I have never been a heavy water drinker, so this has become one of my biggest challenges. I did really well the first two weeks of treatment, consuming at least 64 oz per day (8 glasses), but then I slacked off a bit this last week drinking a Diet Coke now and then as well as a cup of tea in the morning. Well, I learned the hard way how important it is to stay hydrated while getting your chemo Intravenously. Notice I didn’t title this blog “water.” That was purposeful. You probably remember from your 7th grade science class (or earlier) that water is part oxygen. Oxygen makes it way through the blood stream, opening our veins and permitting the fluids to flow. When we lack oxygen, our veins flatten and makes it harder to insert an IV. This is my humble and very uneducated way of explaining dehydration. Losing oxygen flow also means there is less for our brains, producing light-headedness, inability to concentrate, and general fatigue as well as other symptoms. In my case, the first vein attempt was a “blow-out.” That’ll leave a bruise.
So, lesson learned! Lots of fluids. Water is best. Adding substitute sweeteners counters the effects of the fluids, so don’t be tempted. Even if you don’t have cancer, there are so many reasons to drink water. Put a little lemon in it if you like, but drink at least 8 glasses per day. Otherwise, I’m doing great and the third treatment was relatively uneventful. And so far, I still have my hair. 🙂
How much water do you drink each day? What can you do to increase your intake? Feel free to comment below.