Chemotherapy can affect people in different ways. While going through chemo, it’s important to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. However, many daily activities can continue during treatment. With some adaptations, chemo patients can maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
Can you work during chemo?
Working during chemotherapy is often possible, especially if you have a flexible schedule. However, you may need to adjust your hours or responsibilities. Here are some tips for working during chemo:
- Talk to your employer about your treatment schedule and any accommodations you may need, such as working from home or flexible hours.
- Schedule treatments on Fridays so you have the weekend to recover before going back to work.
- Take it easy right after infusions when side effects are strongest.
- Ask for help with demanding tasks like presentations or large projects.
- Use technology like email and video conferencing to avoid extra trips to the office.
Staying productive can boost self-esteem during cancer treatment. But don’t overwhelm yourself. Allow colleagues to pick up the slack on your hardest days.
Can you exercise during chemotherapy?
Exercise is usually encouraged during cancer treatment. It can help combat fatigue, improve mood, and reduce side effects. The key is to listen to your body and adjust your workout accordingly.
Here are some tips for staying active during chemo:
- Choose low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga on tough days.
- Do shorter, lighter workouts when your energy is low.
- Allow ample rest between chemotherapy cycles.
- Drink lots of fluids and wear sunscreen if exercising outdoors.
- Avoid public gyms if your immune system is compromised.
Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. They may recommend avoiding anything too strenuous when your blood counts are low.
Can you travel during chemotherapy treatment?
Traveling while undergoing chemotherapy is possible, but requires some additional planning. Factors to consider include:
- Your treatment schedule – Avoid planning trips right before or after chemo sessions.
- Side effects – Difficulties like fatigue or nausea may make travel hard.
- Blood cell counts – Low cells raise infection risk.
- Distance – Stay close to home in case complications arise.
- Insurance – Confirm coverage for care at your destination.
Tips for smooth travels include:
- Work with your oncology team to coordinate chemo and travel plans.
- Pack medications, comfy clothes, and other care items.
- Select an aisle seat for easy restroom access.
- Bring sanitizing wipes and avoid sick passengers.
- Build in plenty of rest time and don’t overschedule.
While challenging, many chemo patients can continue to enjoy travel with proper preparation. Discuss your specific trip plans with your cancer care team.
Can you drink alcohol during chemotherapy?
Drinking alcohol during chemo is strongly discouraged for several reasons:
- It can interact with medications, causing toxicity.
- It dehydrates the body, which can worsen side effects.
- It stresses the liver, which must filter chemo from your system.
- It can suppress bone marrow function and lower blood counts.
- It increases risks for infections, bleeding, and other complications.
That said, an occasional drink may be permitted by your oncologist. Follow their specific guidance on alcohol use during treatment. Be sure to stay well hydrated and limit intake to minimize risks.
Alcohol Recommendations During Chemotherapy
| Type of Alcohol | Recommended Intake |
|---|---|
| Beer or Wine | No more than 1 drink per day |
| Hard Liquor | Avoid completely |
Can you get dental work done during chemotherapy?
Routine dental care is usually fine during cancer treatment but timing is important. Here are some dental care tips:
- Get cleanings, fillings, etc. at least 2 weeks before chemo begins.
- Avoid extractions and other invasive work during chemo when white blood cells are low.
- See your dentist right away for any mouth pain, as infections can spread rapidly.
- Practice diligent oral hygiene with soft brushes, alcohol-free mouthwash, and fluoride treatments.
- Avoid flossing if your platelet count is very low to prevent bleeding.
Let your dentist know you are undergoing chemotherapy so they can provide appropriate care. Alert them if you have any mouth sores or dental issues arise during treatment.
Can you get a massage during chemotherapy?
Therapeutic massage during cancer treatment can help relieve stress, aches, and pains. However, some precautions are needed:
- Avoid massage when blood counts are very low to limit infection risk.
- Be sure the massage therapist is experienced working with cancer patients.
- Request light pressure or focus on gentle techniques.
- Speak up if any area is tender or uncomfortable to touch.
- Stay well hydrated after the massage to flush toxins.
Massage therapists should avoid directly massaging:
- Areas being treated with radiation
- Medical devices like ports or feeding tubes
- Any sensitive lymph node regions
Check with your oncology team to determine if massage is safe based on your blood work results and overall condition. When done with care, it can safely provide comfort during chemo.
Can you get your hair colored during chemotherapy?
Hair coloring is generally not recommended during chemo. Reasons to avoid it include:
- Chemicals may interact with cancer drugs, being absorbed into the scalp.
- Hair processing requires sitting in a salon, raising infection risk.
- Hair may become more brittle and damaged during treatment.
- Coloring darker causes problems as hair starts to grow back lighter.
- If hair falls out, dyed tips can look unsightly before shedding.
However, semipermanent or natural vegetable-based dyes may be permitted by your care team. Talk to your stylist and oncologist to assess options. Focus on pampering your hair gently until chemo is completed.
Can you have sex during chemotherapy?
It is usually safe to continue having sex during chemotherapy, though low libido and vaginal dryness are common side effects. Consider the following:
- Use lubrication to ease vaginal discomfort.
- Try sexual activities focused on intimacy rather than intercourse.
- Time sex for when you have the most energy.
- Avoid sex right before or after chemo infusions.
- Use condoms or dental dams as body fluids may contain traces of chemo.
Open communication with your partner is key to adapting your sex life during cancer treatment. Express any concerns and focus on mutual satisfaction and closeness.
Can you get a manicure or pedicure during chemotherapy?
