There’s absolutely nothing pleasant about chemotherapy – but one of the things that people find hardest about their treatment is their constant nausea.
How do you cope? The best things you can do (and the things you shouldn’t do) may surprise you. Here are some tips:
When your stomach is totally empty, it’s more prone to acid production. You can alleviate a lot of your discomfort if you nibble on a few saltines or graham crackers between meals and eat small meals every 2-3 hours. Be sure to sip plenty of fluids between meals, too.
Hot, spicy and strongly-scented food can all upset a stomach that is already sensitive. Cold food, like ice cream, and bland foods are best when you’re struggling with nausea. (You may want to consider the BRAT diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.)
This isn’t the time to be worried about nutrition or sticking to a strict diet: Eat whatever appeals to you, when it appeals to you. You’ll have a much easier time keeping food down when you’re happy about eating it.
Do not, however, eat your favorite food when you’re feeling sick. That can start to trigger negative associations in your mind that can be set off again later by sight or smell.
Life with mesothelioma is a struggle under the best of circumstances – and mesothelioma is a preventable disease. If you were exposed to asbestos in the past, there may be compensation available to you to help provide for your care.
“Carson was as interested in my case as I was. That is the best expectation that I could ever have of a professional who is working for a positive result for all involved—his client, his firm and himself. 100% satisfaction is rarely achieved in my world, and he easily reached that goal.”
Paul — Former Client
