Help for Hard Days
Some days during chemotherapy are about survival, not optimization.
On those days, these tips and tricks helped Cassidy and we hope they help you.
1. Fluids first
If nothing else happens today, focus on hydration.
Small, frequent sips
Water, electrolyte drinks, broth, popsicles — all count
Ice chips are okay
Even a few ounces at a time adds up.
2. Protein counts — any form
Food doesn’t have to look like a meal.
Protein shakes
Yogurt, cottage cheese
Nut butter
Eggs
Liquid or soft protein is a win. Perfection is not the goal.
3. Eat something every few hours
Crackers. Toast. Soup. Whatever works.
An empty stomach often makes nausea worse.
Calories > food rules.
4. Take the meds before it gets bad
Anti-nausea and pain meds work best when taken early.
You’re not “giving up” by using them — you’re supporting your body.
5. Rest without guilt
Chemo fatigue is not something you push through.
Rest is treatment.
6. Lower the bar — then lower it again
Today might look like:
Couch
Naps
Minimal conversation
Survival mode
That’s not failure. That’s listening to your body.
7. Call for help sooner than you think
If any of these are happening, reach out to your care team:
Can’t keep fluids down
Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
New confusion or severe headache
Very little urination
You don’t get bonus points for waiting.
One last thing
Bad days do not erase progress. They don’t mean treatment isn’t working. They don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Get through today. That’s enough.
