The good news is that how you change is completely up to you.

This is such a fundamental part of the cancer experience that I devoted the first chapter of my book, When Cancer Hits, to this topic. I got some great thoughts from other cancer survivors out there, including Donald Wilhelm, who said, “You’re never going to be the same person you were before. But you can choose who you are, today. And you can choose who you will become, tomorrow.”

Who is This “New” Person in the Mirror?

One of the things cancer does is change your appearance. You may lose your hair, end up with extremely dry skin, gain or lose weight, experience cracked and broken nails, and get dark circles under your eyes. You may look in the mirror and not even recognize that person.

In Chapter 1, I explain that all this is very natural and normal. We all go through it. In fact, in today’s visual society, cancer’s effects on our appearance can be extremely traumatic. I give you an “Appearance Meter Quiz” to help you figure out what your appearance really means to you, and then give you ways to cope with the changes.

What Cancer Treatments Do to the Body

Though I go into more detail in later chapters, here I give you a general introduction about what cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can do to your body, so you can better understand all the changes you may go through. Then I show you how you can help maintain control of your appearance—even though right now you may feel completely out of control!

Who Am I Now?

All these changes can cause a true identity crisis in many people. After all, if you look different in the mirror, you feel different in your body, and your whole life is different than it used to be, than who are you now? I guide you through some interactive exercises that help you bring yourself back…to yourself.

What is Your Personal Chemical Exposure?

Realizing that everything is changing, I ask you to check your current routine and personal care products to evaluate your daily chemical exposure. Later in the book I help you make some changes that will be better for your fragile skin and body, but in this first chapter I help you take stock of what your current routine may be doing to your health.

I hope, after reading Chapter 1, that you feel a new sense of empowerment. Cancer can make you feel like a fish out of water—like you just don’t have any control anymore over your life. Chapter 1 acknowledges that yes, things have changed, but you still have control over how you are going to handle it!

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Were you overwhelmed by the changes cancer brought to your life? Please share your story.

Eczema Cream Increased Skin Dehydration

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology (2010) showed that aqueous cream BP—one of the most widely prescribed emollients for the treatment of eczema—actually reduces the thickness of healthy skin over a period of four weeks by more than 10 percent, increasing water loss by 20 percent. Professor Richard Guy, one of the study authors, said the cream was likely to aggravate those dry, itchy rashes that people with eczema get.

What did the researchers think caused this problem? They stated the most likely ingredient was sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

SLS is a chemical compound used as a foaming agent in personal care products like body washes and shampoos, as well as in detergents and industrial products. In skin care, it’s often used to create a creamy, rich texture. In toothpastes, it has been found to increase the risk of canker sores or mouth ulcers, and is known to irritate skin with prolonged exposure. In fact, SLS is used in lab tests to purposely irritate and damage the skin’s outer layer.

It’s no surprise then that researchers believe the SLS in the aqueous cream is what caused the thinning of the skin. Professor Guy offered this conclusion: “Our study has found that rubbing aqueous cream containing SLS into the skin thins this protective barrier, making the skin more susceptible to irritation by chemicals. So to use this cream on exzemous skin, which is already thin and vulnerable to irritation, is likely to make the condition even worse.”

What to Use Instead?

This study shows how important it is to maintain that protective outer layer in skin. That layer is what keeps skin healthy and moist, and when it’s stripped or damaged, skin becomes dry and cracked. Compromised skin is even more fragile, as some of that outer layer has already been damaged. Therefore it becomes critical to read the ingredient list and make sure you’re using products that won’t contribute to that damage.

Those suffering from eczema may be better off using ointments rather than creams, and choosing products that contain safer ingredients. Check with your dermatologist, read the label, and consider trying Purely Shea 100% Organic Shea Butter, and Earthbound Organic Chickweek and Calendula Cream, or other similar nurturing products.

Have you found a safe product to use on your eczema? Please share!

Source

Tsang M, Guy RH. Effect of Aqueous Cream BP on human stratum corneum in vivo. British Journal of Dermatology 2010; Article first published online: July 22.

Photo courtesy Casa de Damoc via Flickr.com.

It’s no secret that sales of mineral makeup have skyrocketed. Whereas it used to be available only through special television offers or unique online sites, now you can find varying brands just about anywhere. The question is: Is this makeup really better for your skin, or is it all just hype?

