Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment

• Sometimes it is the cancer itself causing nausea
• Not all cancer treatments cause nausea. But some chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause nausea.  
• Other symptoms of cancer or cancer treatment can cause or make nausea worse. Pain, dizziness, and other physical symptoms can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, stress and depression can also cause nausea.

Preventing Nausea and Vomiting

• There are medications available that may prevent or control nausea and vomiting. They are called “antiemetics”.
• You may be told to take an antiemetic medication before receiving your treatment.  Tell the doctor or nurse if you forgot or if you were unable to take the medication.
• Tell you nurse if you are having trouble:
  • Finding the medication  
  • Affording the medication.  These drugs can be expensive
  • Swallowing the medication
• Be sure to tell your nurse or doctor if the antiemetic medication did not help control nausea and vomiting after your last treatment
• Take the medication for as long as you are told to take it.  Some treatments can cause nausea that may last for several days.

Managing Nausea and Vomiting

• When did the nausea start and how long did it last?
• Was it just after treatment or does it continue for days after treatment?
• What other medications are you taking? Does nausea happen after taking them
• What other symptoms are you having? Pain? Dizziness? Constipation?
• Are you able to eat or drink at all?
• How many times do you pass urine? Is it darker yellow than normal?
• When was your last bowel movement? Is this normal for you?

• Eat 5-6 small meals per day instead of 3 large meals.
• Eat plenty of protein and calories when you can.
• Keep snacks nearby.
• Eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Try “dry foods” such as crackers, pretzels, toast, or dry cereal.   
• Avoid foods that are very sweet, fatty, fried, or spicy.  Try foods that are soft or bland and easier to digest right after treatment.
• Try not to eat your “favorite foods” when you feel nauseated.  This may cause a permanent dislike for these foods.
• Drinking fluids is very important! 
  • Try to drink at least 6-8 cups of fluid per day
  • Try to drink an extra cup of water for each episode of vomiting
  • Avoid drinking at meal times. Wait about an hour and then start with sips  
• Avoid strong food odors:
  • Prepare meals and freeze them for use after your treatment
  • Ask others to prepare meals for you
  • Eat foods at room temperature or colder to avoid strong smells.
• Keep meal times pleasant.  
  • Eat in comfortable surroundings 
  • Dining area should not be too warm, have good ventilation and soft lighting   
• Wear loose clothing that does not fit tightly around your waist as you eat
• After eating, relax in an upright position to aid digestion.  Avoid lying down for at least 2 hours following a meal.

• Keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth regularly and before and after meals.
• Get some exercise and fresh air.  Even light exercise may help you overcome nausea and feel more like eating.
• Avoid other odors such as perfume or strong cleaning products
• Try some relaxation exercises or music.   
• Distract yourself from thinking about your nausea.  Talk with a friend, listen to music or watch TV.
• Some patients have found adding ginger to food and fluids helpful.  Other patients have recommended a variety of teas to settle an upset stomach. 
• Ask to speak with the dietician for even more ideas! 

When To Call

• If you are unable to eat or drink for 24 hours
• If the medication ordered for you is not working
• If for any reason you are unable to take your medication.
• If you have symptoms of dehydration:
  • You are going to the bathroom less and your urine is darker than normal.
  • Your mouth is dry and you are thirsty.
  • You feel light-headed or dizzy, faint or become confused.

If you see blood in the vomit when you throw up.