Top sickness tips

Am I going to throw up after treatment?

Some people have little or no problem. But - yes - you may feel sick or be sick. The reason is that your body wants to get rid of the chemo but can’t, as it comes through your veins. So your body gets rid of what it can instead - namely the contents of your stomach.

Drugs used to treat the side effects from chemotherapy can make you feel sick too (or get constipation and diarrhoea).

Radiation may do the same, if it’s given near your small intestines, stomach or your brain. Take in lots of fluids, but avoid caffeine.

Your doctor or nurse may give you an IV drip if your diarrhoea or sickness gets bad. Don’t suffer in silence, talk to the nurses and doctors. They are well clued-up with how to deal with sickness and the other side effects, and there’s loads of drugs to help control them.

Top ‘sick tips’

• Take your mind off it – get engrossed in a DVD, computer game or a book; do some relaxation exercises (ask for a leaflet about this); or chat to your mates, ring someone for a gossip!
• Take the tablets – if you’re offered anti-sickness drugs, take them BEFORE chemo or radiation. Try ‘seabands’, the anti seasickness wrist bands you can buy from the chemist.
• Don’t stop eating – because you need to keep up your strength (sound familiar?!). Try light meals avoiding fried food, dairy products and acidy things like orange juice (harder to digest!).
• But don’t eat just before treatment – give it a few hours. Remember to drink lots of fluids too.
• Relax – get some fresh air, use a fan to cool down or try to sleep it off. Deep breathing can help stop anxiety and nausea… give it a go!

Totally bad taste!

Chemo can leave a really bad taste in your mouth. Try eating hard sweets or chewing gum to cover up bad tastes of chemo, and use plastic knives and forks if chemo leaves you with a metallic taste.