53TAB FOUR | TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF patient guide

Tips for coping with fatigue:

• Plan your day so that you have time to rest.

• Take short naps or breaks instead of one long rest period.

• Save your energy for important things.

• Take short walks or do light exercise if possible.

• Try complementary therapies such as meditation, prayer, yoga, etc.

• Eat as well as you can and drink plenty of fluids.

• Join a support group.

• Allow others to do some things for you.

Nausea and Vomiting

Many patients fear that they will have nausea and vomiting while receiving cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy.

But new drugs have made this side effect far less common and, when it does occur, not as bad. There are many drugs

that can help with nausea and vomiting. It may take more than one drug to help or the doctor may have to try different

drugs until you find one that works for you. Talk with your doctor or nurse about your nausea so that they can find the right

drug or combination of drugs that work. Also, let them know if you have vomited for more than one day, or if vomiting is

so bad that you cannot keep liquids down.

Tips for coping with nausea and vomiting:

• Eat and drink slowly.

• Eat small meals throughout the day instead of two or three large meals.

• If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry foods like crackers or toast before

getting up.

• Drink cool, clear, unsweetened fruit juices, such as apple or grape juice, or light-

colored sodas such as ginger ale or Sprite that have lost their fizz (are flat) and have

no caffeine.

• Avoid sweet, fried or fatty foods.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing.

• Breathe deeply and slowly when you feel nauseated.

• Suck on mints or tart candies (do not use tart candies if you have mouth sores).

• Try to avoid odors that bother you such as cooking smells, smoke or perfume.