Dos and Don’ts During Chemotherapy
Published on April 30, 2026
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There’s a lot to consider when you’re starting chemotherapy for cancer. You may be wondering how you’ll feel after the treatment or how to plan for the days ahead.
To that end, start by doing some research — for example, learn which side effects to expect and how long they may linger. Your care team will give you some instructions to follow, but you can follow these dos and don’ts as self-care along the way.
Do Stock Up on Supplies
Before your first treatment, learn the most likely side effects of your chemotherapy regimen and what you’ll need to manage them at home. If nausea is expected, for example, have your prescribed nausea medications ready and take them as directed.
This will help you avoid scrambling when you’re already not feeling well, says Asma Dilawari, MD, a medical oncologist based in Bethesda, Maryland, and the medical director of oncology care at Thyme Care. Plus, she adds, it’s easier to stay ahead of symptoms than manage them once they start.
Think beyond medication, too, and stock your kitchen with easy-to-tolerate foods so you have something within reach on difficult days.
Don’t Assume Your Experience Will Match Someone Else’s
It’s natural to look to others who’ve been through chemotherapy for a sense of what to expect, and their support can be helpful. But your experience may look very different from theirs.
The type of cancer, medications used, and how your body responds to treatment will all determine what your experience will be like, says Dr. Dilawari. “Keep an open mind, too, and realize things may change as you go along,” she adds. How you feel after your first dose may not be the same as your fourth or fifth.
Do Pack Smart for Infusion Day
Pack a chemo bag (a backpack or shoulder bag works well) to make long treatment days more manageable, says Karen Selby, a registered nurse and patient advocate with the Mesothelioma Center in Orlando, Florida.
Consider packing:
- A sweater or blanket
- A travel pillow
- Warm socks
- Entertainment like books or an electronic tablet (with headset), and chargers
- Hand lotion, lip balm, and hand sanitizer
- A notebook for journaling
Create a checklist you can reference each time, so you don’t forget anything.
Since you might be in the clinic for a while, pack snacks and drinks, says Taylor Janulewicz, RDN, a registered dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition and eating-disorder care. “Think fruit cups, a sandwich, crackers, cereal, or a protein shake,” she says. “And take an ice pack to keep cold items at a safe temperature.” Check with your care team first, though, as some chemotherapy drugs require avoiding cold foods and drinks during infusion.
Do Be Selective About Sources
It’s a good idea to be informed — but “be careful about getting all your information from social media or searches on the internet,” says Dilawari. “Your body is unique, and so will be your experience.”
Ask your care team for written information about your medications and side effects, and stick to trusted sources like the American Cancer Society and OncoLink, says Dilawari. Your oncology nurses are also great guides if you’re unsure what to read or where to look. Make sure you feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns. Receiving cancer treatment can be a difficult time, and it’s important to have a care team you trust, she says.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed by Research and Statistics
If research helps give you a sense of control, by all means, continue your investigations. But if reading countless statistics and stories from others is adding to your stress levels, stop.
Some people find it helpful to research their diagnosis and treatment, while others prefer less information, so do what feels right for you, says Malissa Hauschildt, RN, a chemotherapy nurse with Mission Cancer + Blood, part of University of Iowa Health Care. Hauschildt recommends taking things one day at a time and focusing on your own journey. If questions come up, bring them to your care team.
Don’t Forget to Lean on the People Around You
Accepting help can be difficult, especially if your goal is to stay as independent as possible, but having support can help you cope better during treatment. Say ‘yes’ when people offer help, and be specific about what you need, says Dilawari.
If possible, choose one go-to person to help you coordinate rides, meals, errands, and update others, so you’re not managing it all yourself, Hauschildt adds.
Make plans to socialize or go on trips, if allowed, but keep them flexible and avoid making nonrefundable arrangements, says Dilawari. “Be prepared to cancel when you aren’t feeling up to it,” she adds.
Regarding travel, remember that chemotherapy weakens the immune system, so avoid crowds and sick people whenever possible, and wash your hands often (ask visitors to do the same) to reduce the risk of infection.
