Discharge Instructions for Chemotherapy

Keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. Use a toothpaste with fluoride. Ask if you should floss.

Use a mouth sponge swab or special soft toothbrush if your gums bleed during brushing. Ask your healthcare team about these swabs.

Don't use mouthwash with alcohol in it.

Use any mouthwash given to you as directed.

Use salt, baking soda, and warm water to clean your mouth. Rinse your mouth 3 to 4 times a day and then with plain water rinse. For example, mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water. Swish and spit to keep your mouth soft and ease dryness.

If you wear dentures, make sure to keep them clean and that they fit well. You may be told to wear them only when you eat. Ask your healthcare provider. Clean your dentures twice a day. Soak them in antimicrobial solution when you aren't wearing them. Rinse your mouth after each meal. 

Check your mouth and tongue every day for sores and white patches. This may be a sign of a type of yeast infection called thrush. This is a common side effect of chemo. Tell your health care provider if you get these patches. You might need medicine to treat them.

Use lip balm to keep your lips from drying and cracking.

Sugarless gum and hard candy can help ease dryness.

Eat small meals and snacks many times a day to keep your strength up instead of 3 large meals. Try to focus on high-protein foods.

Choose bland foods with little taste or smell if you're reacting strongly to food.

Be sure to fully cook all food. This kills bacteria and helps you prevent illness.

Eat foods that are soft. They're less likely to cause stomach irritation.

Try to eat a variety of foods for a well-balanced diet.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Ask your treatment team about supplements and shakes if you're having trouble eating.

Eat foods with fiber unless your healthcare provider says not to. Fiber can help to prevent constipation.

Take your anti-nausea medicine as soon as you feel nauseated. Don't wait until you're throwing up. Let your health care provider know if it's not working.

Keep clean. Wash your hands often. Be sure to wash them before you cook and eat, and after going to the bathroom, coughing, or touching pets and other animals. Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Stay away from people who are sick with an illness you could catch. This includes people with COVID, colds, flu, measles, or chickenpox. This also includes people who've recently had a vaccine for any illness.

Stay away from crowds. If you have to be around a crowd, it's a good idea to wear a mask. Plan outings during less busy times.

Let your health care provider know if you have any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, soreness, redness, swelling, and drainage. This includes a sore throat, earache, sinus pain, or a burning feeling when you pee. You may have an infection that needs treatment.

Be careful with pets. Scratches and bites can lead to infection. Don't pick up dog waste or clean a litter box or bird cage.

Take extra care to not cut or nick yourself with scissors, knives, needles, razors, or cuticle clippers.

Don't eat raw or undercooked foods. This includes eggs, meats, and seafood.

Wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating them.

Check freshness or expiration dates of food and liquids. Don't eat or drink items past their dates or have mold and don't smell normal.

Be ready for hair loss. This often starts a few weeks after chemo begins. You can lose hair anywhere. This can include the hair on your head and your facial hair, pubic hair, eyebrows, and even eyelashes. You may want to cut your hair short or buy hats or wigs ahead of time.

Try to exercise. Exercise keeps you strong and keeps your heart and lungs active. It helps you feel less tired and helps you eat and sleep better. Walking and yoga are good types of exercise.

Keep your skin moisturized. Chemo can make your skin dry. Use mild, moisturizing soap. Apply fragrance and alcohol-free lotion several times a day to help ease dry skin. Wash with cool or warm water, not hot water. Hot water dries your skin.

Know what changes to expect with chemo. Some medicines can cause your skin to change color and peel. This most often happens on the hands and feet. Your nails may turn yellow or become brittle. They may fall off.

Protect your skin from the direct sunlight when you're outside. Some chemo medicines make your skin more sensitive to sun damage.

Don't smoke or use any form of tobacco. Ask your health care provider for help quitting.

Close the lid and flush twice after using the toilet. Do this during treatment and for the first 3 days after treatment or as your provider advises. Talk with your provider about home safety measures that you and your caregivers should follow to prevent contact with your body fluids.

Don't get pregnant during chemo. Talk to your provider about using birth control during and after treatment.

Unexplained bleeding.

Trouble focusing.

Tiredness that gets worse or keeps you from getting out of bed or taking care of yourself.

Shortness of breath, wheezing, trouble breathing, or bad cough.

Rapid, irregular heartbeat or chest pain.

Dizziness or are feeling lightheaded.

A constant feeling of being cold or shaking chills.

New hives or a cut or rash that swells, turns red, feels hot or painful, or starts to ooze.

A burning feeling when you pee.

Bloody or cloudy urine.

A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.

Diarrhea.

Yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice).