Chemotherapy Tips

• Dental Check-Up: If possible, schedule a dental appointment before starting treatment. Dental work during chemotherapy is more complex due to infection risks.

• Nail Protection: Some people find that applying dark nail varnish helps protect nails from chemotherapy-related changes, especially during taxane-based treatment (e.g. docetaxel).

• Bone Pain Prevention: Taking an antihistamine such as loratadine (Clarityn) may help reduce bone pain from Filgrastim injections. Always confirm with your care team before taking over-the-counter medication.

• Vaccinations: If starting chemotherapy in Autumn or Winter, ask your team about the flu vaccine and any antiviral medications you may need.

• Hydration: Aim to drink around 2 litres of clear fluid daily. Adding lemon or using herbal teas may help if you find water unpalatable.

• Moisturising: Keep skin well-hydrated, particularly hands and feet, with fragrance-free moisturisers like E45.

• Accept Help: It’s okay to accept help with meals, transport and day-to-day tasks. Support from others can make a big difference.

• Anti-Sickness Medication: Take anti-emetics as prescribed. If they aren’t working, let your oncology team know as alternative medications are available.

• Call if Unwell: Always contact your chemotherapy advice line if you develop a temperature or feel unwell, even if symptoms seem mild. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications like sepsis.

• Free Prescriptions: In England, people undergoing cancer treatment are entitled to free prescriptions. Ask your GP or breast care nurse about the application form (FP92A).

• Heartburn: If indigestion becomes a problem and over-the-counter remedies don’t help, ask your team about prescription options like omeprazole or lansoprazole.

• Keeping Warm: Hats, electric blankets, or warm packs can help with cold sensitivity, especially if experiencing hair loss.

• Thermometer & Diary: Monitor your temperature daily and record any side effects. This can help you and your team identify patterns or concerns early.

• Taste Changes: Strong-flavoured foods may be more palatable if you experience taste changes during treatment.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong or unusual, always tell your care team.

• Hand Hygiene: Use hand sanitiser when out and about to help reduce infection risk.

• Cooling Aids: Cooling pads or fans can help manage hot flushes, especially at night.

• Jot Things Down: Keep a notebook or phone note handy for questions or thoughts to discuss with your oncology team.

• Steroid Timing: Take prescribed steroids early in the day to help reduce sleep disruption.

• Menstrual Changes: Your periods may stop during treatment. Some people also experience heavier bleeding at first. Speak to your care team if you notice any changes.

• Planning Time Away: If travelling, make sure you’re near a hospital and discuss plans with your team in advance.

• Pets: After chemotherapy, it may be best to avoid overly affectionate pets for a couple of days due to possible drug residues in sweat.

• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Some people use loperamide (Imodium) to manage loose bowels, particularly after docetaxel. Always consult your team first.

• Bladder Irritation: Drinking cranberry juice may help during the first few days after FEC chemotherapy, but check with your nurse or doctor.

• Smoothies: Nutritious smoothies can be helpful during times of reduced appetite. Consider blends with banana, berries, yoghurt, oats and leafy greens.

• Hospital Prep: Keep a small overnight bag ready with essentials like pyjamas, phone charger, medication list, glasses, soft toothbrush, lip balm and contact numbers, just in case.

• Soothing Baths: Baths with Epsom or Dead Sea salts and a few drops of essential oil (lavender or frankincense) may ease aches, but check with your team first.

• Cold Cap Tips: If using a cold cap, take paracetamol beforehand and bring a hot drink to help with the initial discomfort.

• Scalp Sensitivity: Applying scalp oil may ease discomfort as hair begins to shed.

• Haircuts: Consider cutting longer hair shorter before treatment starts, as this can reduce shedding distress.

• Hair Loss: You may find it emotionally easier to take control and shave your hair once shedding begins. Bring a friend for support if visiting a salon.

