Coping with the Disease
Battling cancer can take its toll on healthy cells, and strong chemotherapy drugs can also attack normal cells. When normal cells are damaged, conditions such as hair loss, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, fatigue, taste changes, and diminished sex drive may occur. These effects are typically treatment-related and often reversible after treatment ends. Patients can manage these side effects through slight changes and adjustments in their daily lives.
Hair Loss
During cancer treatment, strong chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss all over the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, and legs. It's normal to feel frightened or upset about losing hair. Remember, hair loss is usually temporary, and it will grow back after treatment.
How to minimize the shock of hair loss?
- Cut your hair very short before treatment.
- Use head coverings like scarves, hats, and caps.
- Choose a wig that closely matches your natural hair color and style.
- Handle your existing hair gently.
Nerve Damage
Tingling, numbness, clumsiness, loss of positional sense, or hearing problems during treatment may indicate peripheral neuropathy. These symptoms are more common with longer or faster chemotherapy treatment cycles.
Tips for managing nerve damage:
- Stretch hands and feet regularly.
- Wear sturdy non-slip shoes and handle sharp objects with care.
- Consider acupuncture and massage therapy for relief and general well-being.
- Use vitamins such as B-6, B complex, B-12, B-3, and E to help ease symptoms.
Eating Habits
Chemotherapy affects digestive tract cells, potentially causing nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. Making simple lifestyle changes can ease these side effects.
Helpful dietary habits:
- Stay fully hydrated and drink fluids, especially between meals.
- Eat smaller portions more frequently and eat/drink slowly.
- Avoid fatty, greasy, fried, spicy, or overly sweet foods.
Changes in Sex Drive
Many patients experience reduced sexual desire during or after treatment, possibly due to hormonal changes (e.g., menopause or surgical removal of ovaries in women).
Tips for coping:
Openly communicate feelings and comfort limits with your partner to reduce isolation and build emotional intimacy.
Other Common Side Effects
Fatigue, nerve problems, and increased susceptibility to infection are also common during chemotherapy.
How to manage them:
- Encourage rest, hydration, and nutritious eating to manage fatigue.
- If food tastes odd, eat cooler foods, brush teeth more frequently, and use favorite seasonings.
- Prevent infections by frequent hand washing and avoiding sick individuals.