Chemotherapy requires special precautions to ensure the safety of patients and caregivers. Learn practical tips such as handling bodily fluids, managing laundry, cleaning spills, and safe medication storage to reduce risks and protect loved ones during the recovery period.

Being diagnosed with cancer at 38 turned my world upside down, but it also revealed strength and resilience I never knew I had. Through aggressive treatments, the love of my family, and a promise to my granddaughter, I discovered that cancer, while devastating, could also be a blessing in disguise—a chance to embrace life with newfound gratitude and purpose.

Preparing for your first chemotherapy treatment can feel overwhelming, but being prepared can help ease the experience. From packing essentials like snacks and lip balm to bringing a supportive companion, this guide provides practical tips on what to bring, what to expect, and how to stay comfortable during your session.

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. This guide explains how chemotherapy works, the different types, and what to expect during treatment, offering insights to help patients and caregivers navigate the process confidently.

Finding the perfect gift for someone starting chemotherapy can be challenging. Thoughtful and practical items, such as ginger tea for nausea, cozy socks, or a lightweight blanket, can provide comfort and support during treatment. Discover a curated list of meaningful gift ideas designed to help loved ones through their journey.

A cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments successfully managed side effects such as dehydration and mouth sores by incorporating Humolyte into their daily routine. The consistent use of this hydration solution helped maintain their health, reduced complications, and impressed healthcare providers with its effectiveness in supporting recovery.

Breast cancer myths can lead to confusion and delay early detection. Learn the truth about common misconceptions, such as the idea that only women with a family history are at risk or that mammograms cause cancer to spread. Empower yourself with accurate information to take control of your health.

Certain processed and fried foods may disrupt the body’s ability to fight inflammation and cancer. Learn which foods, like potato chips, donuts, and soda, to avoid and how to make healthier dietary choices to support your body’s defenses against cancer.

End-of-life care for children with cancer requires a compassionate and flexible approach that integrates comfort-focused care with ongoing treatment. Families value open communication, personalized care plans, and the ability to pursue treatments like chemotherapy while ensuring their child’s comfort and dignity.

The HuMOLYTE team recently earned 1st place at the StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch Competition, impressing judges with their innovative solution to hydration challenges faced by cancer patients. This achievement highlights their dedication to improving patient care and their potential to make a lasting impact in healthcare.

Navigating conversations with someone diagnosed with cancer can be challenging. What should you say, and what should you avoid? Samantha Lynn, a cancer survivor, shares heartfelt advice on how to offer meaningful support. From saying "I'm here for you" to offering specific help, her insights provide practical ways to connect with and uplift those facing cancer.

A study presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting suggests that a high-fiber diet may delay the progression of precursor plasma cell disorders, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), into multiple myeloma. The research, led by Dr. Urvi A. Shah at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, found that increased dietary fiber intake improved disease biomarkers and enhanced gut microbiota health, both of which are crucial in managing these conditions. While further studies are needed to confirm these findings, incorporating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into one's diet may offer a non-invasive strategy to support overall health and potentially slow disease progression.

Mary L. Rapp recounts her battle with a rare adrenal gland tumor she nicknamed "Wild Bill." After an initial rupture and successful surgery, she enjoyed two years of normalcy before the tumor's resurgence. Despite incomplete removal during a second surgery and ensuing depression, Mary found hope through chemotherapy, spiritual support, and cherishing daily moments with her family. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience and embracing life's uncertainties.

When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, it profoundly affects the entire family, especially children. Open and honest communication is crucial; children should be informed about the diagnosis in an age-appropriate manner to prevent misconceptions and alleviate fears. Maintaining routines provides a sense of stability, while encouraging expression of feelings through conversations, art, or play helps children process emotions. Seeking support from counseling services or support groups can offer additional coping mechanisms. It's essential to reassure children that they are not responsible for the illness and to address any concerns they may have about changes in family dynamics. By fostering a supportive environment, families can navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis together.

Managing nutrition during chemotherapy is vital to alleviate side effects and maintain strength. To address taste changes, incorporate tart flavors like pomegranate, ginger, lemon, and apples to stimulate taste buds; however, if mouth sores are present, opt for soothing foods such as baked sweet potatoes. Enhance hydration by flavoring water with fruit slices or drinking ginger and lemon tea, which also possess anti-nausea properties. Consuming smaller, more frequent meals can help sustain energy levels and ease digestion. To combat nausea, include ginger in your diet and ensure adequate protein intake from lean sources like chicken, fish, tofu, or plant-based proteins. For constipation, a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is beneficial, while blending fruits and vegetables into smoothies can aid those experiencing diarrhea. Making meals visually appealing with colorful foods and choosing light, easily digestible options like soups and smoothies can encourage eating when appetite is low. Incorporating energy-boosting foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and whole grains provides sustained energy. Tailoring your diet to your current condition and focusing on easily digestible, immune-boosting foods can help you feel stronger and more in control during treatment.

Self-care is essential during chemotherapy to manage physical and emotional challenges. Strategies include journaling to process emotions and track side effects, having a support companion at treatments, and engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation to reduce anxiety. Staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and using comfort items like blankets or headphones can enhance well-being. Connecting with support groups and incorporating personal entertainment, such as music or movies, provide additional relief and encouragement during treatment.

Journaling offers significant benefits for cancer patients and caregivers, including emotional processing, stress reduction, and enhanced communication. By dedicating time to write honestly about experiences and feelings, individuals can confront and understand their emotions, leading to improved psychological adjustment during treatment. Regular journaling can decrease stress levels and improve overall well-being. Additionally, articulating thoughts on paper can enhance communication with healthcare providers and loved ones. To begin, establish a routine, choose a comfortable medium, and write without self-judgment. Prompts such as reflecting on surprising moments, expressing gratitude, or writing letters to one's future self can guide the process. Incorporating journaling into daily routines provides a therapeutic outlet, fostering clarity, strength, and resilience amid the challenges of cancer.

Maintaining gut health is crucial during cancer treatment, as therapies like chemotherapy and radiation can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and inflammation. Prebiotics—non-digestible fibers found in foods like bananas, garlic, onions, asparagus, and whole grains—serve as nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiome. Supporting gut health can enhance immune function, improve nutrient absorption, and mitigate treatment-related side effects. Incorporating prebiotic-rich foods into the diet, or utilizing products that combine prebiotics with hydration and electrolytes, can be an effective strategy for cancer patients to maintain overall well-being during treatment.

Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is crucial for reducing cancer risk and enhancing overall health. The oral cavity hosts over 700 bacterial species, some of which, when imbalanced, are linked to systemic diseases, including various cancers. For instance, the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with gum disease, has been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a potential role in disease progression. Additionally, Fusobacterium nucleatum, an oral bacterium, has been linked to bowel tumors, indicating that oral bacteria can migrate and influence tumor growth in the gut. To maintain a healthy oral microbiome, it's recommended to brush and floss regularly, avoid overuse of antibacterial mouthwash, treat gum disease promptly, limit smoking and alcohol consumption, maintain a balanced diet, and have regular dental check-ups. These practices not only support oral health but also contribute to the prevention of systemic conditions, underscoring the interconnectedness of oral hygiene and overall well-being.

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential during cancer treatment to support recovery and manage side effects. Eating small, frequent meals rich in protein from sources like lean meats, eggs, or legumes aids healing and muscle maintenance. To address side effects, try ginger tea or cold foods for nausea, soft and non-acidic foods for mouth sores, and seasonings to counter taste changes. Staying hydrated with 8–10 cups of fluids daily, including water and electrolyte drinks, is vital. Consult your healthcare team for personalized strategies to meet your needs during treatment.