Routine manicures and pedicures are usually fine during chemo, but special care should be taken:
- Make sure salon tools are properly sterilized to avoid infection.
- Skip cuticle cutting, which can cause bleeding when platelet counts are low.
- Avoid very hot wax due to tender skin.
- Ask for gentle scrubbing to prevent irritation.
- Use an alcohol-free product if getting polished.
- Wear gloves for several days after to reduce chemical absorption.
It’s best to go earlier in your chemo cycle when blood cell levels are higher. Some patients prefer to do manicures and pedicures at home rather than at salons during treatment.
Can you eat sushi during chemotherapy?
Raw fish is not recommended during chemo due to infection risk. Safer fish options include:
- Cooked sushi rolls with vegetarian fillings
- Shrimp tempura rolls
- California rolls with imitation crab
- Crab Rangoon with cooked crabmeat
- Miso soup with seaweed
Sushi containing raw fish, raw eggs, or unpasteurized sauces should be avoided. Focus on cooked rolls and dishes until chemo is finished. Then you can celebrate by enjoying all your sushi favorites!
Can you get surgery during chemotherapy?
Having surgery while undergoing chemotherapy requires careful planning. Here are some guidelines:
- Elective procedures should be timed between chemo cycles when white blood cells are higher.
- Discuss anesthesia risks with your oncology team.
- Additional medications may be needed to prevent excess bleeding.
- Recover for 1-2 weeks before your next chemo session.
- Monitor closely for infection and wound healing issues.
Certain urgent surgeries may be required even when blood counts are low. This will involve supportive treatments to boost your levels. Close coordination with your entire healthcare team is essential.
Can you get Botox or facials during chemotherapy?
Botox injections and facials are generally discouraged during chemo for several reasons:
- Products may be absorbed into the skin and interact with cancer drugs.
- Needle pricks raise the risk for infection when immune function is low.
- Ingredients in lotions, creams, and masks may irritate sensitive treatment skin.
- Extracting blackheads or blemishes can cause bleeding issues.
- Massage techniques may spread bacteria from hands to face.
Focus skin care during chemo on gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Check with your oncologist regarding any beauty procedures and hold off until treatment is complete.
Can you get a spray tan during chemotherapy?
Spray tans are not advised during chemo, as the chemicals are readily absorbed through the skin. Reasons to avoid include:
- Ingredients may interact with cancer medications.
- Skin is more delicate and prone to irritation.
- Immune suppression raises infection risk from tanning beds.
- Changes in skin pigmentation are common from treatment.
- Fake tanners often dehydrate the skin and provide minimal benefits.
Focus on caring gently for your skin during chemotherapy cycles. Check with your care team before any tanning procedures.
Can you go to the beach during chemotherapy?
Going to the beach can be safe during chemo by taking the right precautions:
- Pick beaches with lifeguards and clean bathrooms.
- Find shaded spots and avoid direct sun exposure.
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply often.
- Use sandals and bring a beach umbrella, hat, and cover-up.
- Stay well hydrated with bottled water.
- Wash hands after using public facilities.
- Steer clear of stagnant water which may harbor bacteria.
- Avoid swimming when white blood cell counts are very low.
The beach can be a relaxing escape during chemotherapy. Just take steps to avoid sunburn, contamination, injuries, and fatigue. Listen to your body and take it easy.
Can you use a hot tub during chemotherapy?
Hot tubs should be avoided during chemo due to high infection risk. Issues to consider include:
- Hot water dehydrates the body, worsening side effects.
- Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing side effects.
- Chlorine and chemicals in the water may interact with cancer drugs.
- Germs like bacteria and fungi thrive in wet, warm settings.
- Soaking opens pores and raises risks for contamination.
Rather than public hot tubs, try a warm bath at home if your skin is very dry. Check with your oncology team about water safety precautions during your treatment.
Can you get your nails done during chemotherapy?
Here are some precautions for getting nail services during chemo:
- Make sure all tools are properly sterilized first.
- Opt for regular polish rather than acrylics or gels.
- Avoid nail buffing and aggressive cuticle cleaning.
- Speak up if pressure is uncomfortable on tender nails.
- Use an alcohol-free nail polish remover.
- Wear gloves for several days after to allow new nails to fully harden.
Some patients prefer to do nails at home rather than salons during chemo. It’s a personal choice based on your blood counts and comfort level. Talk to your care team if you have any concerns.
Can you drink coffee during chemotherapy?
Coffee is generally safe in moderation during chemo but may worsen certain side effects like:
- Nausea – Can aggravate the stomach
- Diarrhea – Has a laxative effect
- Fatigue – Can disrupt sleep cycles
- Mouth sores – Hot liquids can cause pain
- Low platelets – Caffeine limits clotting
Tips for coffee intake during treatment:
- Limit to 1-2 cups per day
- Opt for decaf or half-caff versions
- Avoid right before or after chemo sessions
- Switch to cooler iced coffee beverages
- Stay hydrated with extra water to counter diuretic effects
Check with your oncology team about specific dietary suggestions. Moderate coffee intake is likely fine, but adjust based on your unique reaction.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy affects each person differently, so there are no universal rules. Staying active and positive during treatment is encouraged, while always listening to your body. Communicate closely with your entire healthcare team. With some reasonable precautions, many normal activities can continue during chemo.
The key is to balance maintaining your normal lifestyle with rest when needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and accommodate bad days. Stay focused on your long-term health. With the right support and some modifications, chemo patients can find the right balance to navigate their “new normal” during treatment.