Some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, can cause these problems; sometimes, there is no clear cause for these problems. Seeing your friends and family? He had no choice but to conclude that, despite what doctors might tell you, chemotherapy does not work. Even with a vegetable dye, it is worth testing before you use it. To get help with many of these problems, it is important to talk to your doctor. Do you want no pain at all (which can sometimes be hard to achieve), or is your goal to feel well enough to do specific activities? Try not to use that arm or leg to figure out how hot or cold something is-such as bathwater or cooked food. Some cancer survivors report that they still feel tired or worn out after treatment is over. These are gentler on the hair than the other types of hair colouring. Limit the alcohol and caffeine you drink. Help in dealing with ostomies. They can help jump-start your appetite. If you’re experiencing […] Depending on the type of treatment you had, your sex and age, and the length of time you've been out of Note: Health insurance does not always cover these approaches. Ask about: If your mouth is sore, remember to stay away from: Research shows that some cancer survivors who have had certain kinds of chemotherapy or who have taken certain medicines have problems with weight gain, and the added pounds stay on even when treatment ends. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Use cotton sheets, and wear clothing that lets your skin "breathe.". Through exercise and diet, try to maintain a healthy weight. Dana-Farber assumes no liability for inaccuracies that may result from using this third-party tool, which is for website translation and not clinical interactions. I’ve hopped on more emergency calls than I can count and this experience has reminded me of just how much we need each other—especially when we’re facing surgery and treatments (and the chemo and radiation side effects that often come with them). "Going back to work was the hardest thing," one prostate cancer survivor noted. Nausea and vomiting. Not being able to have sex as you did before. Tell your doctor or nurse if your arm or leg is painful or swollen. People report four main concerns: Your doctor may be able to help you deal with these problems, but he or she may not bring up the subject. "I felt so foolish may be a sign that cancer is coming back. Some cancer treatments can cause infertility, making it impossible for cancer survivors to have children. Repeat 20 times. Cavities and other kinds of tooth problems, Almost all people who have had radiation therapy to the head and neck, Most people who have had bone marrow transplants, About 2 of every 5 people treated with chemotherapy, Ways to take care of your mouth and teeth. These may include: Erection problems. tell your oncologist or another doctor. You may request a. Just say "no" to things that do not matter as much to you now. Pain can also make fatigue worse. Very rarely, certain chemo drugs can cause diseases of the bone marrow, such as myelodysplastic syndromes or even acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of white blood cells. Does it hurt to let yourself die from cancer (no chemo)? Try to have a smaller breakfast than usual, then have a healthy snack in the middle of the morning. In order to start 5 weeks after you probably need to … I do every week acupuncture, massage in my feet. Doing strength-building exercises for your arms and shoulders, if you have lost muscle and gained fat tissue, Talking to a dietitian or nutritionist who can help you plan a healthy diet that won't add extra pounds. Here are some tips to help you describe your pain to your doctor: Lymphedema is a swelling of a part of the body, usually an arm or leg, that is caused by the buildup of lymph fluid. That I was told by Radiation Oncologist. Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water. It's understandable that you might not want to wait to dye your hair. Unfortunately, the usual ways people try to lose weight may not work for them. you are not urinating. Dr. Jones witnessed a huge number of cancer patients, treated with chemotherapy, die terrible deaths, many of them passing away earlier than other cancer patients who chose no … If you do lose hair, it usually starts within a few weeks of your first treatment session. I’ve had 3 loved ones die of cancer. All the medicines you are taking for these conditions, Whether your treatment can put you at risk for short-term or long-term problems, What you should do to take care of your health. Or perhaps you still have some control, but you make lots of sudden The opposite problem can happen when a medicine you are taking for pain causes constipation. Medicines, counseling, finding ways to please yourself, surgery, or other approaches may help. 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy. How any medicines you are taking or other medical problems you have might affect your energy level, How you can control your pain, if pain is a problem for you, Exercise programs that might help, such as walking, Changing your diet or drinking more fluids, Medicines or nutritional supplements that can help, Specialists who might help you, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, or mental health care providers. By using the energy you have in rewarding ways, you can live a fuller life. Here’s how to take advantage of detoxification to speed up chemotherapy recovery: Juicing – After a chemotherapy treatment, your body will find it hard to digest food. It's most common to lose hair from your head, but you can also lose it from other parts of your body, including your arms, legs and face. Of those treated 1,383 died within 30 days. Friends and family might be willing to help but