Mineral Makeup Contains Minerals

The big claim behind mineral makeup is that it’s more “natural” than regular makeup because it’s made from crushed, pure minerals. These include things like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica, and iron oxides.

That mineral makeup contains these minerals doesn’t really set them apart, however. Take a look at your regular foundation, concealer, or blush, and you’re likely to read the same ingredients there.

So what’s the real difference? The other ingredients—or lack thereof.

Mineral Makeup Contains Fewer Potentially Toxic Ingredients

The really nice thing about mineral makeup is that it contains fewer potentially toxic ingredients than other types of makeup. I’m talking about those things I’ve suggested you avoid, like preservatives, parabens, mineral oil, chemical dyes, and fragrance. Because mineral makeup is a dry powder made of real minerals, it has a much lower likelihood of becoming contaminated with microbes and bacteria, and thus doesn’t need the preservatives. The minerals themselves have their own pretty colors, so dyes aren’t required either. Always read labels, as some brands are different than others, and unfortunately the more popular mineral makeup becomes, the more variations we’re seeing that do include these ingredients, but on the whole, mineral makeup is often the choice for people with sensitive skin who are likely to be irritated by other ingredients.

Is Mineral Makeup Good for Your Skin?

Another claim made by those selling mineral makeup is that it’s beneficial to the skin. That might be taking it a bit far. It’s not going to get rid of wrinkles or hyperpigmentation, for example. However, the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are physical sunscreens, so there is a protective effect there, though I would still recommend you put on an additional sunscreen on most days. Zinc oxide is also a natural anti-microbial, helping to fight germs, and a natural anti-inflammatory, which may help calm sensitive skin.

What About Nanoparticles?

The biggest concern with mineral makeup is that it’s made with small particles. Some brands use “micronized” particles and others go super small with “nanoparticles.” The manufacturers are using these smaller particles so the makeup sits lightly on the skin without clogging pores. That’s why many people like mineral makeup, because it feels so light. When the particles become really small, however, there is a slight danger of inhaling them, and they can do damage in the lungs. Read my post, “Micronized Mineral Makeup” for more information and for some suggested brands that do not use nanoparticles. Choose those brands that use the larger “micronized” particles, and be sure to apply your makeup in a well ventilated area.

Should You Try Mineral Makeup?

If you have sensitive or compromised skin that is irritated by regular makeup, by all means try the mineral makeup. It may be more calming for you. Otherwise read labels and go with what feels best to you. Some people love the light feel and natural look, but others find it settles into fine lines and calls attention to dry spots. It is a powder, remember, so if you have dry skin, you’d probably be better with a safe liquid foundation.

What do you think of mineral makeup? Please let us know.

Photo courtesy dreamrdn via Flickr.com.

If you’ve ever gotten your hands or fingers in some Clorox chlorine bleach, you know what it feels like: the burning, the lasting dryness, the feeling like your skin is shrinking into your bones to get away, get away! Well unfortunately, for many people living in populated areas, you may be bathing in chlorine every day.

Most sources of city water use chlorine to disinfect the water. Unfortunately, chlorine in your shower can wreak havoc on your skin—and may have other lasting health effects as well. Because you’re bathing in a hot, steamy environment, your pores open up and actually absorb more chemicals from your water than they normally would.

And it’s not just your skin absorbing it—it’s your nose and mouth too. As you inhale, you can take in chlorine and chlorinated by-products called “trihalomethanes (THMs),” which trigger the production of free radicals in your body and have been reported to be carcinogenic in animal studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (and several scientific journals). Worse, once released, these toxins can circulate in your home, particularly if your shower is not well ventilated.

