Avoiding Infections During Chemotherapy
During chemotherapy, patients are extra sensitive to infections. Taking good care of yourself during and after treatment can help prevent unwanted side effects. A healthy, varied diet and good daily hygiene are therefore extra important for cancer patients.
Of course you want to lay a good foundation for your chemotherapy. You considerably increase the chance of success if you ensure that you start it in top condition. A good resistance reduces the risk of side effects and ensures that you recover faster after a treatment.
Good hygiene
Good personal hygiene is of course always important, but when you (soon) undergo chemotherapy, that counts even more. After all, a virus or bacteria is easily picked up. wash your hands therefore several times a day, especially before eating and after visiting the toilet. Of course, this also applies when you visit someone who is undergoing chemo. The biggest breeding ground for bacteria? That is not the toilet seatas many think…
Oral care
The mucous membranes in the mouth are a known weak spot during chemotherapy. Chemo can cause the mucous membrane to become inflamed. Sores may also form in the mouth or throat that make it difficult to talk, eat, drink, or swallow. These sores can become infected by the bacteria that live in the mouth. Infections can be more difficult to fight during chemotherapy and this can lead to serious problems.
In order not to delay the chemotherapy schedule, it is therefore important to prevent infections in the mouth or to reduce their severity. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after every meal and especially before going to sleep. It is better to avoid mouthwashes, especially if they contain alcohol. Prior to chemotherapy it is wise the dentist to visit. He or she can check your teeth, clean them and fill the cavities before you start chemotherapy.
Still mouth ulcers?
If you suffer from sores in your mouth, it is best to contact the oncology nurse, because you may need medical treatment. They may also prescribe medication to relieve the pain caused by the sores.
Hand and foot care
Hands and feet are also vulnerable limbs during chemotherapy. Some types of chemotherapy can cause complaints as a side effect, better known as hand and foot syndrome. This can happen because the drugs have a habit of concentrating in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They become red and sensitive and may shed.
Therefore try as often as possible in the run-up to chemotherapy moisturizing cream even in the folds of the skin and avoid contact with hot water. Plunge baths can help relieve any symptoms. Also put an ice pack in the freezer to relieve pain. Do you already have complaints? Chemotherapy may need to be postponed or the dose adjusted to prevent you from getting more affected by hand and foot syndrome. In any case, report it to the oncology nurse. She may prescribe paracetamol and anti-inflammatories.
Nutrition during chemo
The mouth ulcers mentioned above can make eating and drinking difficult. But even if you don’t have mouth ulcers, fatigue, nausea and listlessness can make it difficult to eat healthy. Nevertheless, it is very important to continue to eat healthy during chemotherapy. ‘Good’ nutrition in cancer is food that contains sufficient energy and proteins to achieve or maintain a good body weight. This is also necessary for a good condition. In case of problems, ask the oncology nurse to refer you to a dietician.
Nutrition tip
• Ask what you do and not allowed to eat in combination with chemotherapy and other medications.
• Milk and milk products, meat and legumes contain a lot of proteins.
• Freshly peeled fruits and vegetables (raw, if well washed or cooked) are a source of vitamins. However, some types of fruit (such as grapefruit and star fruit) can influence the effect of certain medicines, inquire about this with the oncology nurse.
• Wholemeal bread and brown rice contain all kinds of minerals, proteins and fibres.
• Eat several small meals a day if you have a loss of appetite.
• If the smell of a hot meal makes you nauseous, opt for a sandwich meal or a cold meal.
• Be mindful of your gut and adjust your diet if you suffer from diarrhea or constipation (blockage).
• Drink enough.
Movement
Exercise is also important, both for the body and the mind. The most important recommendation from KWF Kankerbestrijding is therefore: exercise enough, and preferably for life. The Dutch Standard for Healthy Exercise recommends half an hour of moderately intensive exercise per day. If you feel bad because of the chemo, try to get some exercise. Think swimming or walking. If necessary, you can move under professional guidance. This can be done after, but also already during the treatment. A personal program will then be made in consultation with you.