may not know what to do. Some people feel very frustrated when fatigue lasts longer than they think it should and gets in the way of their normal routine. The same properties that make chemotherapy drugs effective cancer killers also cause them to wreak havoc on normal cells, including those that make up your digestive system. If you are in pain, Some types of chemotherapy make hair fall out completely. Think about joining a support/education group for people with cancer. This is because when you are recovering from chemotherapy, your hair is more fragile than usual. may also have this problem. H. Roe Here's some possible changes that might happen to your hair: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia advice and support for hair loss In fact, fatigue is one of the most common complaints during the first year after treatment. Make mealtime a special time. Ask about: Here are some tips that have helped others deal with menopause symptoms: If you are having hot flashes, try making a diary of when they happen and what may start them. Researchers are still learning about what may cause fatigue after treatment. Keep a pain diary. Here are some common chemotherapy side effects to keep in mind, plus what you can do to make the chemo experience a little less awful. Talk about your goals for pain relief. If you find that these problems persist after cancer treatment ends, talk to your doctor about: See your dentist soon after you are done with treatment. You will make it through. Life After Chemo. This is because when you are recovering from chemotherapy, your hair is more fragile than usual. You may request a live medical interpreter for a discussion about your care. It can also show how you respond to any pain control medicine or other treatment you receive. Life after chemo may be filled with challenges along the way – you may find yourself having to adjust to a new normal. Most are short-term. A study published last year in Breast Cancer Research confirmed something that I had long suspected: namely, that, in addition to suppressing immunity during cancer treatment, chemotherapy can actually cause long-term damage to the immune system after treatment is over. If no one offers, ask for what you need. This will depend on which chemotherapy drugs you had. It felt like when you wear a tight ponytail all day long and then take it down at the end of the day. And it was a complete surprise. Often, for stomach cancer, chemo is given with radiation therapy after surgery. had the same type of cancer and received the same treatment. Recipes, discoveries, workshops, stories of hope and triumph can be found in the pages of Spotlight, Dana-Farber’s free digital newsletters. The goal of adjuvant chemo is to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind but are too small to see. She died in her early 60’s after several rounds of chemo and great suffering. More than you … People who are at risk for lymphedema are those who have had: Your doctor or nurse may be able to help you find ways to prevent and relieve lymphedema. to your doctor or nurse. If you lose lots of hair, this typically happens within 1 to 2 months. trips to the bathroom. You can do these exercises even when I am not eating sugar, a lot of vegetables specially green. Source: U. S. National Cancer Institute, Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer. Often, sexual problems will not get better on their own. Some women find it harder, or even painful, to have sex after cancer treatment. Your surgery may have left you with no bowel or bladder control at all. This is called adjuvant treatment. Talking about your fatigue with others who have had the same problem can help you learn new ways to cope. types of chemotherapy gain weight in a different way: they may lose muscle and gain fat tissue. Special massage that can help by moving the lymph fluid from where it has settled. 1. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to try and maintain a sense of positivity. Just tighten and relax the muscles as you sit, stand, or go about your day. Chemotherapy and This can continue for some time after chemo ends; I still have attacks of 'chemo brain' but they are getting much fewer and far between. The most well-known side effect, hair loss, does not normally start until 2 weeks after the first chemotherapy session 1. Focus on old or new interests that do not tire you out. You might not think to mention it to either your oncologist or your other doctors, but you should do so. Some cancer treatments cause changes in sex organs that also change your sex life. ", Bowel and bladder problems are among the most upsetting issues people face after cancer treatment. Avoid eating for 2 to 3 hours after chemotherapy treatment. Some may struggle with their body image after treatment. They also may worry that their friends, family, and coworkers will get upset with them if they complain of fatigue often. Doing Kegel exercises and other physical training programs. some cancer medicines can also reduce sex drive. British Journal of Nursing. One study also showed that the combination of 30 minutes of exercise combined with a good plant-based diet and a good support network improved the survival of breast cancer patients by as much as 68%. It takes about 6 months for the hair to become stronger. She died 6 months after great sickness & suffering due to the chemo. Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. It is more likely to get damaged. Otherwise: You may have changes in your sex life after cancer treatment-many people do. Ask about: For some survivors, the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment may be made worse by the effects of aging, or by other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, that you may have had before cancer. For some people this change can be one of the worst parts of their treatment. Even if you only have a nutritional supplement drink, serve it in a chilled glass or mug. Other problems can also play a part in fatigue, like anemia (having too few red blood cells), poor nutrition, not drinking enough liquids, and depression. Some types happen right after surgery, are mild, and don't last long. If it hurts, soften the bristles in warm water. You can test the dye on a small section of your hair first to see how it works. Dress in layers that you can take off if you get warm. I coped with surgery really well as I had 10 weeks to get fighting fit again. Practice by controlling your muscles to stop the flow of urine. Ask whether using a water-based lubricant during sex, using vaginal dilators before sex, and/or taking hormones or using a hormone cream are options for Keep your arm or leg free of cuts, insect bites, or sunburn. Rest or sleep does not "cure" the type of fatigue you may have after cancer treatment, and doctors do not know its exact cause(s). Exercise-both weight-bearing and muscle strengthening. having to go to the bathroom all the time. Seeing a sex therapist. You can ask your hairdresser to suggest henna dyes or vegetable based dyes for you. Special bandages and clothing that can help lymph fluid drain. First of all, chemo is a drag. If your gums bleed or hurt, stay away from the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth. Sleep in a cool room; this may keep hot flashes from waking you up during the night. Here are some ideas that have helped others: You may have pain after treatment. In the last 6 months alone, so many people I know and love have been diagnosed with cancer. Many cancer survivors say they were not prepared for the changes in their sex lives. Here are my suggestions for how to survive chemo: Drink LOTS of liquids. Note when it starts, how long it lasts, if it gets better or worse at certain times of day or night, and if anything you do makes it better or worse. There are things you can do to minimize the side-effects and to make yourself more comfortable. originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people … What you experience may be related to the type of cancer you had and the treatment you received. Lymphedema can also develop after an insect bite, minor injury, or burn. About half of women who have had long-term treatment for breast and reproductive organ cancers and more than half of men treated for prostate cancer report long-term sexual problems. For it does not take into account patients who die 31 days or more after starting chemo. surgery may find everyday activities like reaching or stretching painful; health conditions such as arthritis can make these activities even more difficult. Keep regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. Most side effects don't do any lasting harm and will gradually go away after treatment finishes. For some, fatigue gets better over time. Have your dentist check them to make sure they still fit you well. What types of problems occur? This is normal. Your scalp may also be drier and itchier than normal during this time. Any medical problem that may be causing changes in your sex life. There is no "normal" pattern. Vol20, No.10,4-11, Use of hair dyes following chemotherapy Losing the ability to have children. If you do not get side effects, it does not mean your treatment is not working. Learn about survival rates, outlook, and more. Chronic long- term side effects, though rare, do occur in some cases. With your help, your doctor can assess how severe your pain is. Explain when you feel pain. Each person's schedule is different. Use numbers. It is very important that you tell your doctor about: Some cancer treatments may cause future health problems. Discuss family planning concerns with your doctor. When women stop getting their periods, they can get hot flashes, dryness or tightness in the vagina, and/or other problems that can affect their desire to have sex. If you are taking any for pain relief, how much do they help? If you have dentures, clean, brush, and rinse them after meals. Try to read something brief or listen to music. A balanced diet will provide most of the nutrients and calories your body needs to stay healthy. Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth. Chemo may be given after surgery to remove the cancer. Choose foods of contrasting colors; serve the meal on a pretty plate; use a colorful napkin. Sometimes these problems don't appear right away; some don't appear until years after treatment. In some cases, it is caused by the treatment itself. Point out the exact places it hurts, either on your body or on a drawing. Your doctor or nurse can help you deal with weight gain. About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. I felt like I’d been run over by a truck. 2011. Sometimes these problems are caused by depression, feelings of guilt about how you got cancer, You may be less able to feel hot and cold now. There are many different types of lymphedema. People often feel ashamed or fearful to go out in public. The 39-year-old wine columnist and sommelier from Nashville is as active as ever. After surgery, and during first chemotherapy, he had developed such terrible nausea and fatigue that he could not work in his yard or take walks in the park with his dog. Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us. Not all patients will experience all side effects but many will experience at least a few. People who have had radiation to the breast or chest or those who have had surgery involving the larynx Some men can no longer get or keep an erection after treatment for prostate cancer, cancer of the penis, or cancer of the testes. Menopause can put you at risk for losing bone tissue, which can weaken your bones and make them easier to break. It can be caused by cancer or the treatment of cancer. A couple weeks after this chemo treatment, I ended up shaving off my hair.It started itching and almost even stinging, which felt really annoying. Ask your doctor or nurse about: After chemotherapy, some women stop getting their periods every month or stop getting them altogether. This may include housework and other chores. Using hair dye. However, many people don't make it out of their first chemotherapy session without experiencing profound nausea and even vomiting or diarrhea. Tilt your head back or move it forward while you are eating. Ways you can reduce your chance of getting: Osteoporosis. Talk about any side effects from your pain control medicine, such as constipation or other changes in bowel habits, or feeling groggy or "out of it." It’s hard but know that you can do it. Save your energy by changing how you do things. Let your doctor know if you experience any of these or other troubling symptoms. The causes of fatigue are different for people who are receiving treatment than they are for those who have completed treatment: How long will fatigue last? bowel or bladder control. you. A small U.K. study of breast cancer patients found certain types of chemotherapy can weaken part of the immune system for up to nine months after treatment. Start with small meals. I was still very weak 3 weeks after Chemo (6 cycles Taxotere/Cytoxan) and radiologist encouraged me to take one extra week between. Changes in your hair can affect how you feel about yourself. The damage, although usually temporary, can cause cancer patients to experience a host of problems, including aversions to certain foods, constipation, incontinence, nausea and vomiting. Describe how your pain affects your daily life. Problems with constipation, which can be treated. So hair specialists think it is safe to use them. Is it sharp, dull, throbbing, steady? If the thought of eating still lacks appeal, try the foods you really liked before treatment. See a gynecologist every year. If you think you might have trouble getting started, bring this document with you and show this section Hiya Gorgeous! Find out whether your policy covers the approaches your doctor recommends. Talk to your doctor about what may be causing your fatigue and what can be done about it. The patient, in terms of: their age, gender, other medical issues, health and fitness, and; 2. If you've been diagnosed with ovarian life expectancy after chemo and radiation, it's natural to wonder about your prognosis. It makes them feel less strong and like "less of a man.". Others are worn out or in pain, and sex is the last thing on their minds. Wanting to control pain is not a sign of weakness. Other types can occur months or years after cancer treatment and can be quite painful. changes in body image after surgery, and stress between you and your partner. When a hot flash starts, go somewhere that is cool, or carry a small fan with you. It is very important to tell your doctor about any changes in your bladder or bowel habits. You might find that your hair doesn’t grow back exactly the same as it was before. It is usually seen that many patients start feeling better within 2 to 3 cycles of chemo with some improvement in their symptoms. GM Decker are mild, and don't last long. A healthy lifestyle can help you recover after cancer, and help decrease your recurrence risk. Have a sip of water every few minutes to help you swallow and talk more easily. Doing household chores? Take short naps or rest breaks between activities. More than 1,300 breast and lung cancer patients died because of chemotherapy in 2014, the study shows Credit: Alamy C hemotherapy is … As each chemo regimen follows a specific protocol, the duration between cycles varies and so do the months. Sexual problems after cancer treatment are often caused by changes to your body-from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, or by the effects of pain medicine. Breast cancer survivors who have had certain Your biggest battle has been fought and won – now you get to look forward to life after treatment. Watch for signs of swelling or infection (redness, pain, heat, fever). For some people this change can be one of the worst parts of their treatment. Three years after having chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma, Pete Holland is thriving. My scalp also started hurting. Please note that some translations using Google Translate may not be accurately represented and downloaded documents cannot be translated. Keeping the arm or leg raised above your chest. We know it’s a worrying time for people with cancer, we have information to help. Eat wisely. They might cook a meal, pick up something at the store, or do the laundry. Wear loose-fitting clothing on your arm or leg. There are services and support groups to help people deal with these changes. My doctor never told me I would have this problem.". You can help strengthen muscles in your genital area by doing these exercises. Try having a cold drink (water or juice) at the beginning of a flash. Some cancer survivors have the opposite problem: they have no desire to eat, and they lose weight. These changes can cause your periods to stop, as well as cause other symptoms of menopause. Some problems go away after treatment. Certain types of cancers may not respond well to chemo even after 6 cycles, in which case it may take longer to feel better. Stock photo by Feature Pics Most cancer patients know that chemotherapy weakens their immune systems, putting them … There are very few long term side effects of chemotherapy. You want the nutrients of spinach, but your recent taste changes have been making that