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Nutrition and daily life

A day at a glance: a simple daily rhythm

During treatment the day is often divided between medicines, food, rest and movement. A simple daily "map" helps you remember everything and save energy. This section is an example; build your own rhythm with your team.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Objects from morning to night.
Figure 1.The arc of the day — A day at a glance: a simple daily rhythm

01Short answer

Morning: wash hands, take your temperature, morning medicines, breakfast, tooth and mouth care. Midday: a short walk, lunch, fluids, a short rest. Evening: a light dinner, evening medicines, a shower, tooth care, temperature. Through the day: a snack and fluids every 2–3 hours, hand hygiene. Night: go to bed at the same time. Write down temperature, food, fluids and symptoms, and show your team at visits.

02Simple explanation

Morning temperature and medicines.

Fluids all day.

Movement and rest.

Evening hygiene.

03Scientific explanation

Studies: a daily routine and a symptom diary improve medicine-taking and communication with the team.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

The diary

Phone or paper, whichever is easier.

Morning and evening compartments.
Figure 2.A pill organiser — A day at a glance: a simple daily rhythm

The family's role

A family member can keep track of medicine times.

Evening temperature
Figure 3.Evening temperature.

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The diaryPhone or paper, whichever is easier.
The family's roleA family member can keep track of medicine times.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Symptom diary
A daily record of symptoms.
Routine
A repeated daily pattern.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Create a rhythm.
  • Write it down.
  • Stay flexible.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

Must every day be the same?

No; hospital days and home days differ.

I forgot a medicine; what now?

Ask your pharmacist or team; do not take a double dose.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Must every day be the same?

  2. I forgot a medicine; what now?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  2. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  4. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Iron
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Potassium
  7. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Iron
  8. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Calcium
  9. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Others (magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and more)
  10. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron — Fact Sheet for Consumers
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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