How do I keep myself busy during chemo?

5 ways to keep busy during chemo
  1. Adult coloring books. Who says coloring books are only for kids? ...
  2. Latest new release movie or TV series. Need a good laugh? ...
  3. Knit or crochet kit to create a scarf, hat or blanket. ...
  4. Favorite book or magazine. ...
  5. Puzzles and games.


What can cancer patients do for fun?

Many cancer patients enjoy knitting or crocheting during chemotherapy to pass the time. Origami is also a fun hobby to learn. These crafts keep the hands busy, and you'll be creating a fun product that can be a gift. These activities offer brain health benefits as they maintain or improve memory and cognitive function.

How can I be happy during chemo?

6 Things That Helped Me Feel Like Myself During Chemo
  1. Writing.
  2. Self-care.
  3. A comfortable look.
  4. Being outdoors.
  5. Friends and family.
  6. Hobbies.


How do I distract myself from chemo?

5 ways to distract yourself during cancer treatment
  1. Throw a party. What do you do when you don't know what to do? ...
  2. Listen to uplifting music. ...
  3. Set the tone. ...
  4. Be patient. ...
  5. Learn something new.


Can you live a normal life while on chemo?

Some people find they can lead an almost normal life during chemotherapy. But others find everyday life more difficult. You may feel unwell during and shortly after each treatment but recover quickly between treatments. You may be able to get back to your usual activities as you begin to feel better.


Cancer Basics: Taking care of yourself during chemotherapy



What can you not do while on chemo?

A person undergoing chemotherapy should avoid eating undercooked or raw food, interacting with actively infectious people, overexerting themselves, and consuming too much alcohol. There are also things that a person can do to minimize risks during chemotherapy.

Can you drive while on chemo?

Most people can drive themselves to and from chemotherapy sessions. But the first time you may find that the medications make you sleepy or cause other side effects that make driving difficult.

Does chemo make you lazy?

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy may all cause fatigue. You may experience fatigue if cancer treatment damages healthy cells in addition to the cancer cells. Or fatigue might happen as your body works to repair damage caused by treatment.


How many days after chemo do you feel better?

Nausea, vomiting, and taste changes

You may experience nausea (feeling like you might throw up) and vomiting (throwing up) after your last chemotherapy treatment. It should go away in 2 to 3 weeks. Your appetite may continue to be affected due to taste changes you may have experienced during your treatment.

How do you fight fatigue during chemo?

Exercise, yoga, massage therapy, counseling, and dietary or nutritional counseling are all used to help treat fatigue and weakness. If you're having problems sleeping or sleeping too much, your doctor or nurse may suggest sleep therapy.

What are good snacks for chemo patients?

Some quick-and-easy snacks
  • Cereal (hot or cold)
  • Cheese (aged or hard cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and more)
  • Cookies.
  • Crackers.
  • Dips made with cheese, beans, yogurt, or peanut butter.
  • Fruit (fresh, frozen, canned, dried)
  • Gelatin made with juice, milk, or fruit.
  • Granola or trail mix.


How do you stay mentally strong during chemo?

How to stay strong mentally and physically during cancer...
  1. Take Care of Your Body. ...
  2. Visit a Therapist. ...
  3. Encourage Spirituality. ...
  4. Talk to Your Family and Friends. ...
  5. Talk to Other Cancer Patients. ...
  6. Eat Healthy and Exercise. ...
  7. Enjoy the Activities You Love.


Can you hug someone on chemo?

It is safe to touch other people while on chemotherapy. You can hug and kiss. But you do need to protect others from coming into contact with your medicine.

How do cancer patients stay happy?

Here's some of the best advice I've gleaned about staying positive during my cancer treatment:
  1. You are your best advocate. ...
  2. Take good notes. ...
  3. Focus on the things you can control. ...
  4. Don't confine your conversations to health topics. ...
  5. Appreciate your loved ones. ...
  6. Develop a good support network. ...
  7. Never give up.


What a cancer patient should avoid?

Since people with cancer often have compromised immune systems, consider skipping foods that carry the risk of foodborne illnesses, including: Lightly cooked or raw fish, such as sushi. Soft-cooked eggs or foods that contain raw eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise. Unpasteurized cheeses and dairy products.

Can cancer patients be left alone?

Being Apart Doesn't Mean Fighting Cancer Alone

If patients don't have a support system of family or other caregivers, they may be at risk for physical and emotional isolation that can affect everything from their ongoing care to their long-term outcomes.

What are the hardest days after chemo?

For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.


Does each round of chemo get harder?

The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.

When do you feel the sickest after chemo?

Acute nausea and vomiting happens within a few minutes to a few hours after you get chemo. It is usually worst during the first 4 to 6 hours after treatment and goes away within 24 hours. Delayed nausea and vomiting usually does not start until 24 hours or more after you get chemo. It can last for several days.

What does chemo fatigue feel like?

Many people feel very tired, weak, drained and become quickly worn out while they are having chemotherapy. This is called fatigue and it is the most common side effect of chemotherapy.


What are signs chemo is working?

You might notice an improvement in cancer symptoms, such as less pain, reduced lymph node swelling, and improved energy levels. If you use topical chemotherapy on skin lesions, the area might feel irritated and look red and swollen for the first few weeks. These are all signs that chemotherapy is working.

Does chemo make you lose weight?

Moderate weight loss is a normal and common side effect of cancer treatment.

Can you be left alone after chemotherapy?

Yes. It will take some extra planning and working out who can support you but it's possible to continue living alone when you have cancer. Having cancer and going through treatment raises many challenges and emotions. These may be harder to deal with when you live alone.


Should you rest during chemo?

Get some rest

Fatigue is the most common side effect experienced by cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. So, get plenty of rest and avoid pushing yourself too hard, even if you feel good. Be patient with yourself and others since it may take some time to get back to your regular energy levels.

Should you avoid crowds during chemo?

When undergoing chemotherapy, if you feel up to it, it is generally fine to visit public places. Just remember your immune system is weaker than usual and it may be harder for your body to fight off infections.