Menopause can put you at risk for losing bone tissue, which can weaken your bones and make them easier to break. Your doctor or nurse can help you deal with weight gain. 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. Each person's schedule is different. Some cancer treatments cause changes in sex organs that also change your sex life. Some cancer treatments can cause infertility, making it impossible for cancer survivors to have children. ", Bowel and bladder problems are among the most upsetting issues people face after cancer treatment. Puddings, ice cream, soups, applesauce, and bananas and other soft fruits are nourishing and usually easy to swallow. What types of problems occur? My doctor never told me I would have this problem.". Eat a well-balanced, protein-rich, low-salt diet. They also may worry that their friends, family, and coworkers will get upset with them if they complain of fatigue often. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research offer recommendations for healthy diet, including foods to enjoy and those to limit. I would say, don't be in a rush if your consultant isn't as the long recovery in between is ideal. You may need to "break the ice" yourself. Of those treated 1,383 died within 30 days. Ways you can reduce your chance of getting: Osteoporosis. It is more likely to get damaged. had the same type of cancer and received the same treatment. 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? Here's some possible changes that might happen to your hair: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia advice and support for hair loss You may be able to get treatment for the problems you are having. If you think you might have trouble getting started, bring this document with you and show this section Describe what the pain feels like. trips to the bathroom. Colorectal or prostate cancer survivors may find that the aging process also affects their When a hot flash starts, go somewhere that is cool, or carry a small fan with you. Some cancer treatments can cause changes in women's bodies and reduce the amount of hormones the body makes. Hiya Gorgeous! types of chemotherapy gain weight in a different way: they may lose muscle and gain fat tissue. Concerns about having children, and what you can do. Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth. Some cancer survivors have the opposite problem: they have no desire to eat, and they lose weight. I had to leave a new job a year after chemo because I couldn't manage mental arithmetic and would get tearful trying. 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. Others, such as those who have had bone marrow transplants, may have less energy for years after their final treatment. Some types happen right after surgery, are mild, and don't last long. What you experience may be related to the type of cancer you had and the treatment you received. originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people … I felt like I’d been run over by a truck. Talk about how strong the pain feels on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain you could have. Types of pain you may feel following cancer treatment include: You deserve to get relief from your pain, and your doctor or nurse can help you. It’s hard but know that you can do it. Researchers are still learning about what may cause fatigue after treatment. Sometimes these symptoms continue after treatments have been completed. Note whether the pain stays in one place or whether it moves outward from the spot. Ways you can gain muscle control by doing Kegel exercises. In the last 6 months alone, so many people I know and love have been diagnosed with cancer. Vaginal dryness. Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us. A balanced diet will provide most of the nutrients and calories your body needs to stay healthy. These approaches have helped others recovering from cancer and may help you. Explain when you feel pain. Medicines, counseling, finding ways to please yourself, surgery, or other approaches may help. Lymphedema can also develop after an insect bite, minor injury, or burn. This loss of control can happen after treatment for bladder, prostate, colon, rectal, ovarian, or other cancers. 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." Other types can occur months or years after cancer treatment and can be quite painful. 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. Does it stop you from working? I’ve had 3 loved ones die of cancer. Some may struggle with their body image after treatment. Often, for stomach cancer, chemo is given with radiation therapy after surgery. bowel or bladder control. 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. Changes in your hair can affect how you feel about yourself. Further information Some men say that weight loss is a bigger concern for them than weight gain. Some women find it harder, or even painful, to have sex after cancer treatment. 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. Call us: 617-632-3000, Please note that some translations using Google Translate may not be accurately represented and downloaded documents cannot be translated. 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. The most well-known side effect, hair loss, does not normally start until 2 weeks after the first chemotherapy session 1. If you have dentures, clean, brush, and rinse them after meals. Try not to eat a lot of spicy foods. Some cancer survivors report that they still feel tired or worn out after treatment is over. Talking about your fatigue with others who have had the same problem can help you learn new ways to cope. Ask for advice from your health care team, including your doctor, nurse, nutritionist, and/or speech pathologist. Floss your teeth gently every day. Keep your arm or leg free of cuts, insect bites, or sunburn. Tell your doctor or nurse if your arm or leg is painful or swollen. The patient, in terms of: their age, gender, other medical issues, health and fitness, and; 2. 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. If you do not get side effects, it does not mean your treatment is not working. Your biggest battle has been fought and won – now you get to look forward to life after treatment. It can be caused by cancer or the treatment of cancer. some cancer medicines can also reduce sex drive. 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). Avoid eating for 2 to 3 hours after chemotherapy treatment. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to try and maintain a sense of positivity. However, many people don't make it out of their first chemotherapy session without experiencing profound nausea and even vomiting or diarrhea. Any medical problem that may be causing changes in your sex life. It is best not to use dyes or perms for around 6 months after finishing chemotherapy. 