In fact, according to Water Warning, Dr. Lance Wallace of the U.S. EPA has said that showering is suspected to be the primary cause of elevated levels of chloroform in nearly every home because of chlorine in the water.¹ The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) agrees, reporting that over ten epidemiological studies found that disinfection by-products (DBPs) may be responsible for thousands of cases of rectal and bladder cancers per year, that the levels of THMs increases substantially when water is heated, and—here’s the good news—by removing precursors to DBPs, risk can be reduced.²

I could tell you a lot more on this subject—particularly about some other contaminants regularly found in tap water—but for now let’s say that your eyes are open and you’re ready to do something about it. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

1. Test your tap water. At least once a year, get a water-quality report to find out what’s in your water.
2. Find the right filter. Not all filters are the same—that’s why it helps to know what’s in your water, so you can match it up with the right filter. To get rid of chlorine, look for NSF/ANSI Standard 46, which means the filter has passed a test to remove chlorine. One study suggests 0.2-µm filters are more effective than those with larger pore sizes.
3. Choose safe household cleaners. If you’re piling on Tilex in your shower, expect to inhale toxic fumes! Choose safer shower cleaners without harmful ingredients.
4. Choose safer personal care products. Shampoos and body washes can also contain ingredients that can mix with the chlorine in your water and create toxic by-products. Take my Ingredients to Avoid list with you when you go shopping.
5. Keep your shower area ventilated. Turn on the fan and open a window if it’s warm enough.

Have you tried a shower filter? Let us know what you think!

Sources

1. “Chlorine, Cancer, and Heart Disease.” WaterWarning.com. http://www.waterwarning.com/chlorinefact.php.
2. “Our Children at Risk: The 5 Worst Environmental Threats to Their Health.” Natural Resources Defense Council Report. http://www.nrdc.org/health/kids/ocar/chap7.asp.
3. MacDonald WD, Pelletier CA, Gasper DL. Practical methods for the microbial validation of sterilizing-grade filters used in aseptic processing. J Parenter Sci Technol 1989;43:266-70.

Photo courtesy JaySeven via Flickr.com.

We forget sometimes, but the skin is a living organ, and it draws nutrients from the bloodstream just like the heart, liver, and lungs. That’s why sometimes, if something’s going wrong with your skin, it may be related to a nutrient deficiency.

The best solution is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and to drink plenty of water. That’s not always easy, however, and several of us may be walking around shy of a few key nutrients for the skin. Sometimes upping your intake of a few key foods (or supplements) may help improve your skin’s condition. Here are a few common skin conditions and the foods/nutrients that may help them improve.

Dryness. The obvious one here is water. If your skin is dry, make sure you’re getting enough water every day. Skin also stays hydrated through it’s own natural oils, however, which are supported by good fats like those that come from fish (tuna, salmon, sardines, and trout); nuts (walnuts and almonds); avocado; olives and olive oil; and sunflower seeds. A regular omega-3 supplement may also be helpful.

Easy bruising. There are many things that can cause your skin to bruise more easily. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy definitely can. If you’re not going through treatments, however, and you have skin that bruises easily or gums that bleed, you may be a little short on vitamin C. Add more citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and dark green vegetables to your diet, and choose a supplement that comes with bioflavnoids. Another benefit of vitamin C—it helps protect against damage from sun exposure.

Flaking and psoriasis. A more serious symptom of dry skin, flaky skin can signal a low level of vitamin A. This fat-soluble vitamin is key in maintaining and repairing skin tissue, so if you don’t have enough, skin will more easily lose moisture as the structure breaks down. Some studies have also connected foods high in beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) with a reduced risk of psoriasis.¹ Consume more sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, butternut squash, lettuce, dried apricots, and cantaloupe. It’s best to get this vitamin from food, as excessive vitamin A (which you may get from supplements) has been linked with increased risk of fracture.

Dermatitis. Find yourself itching and scratching? You may need more vitamin B—specifically, biotin. Even a mild deficiency of this vitamin can cause symptoms, as biotin helps form the basis for skin, hair, and nail cells. Most people get enough biotin in their diets, but if you’re taking medications that deprive you of B vitamins (like birth control, diabetic drugs, or antibiotics), you may be experiencing a deficit. Eat more bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice.

Acne and eczema. Repeatedly fighting acne? Plagued by eczema? You may be coming up short on zinc. Sometimes either of these conditions can actually be a direct result of a zinc deficiency. This useful mineral is involved in inflammation control and tissue regeneration. It also helps tame oil production, so particularly if you have oily skin, or if you’re on medications that rob your body of zinc (like antacids, antiobiotics, birth control, hormone replacement drugs, or acid-blocking drugs like Nexium), or if you have diabetes (which affects zinc metabolism), you may want to increase your intake of zinc. Try more oysters, wheat germ, low fat roast beef, sesame seeds, veal liver, dark chocolate, lamb, and peanuts.

