alt.support.cancer
- Frequently Asked Questions
Part 2
Table of Contents
How are you coping
with cancer?
Coping with cancer
symptoms; nutrition
Coping with cancer
symptoms; nausea
Coping with cancer
symptoms; vomiting
Coping with cancer
symptoms; constipation
Coping with cancer
symptoms; diarrhea
Coping with cancer
symptoms; loss of appetite
Coping with cancer
symptoms; chewing or swallowing difficulties
What to do about
gritty eyes and blurred vision?
Is there something
that helps with taking yucky tasting medicine?
What is the
recommended treatment for mouth sores?
What other treatments
can relieve mouth sores?
Is capsaicin
effective for mouth sore pain?
Are there any
chemo friendly foods?
Are there any easy
to make meals?
Are there any
swallowing aids?
Why do I smell
odors that others don't?
What can be done about
the odor?
What can be done
about clothing or bedding odor?
What can be done
about room or house odor?
How long does the
odor problem continue after treatment stops?
Coping with the
side effects of radiation
If you are
undergoing radiation therapy watch for fever and infection
Be careful not to
believe these myths about fever
Should I tell my
doctor about a fever?
Will nausea and vomiting
accompany my radiation therapy?
Be careful not to
believe these myths about nausea and sickness
When can nausea
and vomiting be an indication of a serious problem?
What problems are
associated with leg cramps?
What should I do
for leg cramps?
What should I
avoid if I get leg cramps?
When should I call
the doctor about leg cramps?
What should I do
if I’m nauseous?
Can nausea or
vomiting harm my health?
Are there any
group suggestions for dealing with nausea?
What is
cancer-related fatigue
What cancer
treatments are commonly associated with fatigue?
What other factors
contribute to fatigue?
What can I do to
combat fatigue?
How can I do a
personal energy assessment?
Can I manage my
stress to improve CRF?
At what point in
CRF should I call my doctor?
What effect does
poor nutrition have on cancer patients?
What causes anemia
and fatigue in cancer patients?
What is the
prevalence of cancer related anemia?
What are the
symptoms of cancer related anemia?
What is the impact
of cancer related anemia on quality of life.
How is cancer
related anemia diagnosed?
How is cancer
related anemia treated?
What is cancer
related cognitive dysfunction?
What are the
causes of cognitive dysfunction in cancer?
What are the
symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in cancer?
What are the
consequences of cognitive dysfunction in cancer?
How do you manage
cognitive dysfunction in cancer?
Why do cancer
patients have hair loss?
What cancer drugs
usually cause hair loss?
What cancer drugs
sometimes cause hair loss or thinning?
What cancer drugs
usually do not cause hair loss?
What can be done
about chemo caused hair loss?
How should I deal
with hair loss?
How should I care
for new hair?
Are there any good
Internet resources for coping with cancer?
I'm having trouble
reading on the Internet, what can I do?
What organizations
help children with cancer?
How can parents
help children cope with cancer?
What about school
issues for a child with cancer?
How should one
discipline the child with cancer?
Will positive
thinking improve the outcome of dealing with an incurable disease?
What affect will a
positive attitude have?
What are the
different types of clinical trials?
Should I be in a
clinical trial?
When would my
doctor recommend a clinical trial?
How do I find
clinical trials?
What should I know
before deciding on a clinical trial?
Does the result of
a study impact the chance it will be published?
Before
participating in a clinical trial
Tips for asking
your doctor about trials
How do you know
whether a treatment works?
What should I do
if my doctor is not doing enough for me?
There are no
available treatment options left, what should I do?
Do cancer patients
ever get suicidal thoughts?
Suicide has
crossed my mind, what should I do?
You've survived
cancer: now what?
What do I need to
know about life after survival?
What can be done
about cancer related infertility?
What is palliative
care for children?
What organizations
provide home and hospice care?
Are there
guidelines for estimating length of survival in palliative patients?
Cancer diagnosis
with a poor prognosis
Cancer
circumstances with a very poor prognosis
Illnesses showing
a momentum of functional decline
Does pain have an
effect on survival?
Do opioids have an
effect on survival?
What is the
Karnofsky performance scale?
Where can I find more
information about estimating length of survival in palliative patients?
What are the
rights of the dying?
What are the
rights of a person dying at home?
What are the
physicians practice guidelines for supportive care?
Treating symptoms
at the end of life
Talking about
cancer and death
What do I say to
my small children about me dying?
How do I explain
chronic illness to a child?
How can I better help
my children with grief?
How can I help my
children with grief, death, and funerals?
How can we help
children that have lost a classmate to cancer?
How to say goodbye
to loved ones
How to die as well
as you were born
Should you develop
a crisis management plan?
How to take care
of your family and friends
How to take care
of your estate
What do I do with
all the bills (utilities, insurance, taxes etc.)?
Should I
prearrange the funeral?
How do I get my
affairs in order?
How can comfort of
terminal patients be improved?
What are the
symptoms of end-of-life?
