Ask your oncologist to refer to you to a dietitian.

Good sources of protein include chicken, beef, lamb, fish, beans, dairy, and nut butters. [3] X Research source Sometimes, chemo can make meat taste funny to you. If that’s the case, try other sources of protein, such as beans, lentils, eggs, cottage cheese, nuts, nut butters, seeds, quinoa, tofu, yogurt, and milkshakes. Beans are also rich in folate, which can also help your immune system. Alternatively, try eating meat in flavored sauces like spaghetti sauce, stews, or casseroles, or add sauces on top to improve the flavor. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source

Make sure you wash your fruits and veggies thoroughly so you don’t consume as much bacteria. Scrub them with a clean vegetable brush under running water, including the ones you’re going to peel. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Sometimes, chemo can make your food taste bland. Try adding sauces like teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, or ranch to increase the flavor. You can also use spices and seasonings to increase the flavor. Herbs like oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, and licorice root can help boost your immune system as well. [7] X Expert Source Ritu Thakur, MANatural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019. If you are having issues eating raw fruits or veggies because of things like mouth sores, choose other options. Try unsweetened applesauce, for instance, or canned veggies. If you don’t enjoy vegetables, try hiding them in other things, like fruit smoothies, carrot cake, zucchini bread, or sweet potato brownies. Alternatively, sneak them into casseroles, such as adding carrots and peas to shepherd’s pie. Keep in mind that even foods like spaghetti sauce have a decent serving of vegetables.

If you have a nut allergy, try broccoli or spinach instead.

Skip naps during the day, which can make you less sleepy at night. If you feel tired, get up and do chores or move around to avoid the urge to nap. Also, exercise when you can to improve your sleep. Exercise 5-6 hours before you want to sleep, as exercising too close to bedtime can keep you up. Keep a standard sleeping schedule. Your body grows accustomed to a schedule, and it will anticipate sleep if you go to bed at the same time every night. If you have trouble remembering to go to bed, try setting an alarm an hour before you need to head to bed. Start a bedtime ritual that you repeat every night to remind your body it’s time to go to bed. For example, wash your face, brush your teeth, and tidy up before going to bed each night. Turn off electronics when your bedtime alarm goes off, as using them to close to bed can affect your sleep cycle. Block out noise and light in your bedroom for a better sleeping environment. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet by keeping electronics elsewhere in your home. Don’t go to bed too hungry or too full. If the chemotherapy is giving you insomnia, ask your doctor if a sleeping aid is a good idea.

Always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise regimen, particularly when you’re undergoing a treatment like chemotherapy. They can advise you on how much you can do. Your doctor may even recommend a physical therapist. Stick to low-intensity exercises, and rest when you need to. [11] X Trustworthy Source BreastCancer. org Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer Go to source For instance, try fitting in a few short walks throughout the day up and down your road. Ask your doctor to see if swimming is a viable option. If it is, make sure to dry yourself thoroughly afterward so you don’t catch a cold.

Try joining a support group for cancer patients, so you don’t feel so alone in your journey. Also, lean on your friends and family to provide support during this stressful time. Try doing aromatherapy to help calm down and make your immune system stronger. [13] X Expert Source Ritu Thakur, MANatural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019. As much as you can, keep doing things you enjoy, such as reading a good book, watching movies, or crocheting. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

These drugs can cost up to $4,000 USD a shot. Typically, the doctor gives you a shot a day after you’ve had chemotherapy. The main CSFs are Neupogen (filgrastim), Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), and Leukine and Prokine (sargramostim). Your doctor will usually only prescribe these if you are older or had a compromised immune system before the chemo.

Look for one with B12 and folate, as your body needs those to rebuild white blood cells. Always talk to your doctor before starting a supplement, particularly when you’re undergoing a treatment like chemo. They can advise you on dosages, as well.

Using soap and water, scrub for 20 seconds before rinsing, making sure to get in between your fingers and under your nails. Try singing the happy birthday song while washing, which is about 20 seconds. Keep hand sanitizer in a purse or care for when soap and water are not available. [19] X Trustworthy Source BreastCancer. org Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer Go to source

Wash these items in hot, soapy water between uses. Using a dishwasher with a disinfecting cycle is even better.

When you are out in a crowded area, avoid touching surfaces as much as possible, and don’t touch your face until you can wash your hands. Use the wipes provided by grocery stores to wipe off cart handles before you use them. If possible, ask someone else to help you out with grocery shopping.

When brushing your teeth, brush very gently so you don’t make your gums bleed. Your doctor may even ask you not to floss or want you to use a water pick instead. Similarly, blow your nose gently to avoid an open wound.

Aim for an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C) for most meat and 180 °F (82 °C) for poultry.

Also, don’t eat soft-serve ice cream from a machine or free samples around the store.