Have you improved your skin condition through nutrition? Please share your story.

Source

1. Naldi L, Parazzini F, Peli L, Chatenoud L, Cainelli T. “Dietary Factors and the Risk of Psoriasis. Results of an Italian Case-Control Study,” Br. J. Dermatol. 134 (1): 101-6 (January 1996).

Photo courtesy M.SheldrakeSkin via dignitana.com.

While you’re going through cancer treatment, you may feel the same as Mr. Hope on some days. Skin can look dry, blotchy, red, and sallow, even mottled with acne. Fortunately, we have foundation to even out those flaws.

There’s really no one “right” way to apply foundation, but there are a few things you should be careful of while you’re going through treatment. Here are a few basics to help you get your best face.

1. Make sure your face is clean. A clean face is the best canvas for foundation. Even if you’re in a hurry, splash some lukewarm water and gentle cleanser on your skin to rid it of oils and bacteria.
2. Use moisturizer first. There’s no more important time to use moisturizer than when you’re going through chemotherapy treatments. Your skin is going to be exceptionally dry, which can show up in flakes, dry patches, and tightness under your foundation. Ideally, apply moisturizer, wait a few minutes, then apply again before using foundation.
3. Apply sunscreen. A must for every day of the year, sunscreen should be applied after cleansing, toning and moisturizing, and before you apply your makeup.
4. Apply concealer. Here’s where you cover any acne postules, scars, or dark spots. Dot the concealer on and gently dab around the area until it’s covered. (You can also use concealer after applying foundation for lightening dark areas.)
5. Use a sponge. You may be used to warming foundation on your fingertips and spreading it that way, but to protect yourself from germs while your immune system is compromised, use a clean sponge every day. Several of you may be used to re-using that sponge over and over, but that only places more germs on your fragile skin. Get a new one each time, or wash the old one after every use with warm water and soap.
6. Apply in a bright room—preferably with sunlight. Natural light helps you better see just how your foundation is really going to look out in the daylight. If you don’t have a window, make sure you have good lighting in the room you use for makeup application.
7. Liquid or cream foundation application. Dampen the sponge first, squeezing out any excess moisture. This will make the foundation go on more smoothly and prevent the sponge from soaking it all up. Place a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand, dip the sponge into it, and dot on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Blend together with the sponge, out to your hairline and jaw line until it all vanishes. Blend extra carefully around the nose and mouth to avoid any lines. Check your jawline as well, as that’s where foundation lines often show up.
8. Powder foundation. If you’re using powder foundation (or mineral powder), follow the same steps, just be sure your moisturizer is dry on your face before starting. Damp skin will increase chances of streaking. (Blot with a tissue if you don’t have time to wait.) Celebrity makeup artist Nathan Johnson recommends you tap a small amount of powder into the lid, dip the brush into the powder, and start at the outside of your face, buffing the powder onto the skin using a small circular motion. After finishing the outer areas, move into the cheeks and nose.
9. Set with powder. This step is optional while you’re going chemotherapy treatment, as dry skin doesn’t like powder—it shows up fine lines and wrinkles. To set your foundation, you may want to just lightly dust a bit of loose powder over your forehead, nose, and chin. You may also want to use a light dusting of bronzer instead for a healthy, sun-kissed look.

Have any tips for foundation application during treatment? Please share with us.

Photo courtesy of TheMeConspiracy via Flickr.com.

Dry skin seems to occur on the surface, but actually the problem goes deeper than that, down to the oil-producing glands in the lower layers. A healthy diet filled with vitamins and minerals that support healthy gland function can help your skin battle the problem. Fortunately, the foods that are good for your skin are good for the rest of your body, too, so while you’re eating for moisturization, you’ll reap the benefit of increased immunity and strength.

Start by drinking more water. Take a water bottle with your everywhere, and drink frequently. Your body is always losing water through perspiration, evaporation, and regular organ functioning, so you need to constantly replace it. Cancer treatments further dehydrate you, so drink up.