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. It isn't a good idea to use: These products contain strong chemicals that can damage your hair. 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. To get help with many of these problems, it is important to talk to your doctor. Follow with a plain water rinse. Limit the alcohol and caffeine you drink. 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 … Even thinking about their partners seeing them without clothes is stressful. Speak to your hairdresser and ask for their advice on ways to look after your hair following chemotherapy treatment. Nausea and vomiting. These are gentler on the hair than the other types of hair colouring. Have a sip of water every few minutes to help you swallow and talk more easily. The word decaff just wouldn't come. Vol20, No.10,4-11, Use of hair dyes following chemotherapy 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. This may include housework and other chores. It's understandable that you might not want to wait to dye your hair. If you do lose hair, it usually starts within a few weeks of your first treatment session. The goal of adjuvant chemo is to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind but are too small to see. Just say "no" to things that do not matter as much to you now. If no one offers, ask for what you need. My aunt & Godmother: breast cancer. Let others help you. With your help, your doctor can assess how severe your pain is. Chemotherapy and 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 There are many different types of lymphedema. More than 1,300 breast and lung cancer patients died because of chemotherapy in 2014, the study shows Credit: Alamy C hemotherapy is … Stock photo by Feature Pics Most cancer patients know that chemotherapy weakens their immune systems, putting them … 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. I am not eating sugar, a lot of vegetables specially green. The side effects of chemotherapy can be unpleasant. I was still very weak 3 weeks after Chemo (6 cycles Taxotere/Cytoxan) and radiologist encouraged me to take one extra week between. Otherwise: You may have changes in your sex life after cancer treatment-many people do. First of all, chemo is a drag. Exercise-both weight-bearing and muscle strengthening. For some people this change can be one of the worst parts of their treatment. Try not to have shots or blood tests done in that area. 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 makes them feel less strong and like "less of a man.". If you've been diagnosed with ovarian life expectancy after chemo and radiation, it's natural to wonder about your prognosis. 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? Many of these problems can be solved. 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. Wanting to control pain is not a sign of weakness. Repeat 20 times. 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). And little did I realize that the exhaustion didn’t end with the last infusion -- the month after chemo was the hardest of all. 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. There are services and support groups to help people deal with these changes. By using the energy you have in rewarding ways, you can live a fuller life. Doing Kegel exercises and other physical training programs. I do every week acupuncture, massage in my feet. This is because when you are recovering from chemotherapy, your hair is more fragile than usual. Having menopause symptoms. you. Use a mild fluoride toothpaste (like a children's toothpaste) and a mouthwash without alcohol. For it does not take into account patients who die 31 days or more after starting chemo. Other types can occur months or years after cancer treatment and can be quite painful. 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%. Seeing your friends and family? If this happens, it is usually within 10 years after treatment. They might cook a meal, pick up something at the store, or do the laundry. Friends and family might be willing to help but may not know what to do. Five small meals a day may be easier to manage than three larger ones. It is very important that you tell your doctor about: Some cancer treatments may cause future health problems. 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. may also have this problem. For example, sit on a stool while you cook or wash dishes. This can help keep the cancer from coming back. to your doctor or nurse. You can test the dye on a small section of your hair first to see how it works. Find ways to make your meals look nice. To measure the potential long-term effects of chemo brain, they measured how chemotherapy impacted learning and memory. tell your oncologist or another doctor. are mild, and don't last long. In fact, fatigue is one of the most common complaints during the first year after treatment. 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. It is usually seen that many patients start feeling better within 2 to 3 cycles of chemo with some improvement in their symptoms. British Journal of Nursing. You can help strengthen muscles in your genital area by doing these exercises. People often feel ashamed or fearful to go out in public. Eat wisely. Some types of chemotherapy make hair fall out completely. As one lung cancer survivor said, "I had a really hard time swallowing and chewing because of the chemo. treatment, you may still be able to have children. Practice by controlling your muscles to stop the flow of urine. Think about joining a support/education group for people with cancer. 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. surgery may find everyday activities like reaching or stretching painful; health conditions such as arthritis can make these activities even more difficult. 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. Keeping the arm or leg raised above your chest. Chemo may be given after surgery to remove the cancer. Some problems go away after treatment. Keep a pain diary. Dress in layers that you can take off if you get warm. You might not think to mention it to either your oncologist or your other doctors, but you should do so. Or perhaps you still have some control, but you make lots of sudden This will depend on which chemotherapy drugs you had. You may request a live medical interpreter for a discussion about your care. There are many different types of lymphedema. If it hurts, soften the bristles in warm water. Recipes, discoveries, workshops, stories of hope and triumph can be found in the pages of Spotlight, Dana-Farber’s free digital newsletters. Losing the ability to have children. Make a list of all the medicines you are taking (for any reason). 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. So hair specialists think it is safe to use them. Have your dentist check them to make sure they still fit you well. 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