Chemo Tips & Tricks
for patients and caregivers
From our lived experience, to hopefully help others
The information shared here reflects what has helped us keep Cassidy as healthy and supported as possible during chemotherapy. It’s based on our lived experience, conversations with his care team, and general oncology guidance — this is not professional medical advice. Every cancer journey is different, and what works for one person may not be right for another. Always follow the recommendations of your own oncology team.
Why we’re sharing this
When Cassidy started chemotherapy, we were given plenty of information about treatment — but far less about how to actually live during it.
How to eat when nothing sounds good. How to stay hydrated when nausea takes over. How to support a body that’s being pushed to its limits day after day.
We learned quickly that small, consistent habits made a big difference. Not miracle cures. Not perfection. Just daily support — hydration, protein, rest, and grace — repeated over and over again.
If sharing what’s worked for us helps even one person feel a little less overwhelmed, a little more prepared, or a little less alone, then it’s worth putting out there.
From Leah, as a Caregiver
I didn’t come into this with a medical background — just a deep love for someone navigating the hardest season of his life. I’ve learned by paying attention, asking questions, advocating when things didn’t feel right, and doing my best to support Cassidy on both the good days and the really hard ones.
This page isn’t about doing chemo “right.” It’s about doing the best you can with the information, energy, and capacity you have on any given day. Some days will look like full meals and long walks. Other days will look like protein shakes, naps, and survival mode — and both are valid.
If you’re a patient or caregiver reading this, know this: you’re not behind, you’re not failing, and you don’t need to have everything figured out. You’re showing up — and that matters more than you know.
For Caregivers:
If you’re here trying to figure out how to help someone you love through chemotherapy, you’re already doing more than you realize. You don’t need to have medical training or all the answers. What matters most is consistency, presence, and paying attention. Some days your role will look like tracking fluids and meals. Other days it will look like sitting quietly, advocating when something feels off, or holding space when the emotions hit. All of that counts.
For Patients:
If you’re reading this while going through chemotherapy, please know this: your body is doing something incredibly hard. There is no “right” way to get through treatment, and there is no prize for pushing past your limits.
Some days you’ll feel strong. Other days you’ll feel exhausted, frustrated, or disconnected from your own body. All of that is normal. Eating less, resting more, needing help — none of that means you’re failing. It means you’re listening.
Focus on what you can do today, even if it’s small. Fluids count. Protein counts. Rest counts. Getting through the day counts.
You are not weak for needing support. You are doing the work — even on the days it doesn’t look like much from the outside.
