Nausea

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of melanoma treatments but they are only temporary. However, there are medicines available to help control nausea. It's important that you get enough food and nutrients while your body is dealing with melanoma and its treatment.

Suggestions that may be helpful

• Ask your doctor about medicine to help control nausea and vomiting.
• Try toast and crackers, yogurt, sherbet, pretzels, angel food cake, oatmeal, skinless chicken (baked or broiled, not fried), fruits and vegetables that are soft or bland (such as canned peaches), clear liquids (sipped slowly), and ice chips.
• Avoid fatty, greasy, fried, spicy, or hot food with strong odors.
• Avoid sweets such as candy, cookies, or cake.
• Eat small amounts often and slowly.
• Avoid eating in a room that's stuffy, too warm, or has cooking odors that might disagree with you.
• Drink or sip liquids throughout the day, except at mealtimes. Using a straw might help.
• Drink fewer liquids with meals. Drinking liquids during a meal can cause a full, bloated feeling.
• Drink beverages that are cool or chilled. Try freezing your favorite beverages in ice cube trays for mini ice popsicles.
• Eat foods at room temperature or cooler; hot foods may add to nausea.
• Don't force yourself to eat your favorite foods when you feel nauseated. This may cause a lasting dislike of those foods.
• Rest after meals, because activity may slow digestion. It's best to rest sitting up, for about an hour after a meal.
• If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry toast or crackers before getting up.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Try to keep track of when your nausea occurs and what causes it (specific foods, events, surroundings). If possible, make changes in your diet or schedule to avoid the things that trigger your nausea. Share the information with your doctor or nurse.

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