This higher dose of radiation could cause more severe skin side effects. The study found that using antiperspirants doesn't increase the amount of radiation delivered to the skin.
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Avoid moisturizers with fragrance-and allergen-and irritating ingredients, including some of the anti-aging and acne ingredients such as salicylic acids, glycolic acid (AHAs) and retinol. These latter ingredients exfoliate precious skin barrier cells that are reduced during chemo.
Don't buy perfumes or scented toiletries. Radiation and chemotherapy alter sense of smell. Smells that are usually pleasant can become unbearable, too strong, or cause nausea.
It depends on your treatment. Some people can go without extra support for a while, Frey says. But check with your health care team. You might need to wear a surgical bra.
Avoid harsh chemicals:
Nail polish will cause your nails to dry up even faster. These chemicals can be harsh on the nails and can cause further damage during chemotherapy.
If your cancer treatment includes taking oral chemotherapy, there are important safety tips you and your caregiver should follow. It is safe to touch other people while on chemotherapy. You can hug and kiss.
Wearing makeup can help you feel more confident and more like yourself when you're having treatment. Check with your doctor or specialist nurse before using any skin care products if you: are still having cancer treatment. have had treatment to your face or neck.
Bathe every day and use warm water. Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs. Use a mild soap for bathing. Use a soft towel to gently wash skin.
MooGoo's skin milk udder cream is used in a number of hospitals in Australia as a moisturiser cream for dry and damaged skin following radiation treatment and chemotherapy. The Milk Wash is a face wash formulation packaged into a larger bottle so that it can also be used on the body.
Use a soft toothbrush or a sponge applicator such as a toothette to brush your teeth. Don't floss if it causes bleeding when your platelet count is low. Wear dentures only for meals. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or baking soda and water (a teaspoon of either dissolved in eight ounces of warm water).
You may want to begin with a pair of socks, which won't take up much room in your chemo bag. Wearing close-toed shoes may help keep your feet warm if the room is cold, but taking those shoes off and putting on some comfy socks can help you relax and be a lot more comfortable.
Safety concerns for partners
Be assured that it is not possible for your partner to transmit cancer through intimate activities such as kissing or intercourse. Sexual activity will not make cancer spread, nor will it make the cancer come back.
Chemotherapy can be found in saliva and vaginal secretions for 48-72 hours after treatment. During this time, do not do open-mouth kissing and use a condom or dental dam for oral sex or intercourse (vaginal or anal) so that your partner is not exposed.
There's usually no medical reason to stop having sex during chemo. The drugs won't have any long term physical effects on your performance or enjoyment of sex. Cancer can't be passed on to your partner during sex.
Housekeeping and Disinfecting
If possible, don't do household chores if you don't feel well. It is better to rest if you are tired or not feeling well, as this will help your body recover from chemotherapy.
You may worry about the safety of family and friends while you are having chemotherapy. There is little risk to visitors (including children, babies and pregnant women) because they aren't likely to come into contact with any chemotherapy drugs or body fluids.
Short, planned delays in chemotherapy for good-risk GCT patients (less than or equal to 7 days per cycle) appear to be acceptable since they may prevent serious toxicity in this curable patient population. Delays of longer than 7 days are strongly discouraged except in extraordinary life-threatening circumstances.