|  |  | I’m as sick as a dog! |
Treatment for cancer makes some people feel nauseous and vomit. This can be a very unpleasant side effect but thankfully there are drugs called anti-emetics that work really well in controlling feelings of sickness or being sick. If you are prescribed these drugs you should take them as often as your doctor tells you too, even if you don’t feel sick because this stops the nausea from returning. If the nausea is new or gets worse while taking the anti-sickness drugs you should let your doctor know.
| Good nutrition |
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause you to loose your appetite, or change the things you like to eat. This can lead to poor nutrition, which in turn can lead to fatigue or susceptibility to infection.
There are ways to combat poor nutrition if you have lost your appetite such as:
 | Using high-energy drinks to gain a large number of calories without eating a bulky meal |
| Having someone else prepare your food |
| Eating small snacks regularly |
It is still important to try to eat a healthy diet so that your body gets all the right food groups to help it stay strong to cope with your treatment. Your hospital dietician will be able to give you more ideas.
Some of the treatments for blood cancers can make food taste different, for example some people describe a metallic taste after radiotherapy treatment. This can mean that what used to be your favourite food now tastes completely different.
| Mucositis |
Chemotherapy can also cause a condition called mucositis that gives you a sore mouth. Cleaning your teeth at least three times a day with a soft toothbrush and avoiding mouthwashes that contain alcohol can reduce the symptoms of mucositis. Your doctor may prescribe a special mouthwash for you. You should also avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking as these activities will make the mucositis worse. |
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| | "I lost a lot of weight despite eating about eight bags of salt and vinegar crisps every day"
"I didn’t lose my appetite - in fact I developed massive cravings for anything bacon flavoured!"
"The worst point of my treatment was getting mucositis. I couldn’t eat or drink for days....but if I can get through that, I can get through anything"
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