You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• High fever: Indicates a possible infection, which can be serious.
• Severe pain or unusual swelling: Especially if it's sudden or doesn't go away.
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding: Chemotherapy affects blood cells, and these symptoms could signal a problem.
• Difficulty in breathing or chest pain.
• Severe nausea or vomiting: Especially if you can't keep liquids down.

 Do's:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body process the drugs.
• Eat a balanced diet: Even though chemo can affect appetite, try to eat nutritious meals.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently to reduce infection risk.
• Rest often: Chemo can cause fatigue, so take breaks and sleep when needed.
• Monitor side effects: Monitor how you feel and communicate with your doctor.
• Take prescribed medications: Anti-nausea or pain medications can help manage side effects.

 Don'ts:

• Avoid raw or undercooked foods: Your immune system is weaker, so reduce the risk of infection from foodborne illnesses.
• Stay away from crowded places: Exposure to germs can be dangerous during chemotherapy.
• Don't skip appointments: Regular blood tests and check-ups help monitor your response to treatment.
• Avoid overexertion: Chemotherapy can lower energy levels, so it's important not to push yourself too hard.
• Don't take over-the-counter supplements: Always check with your doctor before taking any vitamins or herbal supplements.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

American Cancer Society | Chemotherapy

National Cancer Institute | Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer

NHS | Chemotherapy

MedlinePlus | Cancer Chemotherapy