If you have a friend or family member who is going through chemotherapy, you can only imagine how difficult it is to cope with unpleasant side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. While you may not be able to take their discomfort away, you can support them on their journey. Learn how to best assist them in the list below.

How to Help a Loved One Through Chemotherapy

Pitch In 

When your loved one is feeling tired or sick from treatment, it may be difficult for them to do laundry, mow the lawn, or cook dinner. With this in mind, offer to help with chores or pick up meals. You can also pitch by babysitting the kids, getting their prescriptions from the pharmacy, or dropping off their packages at the post office. 

Stay Positive 

Encouragement and humor can go a long way when someone is dealing with cancer. Inspire a laugh or smile by sending them funny text messages, giving them an honest compliment, or recommending a comedy to watch on TV. Your positive energy can provide hope and strength during their most difficult moments. 

Clean Up 

Help your loved one avoid infection and complications during chemotherapy by keeping things clean. Wash your hands before you visit with them and avoid visiting when you are feeling under the weather. If you notice their home needs vacuuming or the counters need wiping, offer to do it for them. Also, ensure all food is fresh and cooked thoroughly. 

Enlist Others 

While you want to assist as much as you can, you may need additional help from others. If the person undergoing chemotherapy needs emotional support, ask them if they would like you to enlist a licensed therapist or clergy member. While you are on vacation or busy at work, contact family and friends to check on them or take an item off their to-do list. 

Ask the Doctor 

Your loved one’s weakness, nausea, or vomiting can be alarming, especially if you don’t know what you can do to help. Call their oncology doctor if you have any questions about their care. Whether you need information about treating dehydration, supplementing their nutrition, or keeping them from feeling sick, a physician’s advice can help you feel more in control and provide the accurate guidance you need. 

 Going through chemotherapy is difficult, but the support of friends and family and a state-of-the-art cancer center can simplify the process and provide a better outcome for patients. Savoy Medical Center has five locations in Mamou, Eunice, Elton, Basile, and Ville Platte, LA, to make this possible. To schedule an appointment for chemotherapy at one of their centers, visit them online. For information about their oncology facility and hospital services, like them on Facebook.