Home Care After Chemotherapy

Here's what to do at home following chemotherapy.

Prevent Mouth Sores

Many people get mouth sores during chemotherapy. So, don't be discouraged if you do, even if you are following all your doctor's instructions. Do the following to help prevent mouth sores or to ease discomfort.

  • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal.
  • Don’t use dental floss if your platelet count is below 50,000. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if this is the case.
  • Use an oral swab or special soft toothbrush if your gums bleed during regular brushing.
  • Use any mouthwashes given to you as directed.
  • If you can’t tolerate regular methods, use salt and baking soda to clean your mouth. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water. Swish and spit.
  • Watch your mouth for white patches. This is a sign of fungal infection, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Be sure to tell your doctor about these patches. Medication can be prescribed to help you fight the fungal infection.  
Manage Other Side Effects
  • Try to exercise, which keeps you strong and your heart and lungs active. Walk as much as you can without becoming dizzy or weak.
  • Don't be surprised if your treatment causes slight burns to your skin. Some drugs used in high doses can cause this to happen. Ask for a special cream to help relieve the burn and protect your skin.
  • Let your doctor know if your throat is sore. You may have an infection that needs treatment.
  • Remember, many patients feel sick and lose their appetites during treatment. Eat small meals several times a day to keep your strength up.
    • Choose bland foods with little taste or smell if you are reacting strongly to food.
    • Be sure to cook all food thoroughly. This kills bacteria and helps you avoid infection.
    • Eat foods that are soft. They are less likely to cause stomach irritation.
  • Keep clean. During treatment your body can't fight germs very well.
    • Take short baths or showers with warm water. Avoid very hot or cold water.
    • Use moisturizing soap. Treatment can make your skin dry.
    • Apply moisturizing lotion several times a day to help relieve dry skin.
     

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci Surgical System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual; it may not be applicable to your condition. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine whether da Vinci Surgery is appropriate for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor about da Vinci Surgery are not necessarily those of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor. All persons depicted are models unless otherwise noted. © 2011 Intuitive Surgical. All rights reserved. Intuitive, Intuitive Surgical, da Vinci, da Vinci S, da Vinci Si, Single-Site,  InSite, TilePro and EndoWrist are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intuitive Surgical. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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