To some this may seem to be an impossible feat. As an Oncology RN, I witness both men and women do this daily. Not being a cancer patient myself, I am writing with the strength and input from my patients and my own medical knowledge. A diagnosis of cancer will affect the patient and all of those involved for the rest of their lives. My role as a nurse is to give guidance, compassion, and knowledge to help with the transition into, and through chemotherapy treatment.
After speaking with several hundreds of patients, I have found some commonalities for surviving chemotherapy. Some of these are: maintaining hydration and nourishment, following a nausea regimen, keeping a positive attitude, and gathering a strong support system.
Maintaining hydration and nourishment
Drinking an adequate amount of fluids allows your body to remain hydrated. When your body is adequately hydrated your kidneys are able to function normally, and your body is able to carry out various other organ functions that rely on the body to be hydrated. Dehydration can cause a lot of organ systems to malfunction. Dehydration is very common in cancer patients. This can undoubtedly be avoided by maintaining adequate hydration. At a time when you appetite has decreased tremendously it is so important to eat. Eating high calorie meals is essential, when at times you are only able to eat one meal a day. Eating frequent small bland meals when possible is sometimes helpful to decrease nausea from the chemotherapy.
Following a nausea regimen
Nausea is the number one complaint among cancer patients. Collaborating with your physician to create a regimen of medications that work for you is essential. No two patients are the same, and no one nausea medication works for everybody taking chemotherapy. There is no need to be miserable during your treatment, because there are numerous medications available.
Keeping a positive attitude
A positive attitude may be one of the most important tips to surviving chemotherapy. Having mental and spiritual stability allows you to make decisions, and keep focused during this life altering journey. I have seen first hand the power of the mind as it relates to cancer. I have witnessed it aid in miracles, and also facilitate a speedy demise. By no means does keeping a positive attitude mean that you can’t cry, be angry, or need to smile at all times. Crying and being angry are both normal emotions, and part of the grieving process. Taking each obstacle as it comes and looking ahead to the future are two ways to keep a positive attitude.
Gathering a strong support system
Support systems come in all shapes and sizes. They range from significant others and parents, to friends, co-workers, other cancer patients/survivors, and even your medical caregivers. In whatever form your system exists, they must serve to support and aid you in the process. This may require a meeting and evaluation of one’s ability to handle the responsibility of being a support person. Be able to say “no”, and be reassured that despite how good a friend everyone is not designed to be a good support person.
Remember, your individual cancer care may require additional efforts on your part, but these tips are important. Regardless of how small or seemingly unnecessary always keep your physician and healthcare team informed of what is going on with you. Good luck on your cancer-fighting journey, you are never alone.
