Diarrhea

• Drink plenty of clear fluids. Limit hot, spicy, fried foods, foods/drinks with caffeine, orange or prune juice. Try a low-fiber BRAT diet (Bananas, white Rice, Apple sauce, Toast made with white bread).
• Take anti-diarrhea drug(s) if given to you by your doctor.
• Also see Diarrhea pamphlet.*

Inflammation of the surface of the mucous membrane that lines the digestive system (mouth sores, diarrhea, blood in stools, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing)

• Maintain good mouth hygiene. Regular teethbrushing with a soft toothbrush or Toothette®, and
• Regular use of mouthwashes, especially after meals and at bedtime. Use alcohol-free mouthwashes.
• Instead, try a homemade mouthwash: 
  Mix 1 teaspoonful of baking soda and 1 teaspoonful of salt in 4 cups (1L) of water.
• Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, hard or crunchy foods. 
• Drink plenty of clear fluids. Limit hot, spicy, fried foods, foods/drinks with caffeine, orange or prune juice.
• Take anti-diarrhea drug(s) if given to you by your doctor.
• Also see Mouth Care and Diarrhea pamphlet.*

Tiredness

• Rest often; take naps if needed. Move slowly when getting up.
• Eat well-balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids. Light exercise may help.
• Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery when feeling tired.

Unusual bleeding or bruising

You may have black stools, cough up blood, blood in your urine, purple or red dots on your skin or bleeding that will not stop. 

Fever, chills, infection

You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

• 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time OR
• 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.

While you are getting chemotherapy treatments:

• Keep a digital thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills).
  (continue on the next page)
• Avoid taking medications that treat a fever before you take your temperature (for example, Tylenol®, acetaminophen, Advil® or ibuprofen) as they may hide a fever.
• Do not eat or drink anything hot or cold right before taking your temperature.
• Wash your hands often.
• Check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, surgeries or visiting your dentist.

If you have a fever, talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room. 
See our Neutropenia (Low white blood cell count) pamphlet for more information.

Nausea and vomiting

• Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals. Get fresh air and rest.
• Limit spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell.
• Take anti-nausea drug(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it.
• Contact your doctor if nausea lasts more than 48 hours or vomiting for more than 24 hours.
• Also see Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet.*

Liver problems (weight gain, tender right side of belly, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine)

Allergic reaction (fever, severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness)

• May occur during or shortly after the drug is given.
   

Lung problems
(increased cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)

Serious skin rash (may include blisters or skin peeling)