Chemotherapy Support: My Personal Tips for Comfort and Wellbeing

Chemotherapy is a grueling process, both physically and emotionally. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the thought of chemo was terrifying. I was bombarded with questions and fears, and I felt like I was losing control of my own body. Through trial and error, I found a few things that helped me navigate this challenging time. These are the strategies I used, and while they aren’t medical recommendations, they might offer some comfort and guidance to others facing similar circumstances.

1. My Chemo “Survival Kit” (Food & Gentle Movement):

Chemo throws your body for a loop. I found creating a daily routine helped me feel a bit more in control. For me, that meant:

• Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: I drank tons of water, green juices, and smoothies.
• Easy-on-the-Stomach Foods: I stuck to fruits, cooked veggies, and lean protein.
• Gentle Bouncing (Rebounding): This was a game-changer! It’s a low-impact exercise that’s great when you’re tired. It also helped improve my circulation, bringing fresh oxygen to my body, which I felt aided my healing process. Plus, it improves the body’s immune system and ability to fight off infections by increasing white blood cell count and lymph fluid circulation, helping to expel toxins from the body.
• Detox Baths: Epsom salt baths felt soothing and helped with aches and pains.

2. Finding Comfort in Simple Things:

Preparing for a chemotherapy session can significantly impact your comfort and overall experience. As a breast cancer patient, I learned that a little preparation went a long way.

First, I always made sure to get a good night’s sleep before my appointment, as chemo can be quite tiring. Hydration was also key; I drank plenty of water in the days leading up to my session to make vein access easier.

I packed a “chemo comfort bag” with essentials like warm socks, a cozy blanket, lip balm, and my favorite snacks to keep me comfortable during the infusion.

Bringing along a book, my tablet, or some calming music helped pass the time. I also made sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and layers, as I often experienced temperature fluctuations.

Chemo takes so much away. I tried to find comfort in small, manageable things: Lemon drops and ice pops helped with the metallic taste and dry mouth.

I created a list of possible vitamins and supplements that I researched and learned were good for chemo and took them to my doctor for approval. I found that cold foods and drinks helped with nausea.

Finally, I communicated openly with my medical team about any concerns or side effects I was experiencing, ensuring they could provide the best possible care. Taking these steps helped me approach each chemo session with a greater sense of calm and control.

3. Hair Loss: Taking Back Control:

As a breast cancer patient facing chemotherapy, the anticipation of hair loss can be incredibly daunting. I found that taking proactive steps helped me regain a sense of control during this challenging time. Before my hair started to fall out, I opted to cut it short, allowing me to manage the process on my own terms. This small act gave me a sense of agency. I also invested in a variety of soft, comfortable scarves and stylish wigs, ensuring I had options that made me feel confident and comfortable. Exploring different head coverings allowed me to express my personal style, even amidst the changes. Additionally, I found that having open and honest conversations with my support system helped me process the emotional impact of hair loss. Sharing my feelings and fears made me feel less alone. Ultimately, preparing for hair loss became a way for me to reclaim a sense of normalcy and empowerment during a time when so much felt out of my control

4. Talking to My Medical Team & Mediport Comfort:

As a breast cancer patient, the mediport became a constant companion during my chemotherapy journey. It’s a small, implanted device that made infusions much easier, but it also came with its own set of considerations. To make the process smoother, I learned a few key tips.

First, applying a topical anesthetic like lidocaine cream to the insertion site about an hour before appointments significantly reduced the discomfort of needle access.

Second, staying hydrated helped my veins and made access easier for the nurses.

Third, I found that wearing loose, comfortable clothing prevented any unnecessary pressure or irritation around the port site.

Fourth, I found that wearing nice scarfs that draped over the mediport, would hide the mediport when I didn’t want it shown.

And finally, I never hesitated to communicate with my medical team about any concerns or discomfort; they were incredibly helpful in managing any issues that arose. Taking these simple steps helped me navigate the mediport experience with a bit more ease and comfort during a challenging time.

5. Mindset & Support:

Chemotherapy is undeniably a mental and physical marathon, and cultivating inner peace is just as crucial as preparing your body. To mentally brace myself, I found that establishing a consistent routine helped create a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. I prioritized daily meditation and mindfulness practices, even if it was just for a few minutes, to ground myself and manage the anxiety that often accompanied treatment.

Seeking professional therapy also proved invaluable, providing a safe space to process my emotions and develop coping strategies. I made a conscious effort to surround myself with positive, uplifting people, minimizing exposure to negativity that could drain my energy.

When I felt physically able, gentle exercise, like light walks in nature, helped clear my head and boost my mood. I also explored creative outlets like journaling and painting, which allowed me to express my feelings and find moments of calm. Remember, chemo is a mental and physical battle.

I found that meditation and therapy helped me manage my anxiety, surrounding myself with positive people helped me avoid negativity, and gentle exercise helped when I felt up to it. Ultimately, nurturing my mental well-being became an essential part of my chemo journey, helping me maintain my peace and navigate each day with greater resilience.