I've started chemo. And I'm limited to what anti sickness tablet I can have ,with my mental heath medication. Have you any insite how people in the past cope with these 2 issues. I was thinking of buying a flight Band for my wrist. Or could you help me with this issue.
Hi Rubymary
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is Joanne, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to our online community. I can see that you have also joined our cancer treatment forum and I hope you are finding these groups helpful.
I’m sorry to hear that you are struggling with sickness with your chemotherapy. It can be difficult when your medication options are reduced because of interactions with other medications.
The first thing we would recommend is talking to your team (I suspect you will have done this). They will have access to specialist oncology pharmacists who may be able to suggest alternative anti-sickness medication that may help.
You mention Flight band, these are stretchy bracelets that have a hard plastic stud that you put in the middle of your wrist. This provides acupressure to try to control sickness. Research has looked at how well they help to control chemotherapy sickness and some studies have suggested they can help especially when used alongside conventional anti-sickness drugs.
Other suggestions for controlling sickness include ginger or peppermint. You may find sipping peppermint tea or sucking on mints helpful. Nibbling on dry ginger biscuits can also help. Fizzy drinks can also reduce nausea.
You may need to alter your diet whilst you are on chemotherapy. Eating little but often can help with nausea, also try to avoid fried or fatty foods. If possible, it sometimes helps if someone can prepare foods for you, so you aren’t overwhelmed before you start to eat. Penny Brohn is a UK charity which provides wellbeing information and support for those with cancer. They have some great information regarding eating well whilst on cancer treatment.
Some people find that relaxation techniques such as meditation, hypnotherapy and acupuncture can help. Unfortunately, these complementary therapies aren’t routinely available with the NHS. There is an organisation called Maggie’s which offers some face to face and online complementary therapies. You could also check with your local Macmillan Cancer Information Centre what is available in your local area.
I hope you find a solution to your chemotherapy sickness soon. If there is anything else we can help you with, please feel free to get back in touch.
Best wishes
Joanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ JF/KHe
