Cycle 1 - H2O

The most noticeable thing that has changed with my taste buds is water. During the first few days of chemo, I was able to drink water only if it was flavored. However, towards the last days, I found it impossible to drink water as it has a really yucky metallic taste. The exact reason isn't quite clear, but it's believed to be the result of the damage to the oral cavity cells. And so to remedy this situation, I ended up diluting everything with juice.

You're probably wondering why is it important to drink lots of water? Having my body hydrated allows the organs to function better. This is critical since many of the organ and its systems work together to filter and remove waste and toxins from the body. In addition, drinking plenty of water reduces the side effects of the chemo drugs. Contrary to belief, it does not dilute the chemo in your system, and cause the drug to lose its ability to kill cancer cells. 

Natural Homemade Infused Water 

• Citrus slices (lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange)
• Muddled herbs (ginger, mint, lemongrass, rosemary, parsley)
• Cucumbers slices
• Crushed berries (raspberry, blueberries, strawberries, cranberry, pomegranate) 
• Fruit slices/chunks (apple, kiwi, pineapple, watermelon, mango, cantaloupe, honeydew, cherries) 
• Edible flowers (lavender)

Directions

1. Fill up cup/pitcher with ice water. 
2. Add in desired fruit and/or herbs (may be fresh/frozen). 
3. Refrigerate to allow maximal infusion. 

If you're feeling more adventurous, try these combinations: 

• Grapefruit/orange
• Pomegranate/blueberry
• Cranberry/orange
• Lemon/ginger
• Mango/kiwi 
• Lime/mint 
• Orange/lime
• Cucumber/lime
• Cucumber/rosemary
• Grapefruit/lime/orange

Some sparkle and fun: 

• Club soda, seltzer water, tonic water, or alcohol can be used as a substitute for water.