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TOP TIPS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY Keep a weight chart to track your weight during your treatment. During cancer treatment, aim to maintain your weight even if you are overweight. Some people lose muscle during cancer treatment. Protein helps keep your muscles strong during treatment. Have protein in 2-3 meals per day unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Physical activity also helps. Keep active during your chemotherapy. Exercise can help reduced tiredness that is common with cancer treatment. It also protects f rom muscle loss. Exercise can include walking, gardening, housework, cycling, swimming, running or going to the gym. Cancer treatments can affect your taste buds. Food may taste unpleasant, bland, metallic, sweet or salty. Having a dry mouth can affect your taste. Drink plenty of fluids and brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Experiment with flavours using herbs, spices, sauces and marinades. If plain water is diff icult to drink then try squash, f ruit teas or carbonated water. If certain meats become less enjoyable try other sources of protein such as eggs, f ish, nuts, dairy, beans or pulses. Prevent constipation by staying hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 cups of fluid but you may even need more than this. Have f ibre in your diet. This includes wholegrain breads or cereal, brown pasta or rice, pulses, beans, f ruits and vegetables. Physical activity also helps regulate bowel function. Diarrhoea can be a side effect of cancer treatment. If you are experiencing diarrhoea, try not to restrict the amount you eat. It may be easier to eat little and often rather than having larger meals. Try temporarily reducing caffeine, spicy foods, nuts, seeds, high f ibre bread and cereals. Remember to keep hydrated.
