what can help?
- Take your anti-sickness medicines before you have the treatment
- Take your tablets regularly when you're at home, don't wait until you've been sick
- Tell them at the hospital if you’re feeling sick (or being sick) despite the medicines they’re giving you
- Sucking boiled sweets while you have the chemo can help to reduce the feeling of nausea. Some people prefer sucking ice lollies or ice chips while they have the treatment
- Try to sleep during the chemo
- Fizzy drinks like lemonade can take the edge off the sickness
- Avoid very fatty food and big heavy meals; try eating small amounts more frequently. Stick with plain stuff like toast, cereal, jacket potatoes or soup
- Relaxation – this can help but can be difficult. It is worth trying it before you start the treatment because once you start to feel sick it can be more difficult to focus on relaxation techniques! There are lots of different ways you can relax, it could be a relaxation CD, or asking about relaxation exercises. Cancerbackup's website has information about complementary therapies including relaxation which may be helpful.
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