Second, increase your body’s hydration by eating more raw fruits and vegetables. Goodies like cantaloupe, grapes, oranges, celery, cucumbers, and tomatoes are all bursting with liquids that will moisturize from the inside out.

Next, choose foods high in vitamins A, B, C, E, and natural antioxidants to support skin renewal and repair. Vitamin A helps maintain and heal epithelial (skin) tissues. Sources include egg yolks, oysters and nonfat milk, plus beta-carotene-rich gems like carrots, sweet potatoes, papaya, broccoli, eggs, and spinach. (The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A.) B vitamins are involved in healthy functioning of oil-producing glands, so pile on the whole grains, cantaloupe, sweet peppers, green peas, fish, and citrus fruits.

Vitamin C supports the formation of collagen, which according to Amy Newburger, MD, an attending physician in the Dermatology Department at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Medical Center, “acts like a sponge for moisture.” Sources include orange juice, broccoli, tomato, mango, peppers, and kiwi fruit.

Vitamin E is great at slowing skin aging, and is found in almonds, leafy vegetables, and olive and sesame oils. Antioxidants are strong warriors, and fight off damaging free radicals caused by sun exposure, pollution, and malnutrition (which can occur during cancer treatments.) Try blueberries and strawberries, squash, kale, spinach, kidney and pinto beans, cranberries, artichoke hearts, apples, and potatoes.

You may also want to beef up your intake of omega-3-rich foods. Experts know that fatty acids are essential to the epithelial structures that retain moisture. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, herring, anchovies, sardines, flaxseed oil, soybeans, canola, and walnuts.

Finally, avoid those foods that rob your body of water. These include alcohol, anything with caffeine, and high-sugar foods and soft drinks, which can all act as diuretics on your system. Stay away from fried foods as well, as they carry free radicals that damage skin structure. And if cancer treatments are affecting your appetite, feel free to use supplements for awhile, returning to good foods when you can.

Remember that cancer and chemotherapy rob your body of critical nutrients that you can replace by eating good foods. Though vitamins and minerals aren’t a quick cure-all for dry skin, getting enough of powerhouse nutrients can arm your body with the tools it needs to lighten the effects of treatment.

Do you have a favorite diet for skin care? Let us know!

Photo courtesy of thefitandhealthychef via Flickr.com.

“It was as though a giant sponge swooped down and absorbed all the moisture from my skin,” says Pat, a breast-cancer survivor.

What are the signs? Dry skin appears rough and flaky, and can become cracked and peeled.  It may feel tight and itchy, and with scratching, may start to bleed. A slight tear can lead to infection, so it’s paramount you keep your skin as moist as possible.

There are some basic things you can do. Avoid hot water (it makes itching worse); shower or bathe in lukewarm temperatures; pat (don’t rub) dry; and avoid drying soaps—instead, use organic, non-toxic, skin cleansers and creams. Apply moisturizer (or organic body oil like Weleda) when skin is still damp, wash clothes in toxin-free mild detergents, use chemical-free sunscreen (we love Soleo Organics SPF 30), avoid synthetic perfumes and fragrances, use a humidifier in your room, stay away from irritating fabrics like wool and nylons (choose cotton and silk), and protect your skin with gloves and when doing household chores. (You can also purchase thin cotton gloves to protect fragile, sore hands.)

All these things may help, but if you’ve got serious dry skin, you need more. First, let’s talk about relieving the pain or itch. Instead of scratching, dryskin.com suggests massaging the area with an ice cube, or covering it with a cool washcloth. Add baking soda or ground up oatmeal to the tub to further soothe the irritation. Natural-homeremedies.com suggests Vicks vapor rub for immediate relief, vitamin E oil, baking soda and water paste, or an apple cider vinegar and water solution. If you’ve already scratched, natural aloe from the plant can soothe the burn and moisturize skin, or try Santaverde Aloe Body Lotion.

Regular lotions may be moisturizing to the everyday person, but for those going through chemotherapy, they may seem no more effective than water. Many skin-care enthusiasts recommend virgin coconut oil for its protective qualities. It absorbs easily through the skin to heal and moisturize, plus it won’t break the budget. Other oils great for moisturization include almond, grapeseed, evening primrose, and olive. You can find organic versions of these oils at Aura Cacia. (Try coating your hands and feet in oil and lotion and sleeping in cotton socks at night.)

