Play episode

A water bottle pouring water into a glass. We talk about dehydration and its impact on cancer treatment in this episode

October 10, 2025

S6E28: Dehydration During Cancer Treatment: The Threat No One Talks About

Feeling tired, dizzy, or just “off” during cancer treatment? It might not just be the meds – dehydration can seriously affect your recovery. Learn what to watch for and what to do about it.

Why Is Dehydration a Problem for Persons with Cancer?

Dehydration isn’t just about feeling thirsty-it can seriously impact your cancer treatment, increase side effects, and even become life-threatening if left unaddressed. In this episode, we break down why people living with cancer are at higher risk for dehydration, how to recognize early warning signs, and simple but powerful ways to stay safely hydrated. Whether you’re going through treatment or supporting someone who is, this is vital information you can’t afford to miss.

In this Episode:

01:46 – The Friend: Great New York Scenes, a Great Dane, and Grief
05:25 – Scott Simon’s tweets during the last days of his mother’s’ life
10:03 – Recipe of the Week – Mission-Style Carne Asada Burritos
11:20 – Dehydration and Cancer – The Threat You Really Need to Know About
14:54 – Treatment for Hydration – First, what is the Cause?
19:08 – Drinks to Maintain Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
22:19 – Outro

Nausea and treatment side effects such as sore throat can make it difficult to get enough fluids. We learn that “anything that melts at room temperature is a liquid.” Ice cream and popsicles can be soothing ways to get the fluid you need. | Photo by Aline Ponce, Pixabay

References:

Resources:

Marianne recommended this movie in our intro this week. It is a lovely story about grief and how we cope – even our animals

Recipe of the Week

Kiano Moju at Serious Eats shares how to make a chunky taqueria Mission burrito. Head to the website for the recipe and some really good tips on how to make it a success!

Stuffed with golden rice, creamy pinto beans, char-grilled marinated skirt steak, and the works, San Francisco’s Mission burrito is a Cal-Mex classic. Learn how to make it at Serious Eats.

**We are also selected as one of the Top 50 Grief Blogs on the Web!**
https://blog.feedspot.com/palliative_care_podcasts/

Goodpods Top 100 Death Podcasts Listen now to Everyone Dies (Every1Dies) podcast

Everyone Dies: and yes, it is normal!

Everyone Dies (and yes, it is normal) is a story about a young boy named Jax who finds something special on the beach where he and his grandpa Pops are enjoying a wonderful day. Pops helps Jax understand that death is a normal part of life. This book provides an age appropriate, non-scary, comfortable way to introduce the important topic of mortality to a preschool child. Its simple explanation will last a lifetime. Autographed copies for sale at: www.everyonediesthebook.com. Also available at Amazon

Mourning Jewelry

We offer a way to memorialize your loved one or treasured pet with a piece of handmade jewelry. When people comment on it and the wearer can say for example “I received this when my mother died” which opens the conversation about this loss. All our jewelry is made with semi-precious stones and beads, vintage beads, and pearls. You can choose between earrings or bracelets and the color family. Learn More