spinach taste like gasoline to you. If you were treated with certain types of chemotherapy, you can also have many of the same problems. Do what you enjoy, but do less of it. There are many different types of lymphedema. It is also very important to remember that no two people are alike, so you may experience changes that are very different from someone else's, even if they Five small meals a day may be easier to manage than three larger ones. Losing interest in sex. The chemotherapy itself stays in the body within 2 -3 days of treatment but there are short-term and long-term side effects that patients may experience. Call us: 617-632-3000, Please note that some translations using Google Translate may not be accurately represented and downloaded documents cannot be translated. Does it stop you from working? Others last a long time, while some may never go away. It can be caused by cancer or the treatment of cancer. Speak to your hairdresser and ask for their advice on ways to look after your hair following chemotherapy treatment. Other types make the hair thin, or change in texture. I am afraid that the chemo is no working anymore. treatment, you may still be able to have children. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research offer recommendations for healthy diet, including foods to enjoy and those to limit. Read more about hair loss and cancer treatment. This section talks about some of the problems that can occur when treatment is over. Further information Heart Disease. Focus on favorite foods. Having menopause symptoms. Some cancer treatments can cause changes in women's bodies and reduce the amount of hormones the body makes. At least 30 minutes per day doing some sort of weight-bearing exercise, walking, or yoga are highly recommended by most doctors. I had to leave a new job a year after chemo because I couldn't manage mental arithmetic and would get tearful trying. Then, he or she might suggest one or more of the following approaches. Some types happen right after surgery, Three times a day, open your mouth as far as you can without pain, then close it. Breast cancer survivors who have had It is a way to help you feel better and stay active. If you are older, you may not know whether your pain is because of cancer or because of other health problems, such as arthritis. I would say, don't be in a rush if your consultant isn't as the long recovery in between is ideal. Add some fresh fruit, juice, or other flavor boost to make it taste better. It is best not to use dyes or perms for around 6 months after finishing chemotherapy. Floss your teeth gently every day. Some problems may develop months or years after your treatment has ended. Others, such as those who have had bone marrow transplants, may have less energy for years after their final treatment. If you are a woman, ask if you still need to use birth control even if you are not getting your period. You may need to "break the ice" yourself. It can take time to get over the effects of cancer treatment. Make a list of all the medicines you are taking (for any reason). the type of chemotherapy you'll have; how many treatment sessions you'll need; how often you'll need treatment – after each treatment you'll have a break before the next session, to allow your body to recover; Your treatment plan will depend on things such as the type of cancer you have and what the aim of treatment is. Puddings, ice cream, soups, applesauce, and bananas and other soft fruits are nourishing and usually easy to swallow. Note whether the pain stays in one place or whether it moves outward from the spot. As one lung cancer survivor said, "I had a really hard time swallowing and chewing because of the chemo. Chose chemo & the other nasty drugs. For example, sit on a stool while you cook or wash dishes. Bearing in mind though that there was only three weeks between chemo cycles, your body could be ready for surgery in 4 weeks or so. Try not to eat a lot of spicy foods. After the third chemo my levels went down, I was so happy,…I started walking 20 minutes when I did no feel too weak, etc etc… After the fourth chemo my level started going up 10 points. Changes in your hair can affect how you feel about yourself. Sharp, crunchy foods, like taco chips, that could scrape or cut your mouth, Foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices, which can irritate your mouth, Sugary foods, like candy or soda, that could cause cavities. Find ways to make your meals look nice. Pamper yourself. Most patients who receive chemotherapy begin to recover from the side effects shortly after discontinuing the drugs. As I’m sure you know, that depends on a number of things in a couple of categories: 1. He or she may be able to help you talk openly about your problems, work through your concerns, and come up with new ways to help you and your partner. Colorectal or prostate cancer survivors may find that the aging process also affects their Dryness or tightness in the vagina, which can be caused by menopause. Chew some ice to numb your taste buds before eating that good-for-you food. I lived on soup and soft rice for weeks and weeks. Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK, Questions about cancer? After treatment, eat a balanced diet and include a variety of healthy foods. Ask for advice from your health care team, including your doctor, nurse, nutritionist, and/or speech pathologist. Sometimes these symptoms continue after treatments have been completed. This loss of control can happen after treatment for bladder, prostate, colon, rectal, ovarian, or other cancers. Some men say that weight loss is a bigger concern for them than weight gain. Carry a water bottle with you so you always have some handy. 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