1. Fluid intake; minimum of six to eight 8 ounce glasses of per day; ideally 8 glasses.
2. Dietary intakes of high fiber foods such as: fresh fruits and vegetables (6 to 8 portions per day) whole grains products – cereals, breads, pasta, dried beans and peas.
3. Exercise, take a daily walk, if able.
4. Stool softener and laxative use is as follows if above dietary measures are unsuccessful:
1. Start with one twice daily of SENIKOT S, PERI COLACE.
2. If no bowel movement on third day, take 1 ounce (2 tbsp) PHILIPS MILK OF MAGNESIA at bedtime followed by 8 ounce of water. This may be repeated after 8 hours.
3. If no bowel movement by fourth day, call your nurse or doctor.
   
   
   

1. Certain chemotherapy drugs
2. Radiation therapy of the abdomen
3. Food sensitivities
4. Emotional upset
5. Infections
   
   

1. If diarrhea occurs after chemotherapy treatment, begin by taking two IMODIUM AD tablets at onset of diarrhea and 1 tablet after each loose stool. Do not take more than 8 tablets in a day unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.
2. Drink large amounts of fluids (eight 8 ounce glasses per day or more) such as water, broth or clear juices.
3. You may eat small amounts of foods such as rice, noodles; cream of wheat, toast, soft boiled or poached eggs, ripe bananas or yogurt. Quantity may be increased as diarrhea subsides.
4. Eliminate foods such as greasy, fatty foods, raw vegetables and fruits, strong spices and milk products.
5. Eliminate foods and beverage containing caffeine. Avoid very hot/cold beverages
   
   

1. If diarrhea continues for more than 48 hours despite use of Imodium and the above diet restrictions, call your nurse or doctor.
2. If you get dizzy, or light headed when you get up suddenly, call your nurse or doctor.
3. If you have a fever above 101°F with diarrhea, call your nurse or doctor.
4. If you have bloody diarrhea, call your nurse or doctor.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

1. Chemotherapy
2. Radiation Therapies
3. Biological Therapies
4. Anxiety/ Anticipation
   (Anti emetics are drugs given to prevent and control nausea.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

1. It is expected that after chemotherapy you will be prescribed anti emetics to take at home. There are different kinds of anti emetics available on the market through your pharmacy.
2. Different chemotherapy drugs have a different level of severity in inducing nausea. As a result, you may be given one, two or more combinations of treatment to prevent nausea.
3. Nausea and vomiting can be aggravated by food, diet, other medications or psychological reasons. You may need to learn to modify your lifestyle if necessary.
4. Anti emetics can have some side effects that you need to watch out for. If you get jittery, restless and/ or experience jaw tightening, call your doctor or nurse.
5. Anti emetics are supposed to be taken for the prevention of nausea and vomiting on an as needed basis.
6. If your nausea and vomiting does not improve or sometimes is delayed in occurrence, you may need additional medication.
   
   
   

1. Drink plenty of fluids of your choice (minimum of four 8 ounce glasses per day; ideally 8 glasses).
2. Foods helpful in settling the stomach are toast, crackers, pretzels, popcorn, and ice chips.
3. Easily digestible foods are yogurt, sherbet, angel food cake, oatmeal, skinned chicken, and canned soft fruit and vegetables.
4. Eat small amounts frequently.
5. Avoid these hard to digest foods: fatty, greasy, fried foods; very sweet foods such as candy, cookies and cakes; hot and spicy foods or foods with strong odors.
   
   

Chemotherapy and/or radiation may cause the lining of your mouth
and throat to develop dryness, redness, swelling, sores and pain. This temporary condition is called stomatitis. When the blood counts return to normal the mouth will begin to heal.

General Care

1. Use a soft toothbrush. Be careful not to brush too hard.
2. Do not use commercial mouthwash unless it is alcohol free.
3. Make your own mouthwash by using 2 teaspoons of salt plus 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Rinse with this solution for about 1 minute, four times a day.
4. Moisten foam toothette in mouth; rinse mixture. Gently clean and massage the gums, tongue and cheeks with toothette four times a day, after meals and before bedtime.
5. Use lip balm to keep lips moist.
6. Zinc lozenges 3-4 times daily may decrease the metallic or poor taste often experienced with chemotherapy.
   
   

1. Avoid foods and juices that are high in acid- tomato, orange, grapefruit.
2. Avoid spices and salt.
3. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol.
4. Keep mouth and gums clean to prevent infection.
5. Ask your doctor for medicine that can lesion discomfort.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

1. Use butter, margarine, gravy, sauces or broth on foods.
2. Soften foods by adding liquid to them.
3. Make foods easier to swallow by using a blender.
4. Using a straw may make swallowing more comfortable.
5. Eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, custard, shakes, or macaroni and cheese.