Looking for home remedies? Try mashing a ripe banana and applying it to the dry area for ten minutes, or blend together 1 teaspoon green clay powder and 1 teaspoon raw honey and apply for fifteen to twenty minutes.

If none of these things help, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Whatever you do, don’t suffer in silence. Dry skin could land you in the hospital with infection, so you have every excuse to pamper yourself with tender care!

Do you have a great solution for dry, irritated skin? Let us know!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

During chemo, my father had extremely dry hands and feet, and brittle nails that almost fell off. His doctor failed to warn him about these effects.

Chemotherapy can create a myriad of side effects. One of the purposes of this blog is to tell you about them, and help you to alleviate them, naturally. Recently, many patients told us: “The doctor didn’t tell me about this [or that] side effect.” Did he think you already knew? Or maybe he didn’t want to scare you? Perhaps he just didn’t know how the treatment would affect you, since everyone is different.

Most survivors agree—it’s better to be informed. With that in mind, here are a few of the side effects your doctor may have neglected to tell you about. You may or may not experience them—everyone is different, and all treatments are different—but just in case.

Eyelash and Eyebrow Thinning: You probably already know about hair loss, and you may have already gotten your wig. What you may not have thought about are your eyelashes and eyebrows. Chemo targets all hair cells, so to be prepared, get yourself an eyebrow kit (read our post), and consider investing in some synthetic brows or lashes.

Dry Skin and Brittle Nails: You may have had dry skin before, but chemo takes it up a notch. Your skin may be especially dry and flaky. Moisturize as often as you can, try some aloe (particularly for radiation burns), and avoid hot water. Your nails may turn hard and brittle, so wear gloves often, avoid chemical cleaners, and apply a soothing oil (like olive or sesame) around the cuticles daily.

Mouth Changes: Chemo goes after the cells that line the mouth, which can cause many problems. You may experience metal taste, so stock up on plastic utensils and citrus fruits. Plastic tones down the effect (silverware exacerbates it), and citrus wakes up the taste buds you have left. Johnny of Imerman’s Angels suggests the drink Lemonhead. Survivor Patricia Prijatel suggests Japanese plum sauce, which can help shake up certain foods.

Another common problem is mouth sores—those painful, canker sores that settle on your tongue, inside the lips, and on the lining of the cheeks. Hydrogen pyroxide and water make an effective rinse. Salt water may do the trick as well. Be prepared by asking your dentist ahead of time for some soft, tooth swabs for those days when a toothbrush is too hard, and stock up on soft foods like yogurt, soups, and gravies.

Another possibility is dry mouth. Your doc will have medication for this. Carry a water bottle with you, suck on tart candies, and see here for more suggestions.

Tummy Troubles: Your doctor may have told you that new medications stave off nausea and vomiting. Well, maybe. Maybe not. Most cancer patients complain of one or more of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or constipation. For nausea, the doc will give you drugs, but try some ginger extract as well (500 mg/day starting 3 days before treatment). Studies have shown it helps! To raise your odds of avoiding an upchuck, eat light on treatment days, and go for bland foods like toast, bananas, applesauce, and the like.

For constipation, try a regular regimen of fiber drinks, and be sure to exercise (walk) as much as you can. Prijatel suggests “green drinks” that are full of fiber and antioxidants. Milk of Magnesia might work too, but the more natural you can go, the better, so stock up on green vegetables, fruits, flaxseed, and oatmeal. This may help with diarrhea as well, as it regulates the digestive system. Whatever you do, go easy on the tummy—avoid spices, processed foods, and high-fat items.

Joint Pain: Though the hair, mouth, and tummy are the most commonly affected by cancer treatments, the joints may suffer too. Get yourself a glucosamine supplement and start taking it before you start treatment. Walk every day if you can, and eat foods high in omega-3s, like fish and walnuts.

Malnutrition: There’s no doubt that chemo robs your body of certain nutrients. Many patients mention a lack of magnesium, so be sure you’re taking a magnesium supplement as well as a quality multi-vitamin. Many vegetables (like spinach) contain magnesium as well. A good, healthy diet will always help your body stay strong.

Did you have a “surprise” side effect? What did you do about it? Please share your story.