well keeping your body in the best condition possible, but you need to keep your mind healthy too. Try to stay positive even though it may feel impossible at times. There are people (such as your care team, friends and family) that will help you get through the rough times.

Talking to people nearly always helps. Other teenagers in your ward for example will know what you’re going through and will understand your worries. Doctors and nurses can explain things to you so you’ll feel less frightened.

Your friends – even though they might not understand what you’re going through – are worth keeping in contact with so ask them to come and visit you, or write – and make sure you write back.

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