Heaving

Somebody told me not to eat any meat the day before and the day I had chemo. Why, I had no idea, but it seemed to have helped. I did really well with soups and smoothies. Perhaps its because I stuck with foods that digest more quickly.

Crackers ARE great, but be careful. Believe it or not, most people gain weight with breast cancer chemo and this is the converse of what happens with chemo for other cancers. For most people, the goal in chemo treatment should be to maintain your weight - you don't want to fluctuate up or down too much. To help prevent nausea, here are some things to try:
- try eating bland, easy to digest foods and drinks that will not upset your stomach, such as plain crackers, dry toast, gelatin, and broth
- try drinking one or two lukewarm cups of peppermint tea
- try eating 5 to 6 small meals a day
- have foods and drinks that are warm or cool, not hot or cold
- drink carbonated liquid that is warm and has lost its fizz, such as ginger ale
- take small bites of popsicles or fruit ices.
- suck on sugar-free mints, tart candies, or chewing gum.
- when you feel like vomiting, breathe deeply and slowly and get fresh air.
- stay away from foods and drinks with strong smells.
- acupuncture is an alternative to try as well.

Some over the counter options include:
- Antihistamines may help prevent nausea and vomiting. These include dimenhydrinate and meclizine hydrochloride.
- Pepto-Bismol, Maalox, and Mylanta may calm upset stomachs.
- lo-dose ranitidine and famotidine

Some potential prescription medications you physician might prescribe are:
- ondansetron (Zofran)
- promethazine (Phenergan)
- prochlorperazine (Compazine)
- aprepitant (Emend)
- dolasetron (Anzemet)
- granisetron (Kytril)
- palonosetron (Aloxi)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- metoclopramide (Reglan)
- dexamethasone (Decadron)
- famotidine (Pepcid)
- ranitidine (Zantac) Some over the counter options include:
- Antihistamines may help prevent nausea and vomiting. These include dimenhydrinate and meclizine hydrochloride.
- Pepto-Bismol, Maalox, and Mylanta may calm upset stomachs.
- lo-dose ranitidine and famotidine

Some potential prescription medications you physician might prescribe are:
- ondansetron (Zofran)
- promethazine (Phenergan)
- prochlorperazine (Compazine)
- aprepitant (Emend)
- dolasetron (Anzemet)
- granisetron (Kytril)
- palonosetron (Aloxi)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- metoclopramide (Reglan)
- dexamethasone (Decadron)
- famotidine (Pepcid)
- ranitidine (Zantac)