• Headwear: Learn ways to tie headscarves or choose comfortable hats and beanies for warmth and confidence. Consider a wig and play around with different hair colours

• Mindfulness & Apps: Meditation or mindfulness apps can be useful for managing stress and anxiety.

• It’s Okay to Rest: Duvet days are normal. Fatigue is one of the most common side effects, listen to your body.

• Visual Reminders: Notes around the house like “This is helping kill the cancer” can be motivating on tough days.

• Talk to Your GP: If you're struggling emotionally, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Support may include counselling, peer groups, or medication.

• Do What Feels Good: On good days, try to get outside or do something you enjoy.

• Accept Help: Let others support you - whether it’s company, meals, or childcare.

• Creative Outlets: Try something new to engage your mind - photography, painting, journaling, audiobooks, or gentle walking.

• Track Your Energy: Some people find their energy patterns repeat during each cycle. Tracking these can help you plan better.

• Enjoy the Good Days: Plan something to look forward to during recovery weeks.

Chemotherapy can cause side effects in the mouth and throat, such as ulcers, dryness, soreness, a metallic taste, or oral thrush. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to help prevent infections and discomfort. Here are some tips - some are evidence-based, while others are shared by people who’ve experienced treatment themselves. Always speak to your oncology or dental team before trying new remedies.

Mouth Care Tips

• Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristled or baby toothbrush to reduce irritation. Consider replacing your toothbrush at the start of each cycle to reduce infection risk.

• Salt and Bicarbonate Mouth Rinse: Rinse several times a day with a solution of 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda in a bottle of water. This can help reduce bacteria and soothe irritation.

• Flavour-Free Toothpaste: If toothpaste stings or causes discomfort, Oranurse is a mild, flavourless alternative designed for sensitive mouths.

• Avoid Rinsing After Brushing: Spit out excess toothpaste but do not rinse, as this leaves fluoride on your teeth for longer-lasting protection.

Managing Soreness and Ulcers

• Difflam Mouthwash and Spray (benzydamine): Available over the counter or by prescription, this can help with pain and inflammation in the mouth and throat.

• Biotène or Gengigel: These gels and rinses are designed to relieve dry mouth and promote healing.

• Gelclair: A protective gel that can coat and soothe sore areas. It may be available on prescription - ask your oncology team.

• Fluconazole: If you suspect oral thrush (white patches in the mouth or a sore tongue), your team can prescribe antifungal treatment such as Fluconazole.

• Corsodyl (Chlorhexidine Mouthwash): An antibacterial rinse, useful if brushing is painful. Use at least 30 minutes after brushing, as fluoride in toothpaste can reduce its effectiveness.

Dietary Soothers (anecdotal)

• Frozen Fruit: Frozen grapes, melon, or soft fruit kebabs can provide cooling relief for mouth ulcers. Avoid citrus if it causes stinging.

• Smoothies: Blending soft fruits and vegetables into smoothies can help maintain nutrition if chewing is painful.

• Ice Cream & Ice Pops: Cold foods can be soothing for a sore mouth and throat, and are easy to swallow.

• Aloe Vera Drinks: Some people find these soothing, but they often contain added sugar. Check with your care team before use, especially if you are prone to oral thrush.

• Pineapple: Anecdotally, some patients find fresh pineapple helpful, possibly due to its natural enzymes. However, acidic fruits can also irritate - listen to your body.

• Frozen Fruit Smoothies: Blended frozen melon, berries, and yoghurt may be easier to tolerate than solid food.

Managing Taste Changes and Dry Mouth

• Metallic Taste: Try drinking lemon-infused water, sugar-free gum, or sucking on lemon sherbets (if safe). Avoid sugary options if you are prone to ulcers or thrush.

• Lip Balm: Keep a lip balm with you to prevent cracked, dry lips.

• High Fluoride Toothpaste: If you’re at risk of tooth decay, ask your GP or dentist about Duraphat toothpaste (prescription only) or artificial saliva products for dry mouth.

