In addition to medication, you're probably going to have to take other steps to help control nausea. Luckily, there are many little ways to make a big difference.
Eat small meals. Eat many small meals throughout the day rather than three large ones can do a lot to conrol nausea.
Keep lots of snacks available. High-carbohydrate foods like crackers and toast help settle the stomach and move through the digestive system quickly. Keep snacks next to the bed so you or the person in your care can have a few bites before getting up. Keep jars of candy, nuts, dried fruit, small crackers, and other snacks around the house.
Avoid unpleasant smells. Scents can be powerful nausea triggers for someone undergoing chemotherapy. Take steps to avoid strong odors -- move the garbage can to the garage, put the cat litter downstairs, park the car at the curb, so exhaust fumes don't fill the garage.
Take particular care to avoid food-related smells before meals, which can set off a wave of nausea. Avoid food with a strong smell, such as fish, and serve or eat meals cool or at room temperature when possible, since hot food tends to have a stronger odor.
Try enhancing the taste of food -- without odors -- by seasoning with salt, lemon juice, and condiments like catsup, pickles, and olives.
Encourage rest after meals. Activity slows digestion, which tends to increase nausea. One good strategy: Take a rest after eating, either sitting up or with back and shoulders raised on pillows. Avoid lying flat on your back, as this can cause heartburn and nausea. Loosen clothing and keep the room cool, with plenty of fresh air.
Offer plenty of liquids. Drinking lots of water helps prevent nausea, but other liquids are good too. Flat ginger ale is popular with cancer patients, as is cold ginger and peppermint tea, as well as other types of herbal teas. Ice chips are popular, but if they get boring, frozen fruit ice pops work well.
Prevent sour mouth. A dry, sour taste in the mouth is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment, and it can also trigger nausea. Many patients find that it helps to rinse their mouth out with water as often as possible, particularly before meals. Chewing on peppermint candy, lemon drops, or ginger candy also helps.
Try distraction after meals. Thinking about something else can help prevent nausea from occurring after meals. Get out a board game or watch a movie. Many people also find that relaxation techniques such as guided meditation help reduce nausea.
The main thing to keep in mind about breast cancer-related nausea is that it's an ever-evolving process that you have to take day by day. Some days will be bad days, when your main focus will be keeping as comfortable as possible. Other days will be good days, when you can take advantage of feeling better to eat well and build up strength.