Do Nourish Your Body and Stay Hydrated
Your care team may emphasize eating and staying hydrated during treatment because it helps maintain strength and lessen side effects. Focus on foods you can tolerate, even if that means eating the same things repeatedly, says Janulewicz. If your appetite is low, set reminders to eat small amounts every two to three hours.
Keep a water bottle nearby and take small sips throughout the day. Smoothies, soups, popsicles, and protein shakes all count toward hydration.
Avoid raw seafood, unpasteurized dairy, and raw or undercooked meats to prevent foodborne illness, Janulewicz says.
Don’t Try Anything New Without Checking With Your Care Team First
You may see ads online touting certain products to take during chemotherapy. Before trying anything new, check with your care team first, says Selby. Some supplements, herbal products, and over-the-counter medications can interfere with treatment or cause unwanted side effects.
Do Rest When Needed, but Stay Lightly Active
Rest is one of the most important things you can do during treatment, and there will be days when you’ll need more of it. Listen to your body, take breaks, and sleep when needed, says Selby.
Don’t stay completely inactive, though, says Dilawari. Do some light activity like walking, biking, or swimming to strengthen your muscles, improve side effects, support your mental health, and reduce fatigue, she adds.
Don’t Wait to Report Your Symptoms
Side effects are not a failure, says Dilawari. Be honest with your oncology team about how you’re feeling, especially if they’re impacting your life significantly. Waiting too long to report side effects can make symptoms harder to manage and may affect how well you tolerate treatment, she says.
To track how you’re feeling, Selby recommends journaling during treatment. With chemo cycles often spaced weeks apart, you may forget how you felt on the days between appointments. Detailing your daily symptoms, energy levels, and your overall well-being can give your oncology team useful information when adjusting your care plan.
Do Take Care of Your Emotional Health
Fear, sadness, and anxiety are all normal during cancer treatment. Recognize that it’s a lot to handle, give yourself grace, and allow space for your emotions, says Hauschildt.
Lean on a trusted friend, join a support group, or talk with a counselor. Stay connected with your oncology team and share any changes in your mood or energy.
“Chemo brain” is real, Hauschildt says, and writing things down can help you remember what you want to discuss.
If you notice ongoing sadness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or a loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, reach out to your care team or a mental health professional for support.
Don’t Wait to Call Your Doctor if This Happens
Some chemotherapy side effects can be managed at home, but others need prompt medical attention.
Contact your oncology team right away if you experience:
- A fever of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher (this number may vary, though, from person to person, so follow your team’s specific instructions)
- Intense or shaking chills
- New or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with your usual medication, including severe headaches
- Nausea or vomiting that keeps you from drinking fluids
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
- A new rash or signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mouth or throat, severe itching, or trouble swallowing
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Blood in your stool
- Very little or dark urine
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Shortness of breath or a sudden, persistent cough (call 911 if you’re having severe trouble breathing)
- Redness, pain, or swelling at your port or injection site
When in doubt, call your care team. They’d rather hear from you, and it turns out to be nothing serious, than miss something that needed attention.
Resources We Trust
- Cleveland Clinic: What You Should Bring to Your Chemotherapy Session
- Mayo Clinic: Eating During Cancer Treatment: Tips to Make Food Tastier
- City of Hope: What You Need for a Chemotherapy Care Kit
- Penn Medicine: Coping With the Mental Health Challenges of Cancer
- OncoLink: Learning to Advocate for Yourself — an Important Skill!
Meet Our Experts
Tingting Tan, MD, PhD
Medical Reviewer
Tingting Tan, MD, PhD, is a medical oncologist at City of Hope National Medical Center.
Dr. Tan's research has been published in multiple medical and scientific journals, including...
Maggie Aime, MSN, RN
Author
Maggie Aime is a registered nurse with over 25 years of healthcare experience, who brings medical topics to life through informative and inspiring content. Her extensive nursing ba...
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