Ways to get through Chemotherapy with a Smile and Happy Soul

Fighting cancer and going through chemotherapy is no easy task for anyone involved. Here are some tips for both the patient and the caregiver to help make this incredibly difficult time as up-beat and enjoyable as possible:

• Involve your community. Let people in. When people offer to bring you a meal, say yes! They want to help and you will need it. Invite these friends and family to join you in the meal they prepare. It is not only good for the patient, but also good for you. If the patient complains, tell him that he can stay in bed. Ensure him that the guests have been forwarned that the patient may not feel well and may not be joining. You may notice that the patient will end up joining anyway and will likely feel energized by the company. If you are the caregiver, you may also need to visitors and good home-cooked food for your own sanity.

• Be kind to all of the nurses in the Hospital. Bring them small gifts and always make them feel appreciated. In turn, they will make you feel extra special.

• Be ready as a caretaker to sing and dance when necessary. Impromtu performances can help to distract the patient for the exhaustion and nausea post chemo treatments. Humor and laughter are key and can help give the patient energy to get out of bed and exercise.

• Speaking of exercise, DO IT. Both the patient and the caregiver must exercise. If it is a walk to the end of the street or a few stretches in the house, get your body moving. Tell your partner you will join him/her. This makes it more fun. Try to incorporate yoga. A class will be too vigorous (yes, even a beginners class) but if you know certain yoga poses, try to do at least 2-3 a day.

• Give your partner lots of food choices. Make them as healthy as possible. The doctors all tell their patients how hard it is to eat (which is true) and to eat whatever you can get down. Lance Armstrong claims he only ate apple fritters during treatment. But, there are still semi healthy alternatives. Great staples to keep on hand are organic frozen waffles, organic frozen pizzas, tamales, english muffins with cheese, japanese noodle soups (with seaweed, umbeishi plums, mushrooms), omlettes. Heathy eating lends toward a healthier spirit and mood.

• Stay hydrated. Drink water that is a bit alkaline (Fiji and Evvian are the most popular brands with the highest alkalinity). Getting dehydrated will give the patient a headache and a frown.

• Appreciate the down time. When will you have time like this to take a walk and simply stare at the trees? Think of this as a great opportunity to enjoy the simple things: read books, listen to books on tape (great during heavy treatment days), watch movies, vist with friends and just talk... for hours on end Monday thru Friday.

• At each chemotherapy session, plan to have a close friend or family member bring you food. The hospital cafeteria food is not healthy. Additionally, having a visitor will help pass the time (this is if you will be infused for 5 hours or more).

• Keep a journal or if the patient is too tired offer to help with writing. It is important to track certain feelings, bodily sensations, symptoms, etc.

• Stay healthy by asking guests to wash their hands upon entering your home. Ask them if there are any illnesses/potential colds/flus coming on, with not only themselves but all family members/workmates with whom they have been in contact. Sometimes people forget they are contagious before they become sick.

• Find a great acupuncturist....for the patient and caregiver. This will help to keep your mind and body as balanced as possible!