Important Notes

• Let your team know early if you’re having trouble eating or drinking due to mouth pain - They can help with treatment and nutritional support.

• Stay hydrated - dry mouth increases the risk of infection and discomfort.

• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can sting and worsen dryness.

Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy, although many people find it can be managed well with anti-sickness medication (anti-emetics) prescribed by their oncology team. If your medication isn’t working well, let your team know as there are several different types available.

In addition to prescribed treatment, some people find these self-care tips helpful in easing mild nausea. Please note these are anecdotal suggestions and may not work for everyone.

Natural and Non-Medical Aids

• Crystallised Ginger or Ginger Sweets: Products like Gin Gins (available from health food shops) or crystallised ginger can help soothe mild nausea.

• Ginger Biscuits: Some people find that nibbling a ginger biscuit, especially before getting out of bed, can help ease early morning nausea.

• Peppermint Sweets: Peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach and may help settle mild queasiness.

• Anti-Nausea Wristbands (Travel Bands): These apply gentle pressure to the acupressure point on the inner wrist. Some people find them helpful, though evidence is mixed.

Dietary Tips

• Eat Light and Often: Plain foods such as dry crackers, toast, plain biscuits, or melon/grapes may be easier to tolerate.

• Avoid Rich or Greasy Foods: Fried, fatty, creamy, or heavily spiced foods may make nausea worse. Stick to simple, bland meals when feeling unwell.

• Watch Dairy Intake: Some people find that milk, yoghurt, ice cream, and porridge can increase bloating or nausea if eaten immediately after chemotherapy. It may help to avoid these for a couple of days after each session - listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

• Cold Foods May Be Easier: Cold or room-temperature foods often have a milder smell and may be easier to manage if you're sensitive to odours.

When to Seek Help

• If nausea persists despite medication, or you're struggling to eat or drink, contact your chemotherapy team.

• Dehydration and weight loss can become serious. Report any concerns early so your team can adjust your treatment plan.

• You may benefit from dietitian support or a review of your anti-sickness medications.

Managing Intimate and Bowel Side Effects

Chemotherapy can affect your bowel habits, bladder function, and intimate areas. These side effects vary from person to person, and it's important to let your medical team know if you're experiencing discomfort or changes that persist.

Bowel Changes

Some people experience constipation, while others may have diarrhoea during chemotherapy.

• For Constipation:

  • Stay hydrated and eat a fibre-rich diet where possible (fruit, vegetables, whole grains).

  • Foods such as prunes, liquorice, dried apricots, or prune juice may help naturally.

  • Over-the-counter options like senna or lactulose may be used - always consult your team first before starting laxatives.

• For Diarrhoea:

  • Try to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

  • Your oncology team may recommend Imodium (loperamide) or another medication if needed.

  • If diarrhoea continues for more than 24–48 hours or includes signs of infection (such as fever or stomach cramps), contact your chemotherapy hotline immediately.

Bladder Irritation and Incontinence

Some people notice bladder sensitivity or stress incontinence during treatment:

• Bladder Irritation: Chemotherapy can irritate the bladder lining. Drinking more water, not less, may help dilute the concentration of chemotherapy drugs in your urine and reduce irritation.

• If you're concerned about frequent urination, burning, or any signs of urinary infection, let your team know as these may need investigation.

Intimate Area Discomfort

Chemotherapy can affect the vaginal and anal areas, causing dryness, irritation, or soreness:

• Barrier Creams: If your vaginal or anal area becomes sore, ask your GP or oncology team about suitable barrier creams (such as zinc-based or silicone-based creams).

• If you experience ongoing pain, itching, or irritation, especially during urination or bowel movements, speak to your medical team for assessment.

When to Seek Help

Contact your team if you experience:

• Ongoing or severe diarrhoea

• Pain or burning during urination

• Blood in urine or stools

• Discomfort that doesn’t improve with self-care