Facing chemotherapy can be a daunting experience, but with the right support and resources, you can navigate your treatment journey with confidence and comfort. At Portt, we understand the challenges that come with undergoing chemotherapy, which is why our founder Allie is here to share her top chemo tips to help you feel empowered every step of the way.
1. Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial during chemotherapy to help flush out toxins and stay hydrated. I always had a big water bottle nearby and sip on water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks throughout the day to maintain hydration levels. Ice chips can help with minimizing side effects and can also aid in reaching your hydration goals for treatment days.
2. Listen to Your Body:
Chemotherapy can take a toll on your energy levels, so it's important to listen to your body and rest when needed. Don't hesitate to take short naps or breaks throughout the day to recharge and give your body the rest it needs to heal. Movement can help battle fatigue and benefit your mental health, so try to add in walks or light exercise as you can with approval from your medical team. I challenged myself to get outside every day during treatment. Some days it was for a nap on my back porch in the fresh air, others it was for a long walk - I took it day by day and did what felt right for that moment.
3. Nourish Your Body:
Eating a balanced diet is essential during chemotherapy to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy. Focus on incorporating nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals to support your immune system and promote healing. Chemotherapy can cause sensitivity to smells. I found it helpful to have my husband prepare meals or you could prepare some freezer friendly options pre-treatment.
4. Seek Support:
You don't have to face chemotherapy alone. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support and encouragement during this challenging time. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and make you feel supported and loved. There are plenty of Facebook groups or online support groups that you can connect with. Just remember, someone else’s story is not your own and it’s OK to mute or unfollow if you find any groups aren’t benefiting you.
5. Prioritize Comfort:
Comfort is key during chemotherapy, so opt for soft, breathable fabrics that won't irritate your skin. I found that loose fitting garments that were easy to layer were great options for treatment. If you’ll be using a port for your infusions, a port-accessible top is something to consider. These tops allow for easy access to your port which is usually placed on one side of your chest. Portt's port-accessible clothing is designed with your comfort in mind, featuring gentle materials that feel like a warm hug against your skin.
6. Practice Self-Care:
Self-care is more important than ever during chemotherapy. Take time to pamper yourself with activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading a good book, taking a warm bath, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. I found that warmth was really comforting for me during treatment. Each evening before bed I took a hot shower and it became a really relaxing part of each day and the routine before bed helped make falling asleep easier.
7. Stay Positive:
Maintaining a positive mindset can make a world of difference during chemotherapy. Focus on the things you can control and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember, you're stronger than you know, and you have the resilience to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Journaling and positive affirmations were very helpful for me during treatment.
8. Understand what services your clinic offers:
There may be support groups or other services provided that you might find helpful. My clinic offered yoga and access to a dietician among other services. It was nice to be able to take advantage of those options as well.
Navigating chemotherapy can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can make the journey a little bit easier. By prioritizing comfort, staying hydrated, listening to your body, seeking support, practicing self-care, and staying positive, you can face chemotherapy with confidence and resilience. At Portt, we're here to support you every step of the way on your chemo journey. You've got this!
About Allie:
Hi, I'm Allie!
Born and raised on a farm in rural North Carolina, my grandmother Louise inspired a love of sewing and textiles from a young age. Six years and two degrees later from the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University (go pack!), I spent the next decade working in the textile industry between North Carolina and Germany.
Over time I grew a deeper and deeper appreciation for thoughtful design that was accessible to all. I don't believe you should have to sacrifice function for design in any situation. When in February 2020 I received those 3 heartbreaking words of a cancer diagnosis I was thrown into a world where little thought is made for products past functionality.
My frustration from the lack of well-designed garments for patients to wear during treatment resulted in a home-sewn, simple shirt that allowed for easier port access. This was something simple to make that allowed me to feel comfortable and confident during visits where port access was necessary. And it is from this experience that Portt was born!
About Portt:
Portt is a modern apparel brand that brings port-accessible options to people undergoing chemotherapy who want to maintain their style without sacrificing function. Founded by an ovarian cancer survivor, Portt was born from the frustration she felt when undergoing chemotherapy without well-designed options for folks like herself. Being a sewist, she stitched up what would become our first garment - the Long Sleeve Port-Access Shirt. Thoughtfully designed and sewn in the USA out of a buttery soft TENCEL™ Lyocell and Organic Cotton blend, it looks like a regular shirt but features a discreet opening on the shoulder of your port. Our mission is to pair functionality with great design to help you feel like you while undergoing treatments requiring access via a port.