Disclaimer: this FAQ is provided for educational purposes only. It cannot be used for diagnosing or treating a disease. If you have or suspect you may have cancer, you should consult your doctor. The external links in this FAQ are provided for the convenience of alt.support.cancer newsgroup visitors. The alt.support.cancer newsgroup has no interest in, responsibility for, or control over the linked sites and no responsibility is accepted for information on any linked page, please read the linked provider's own disclaimer where appropriate. The alt.support.cancer newsgroup makes no promises or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including those of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, as to the content of any linked site. In no event shall the alt.support.cancer newsgroup be liable for any damages resulting from use of these links.
Continued from Part 1
When should I call my doctor? |
If you feel that, something is wrong or you experience any of the following problems:
· Increased shortness of breath with minimal exertion
· Uncontrolled pain
· Inability to control side effects from treatments (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite)
· Uncontrollable anxiety or nervousness
· Ongoing depression.
· Jaundice
How are you coping with cancer? |
Check Your Stress Level and Coping Skills at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/MBC_5.asp
Coping with cancer symptoms; nutrition |
Well-nourished patients may experience fewer side effects than poorly nourished ones, and are better able to maintain and rebuild their bodies' natural defenses. During this time, you may have to face new challenges in your eating pattern, and explore new ways to get the calories, protein, and nutrients that you need for optimal nutrition.
Eat a Variety of Foods
Unless instructed otherwise, eat a low-fat diet with a focus on additive-free fruits, vegetables, grains, and small quantities of good-quality protein. Examples of a good-quality protein include nonfat dairy foods, eggs, legumes, soy, lean chicken, and fish. Do not eliminate one or more of these nutritional building blocks without consulting with a nutritionist to develop a personalized eating plan.
What about Caffeine, Sugar, Sodium and Alcohol?
In general you will want to limit your intake, but there may be exceptions. If you have lost a lot of weight, just getting enough calories to prevent weight loss may be a goal, and hence additional fat and some sugar can be good sources of calories.
Stay Hydrated
Drink as much as you can during the day. Dehydration can be a problem with certain drugs and when nausea or diarrhea occurs. Bring a water bottle with you when you leave the house. If you are losing weight or need to gain weight, choose higher-calorie liquids (in addition to water) such as fruit nectars, juices, or your own fruit Popsicles made in ice cube trays.
Coping with cancer symptoms; nausea |
Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It may be due to the treatment or the cancer itself. If you experience it after surgery, be sure to discuss this with your doctor or medical team. Here are some practical tips to help with nausea:
· Try dry Saltine-style crackers, toast, natural potato chips, and pretzels.
· Keep crackers at your bedside, if nausea is a problem in the morning or after a nap.
· Eat regular meals. Having some food in your stomach may help you feel better.
· Try foods that are easy on your stomach, such as:
Cream of Wheat, rice, or oatmeal
Boiled potatoes or noodles
Low-fat protein sources such as skinned chicken or tofu that is baked or broiled, not fried
Canned peaches or other soft, bland fruits and vegetables
Clear liquids such as apple and cranberry juice, low-salt broth, and carbonated drinks without caffeine
Teas such as ginger and peppermint, served lukewarm or cold.
· Eat small, frequent meals every few hours.
· Slowly drink or sip liquids throughout the day. A straw may help.
· Stay away from odors. Have someone else cook if possible. Eat in the dining room or in a room other than the kitchen.
· Try colder foods and main-dish salads. Avoid hot foods and hot liquids.
· Track your nausea by taking note of any particular food or events that trigger it. See if there is a pattern, and if so, try to change that pattern.
· Inform your nurse or doctor about your nausea and ask about medications to control this side effect.
· Stay quiet after meals. Try to rest while sitting up for about an hour - you can watch TV, read a magazine, talk with a loved one, or enjoy the company of your pet.
· Avoid fried, greasy, and rich foods.
· Don't force yourself to eat your favorite foods when you feel nauseated, as you may develop a dislike for these foods.
Coping with cancer symptoms; vomiting |
Vomiting may follow nausea and be brought on by treatment or food odors. If vomiting is severe or lasts for more than a day or two, contact your doctor. Visualization and relaxation exercises may help.
· Do not eat or drink anything until you have the vomiting under control.
· Try tiny amounts of clear liquids such as water or bouillon, apple or cranberry juice, fruit ices without fruit pieces, ginger ale or 7-Up, plain gelatin desserts, Popsicles, sports drinks such as Gatorade, vegetable broth, and teas.
· Begin with 1 teaspoon every 10 minutes, gradually increasing the amount to 1 tablespoon every 20 minutes, and then try 2 tablespoons every 30 minutes or as tolerated.
· Once these liquids are tolerated, try a softer diet with bland foods such as mashed potatoes, rice, pureed fruits, smoothies, fruit nectars, yogurts, and cereals with milk or soy if you have problems with digesting milk.
· Drink and eat more potassium and magnesium-rich foods when feeling better. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, potatoes, orange juice, tomato, and apricots.
Coping with cancer symptoms; constipation |
Chemotherapy, certain medications, or lack of exercise may cause constipation. Adding more fiber to your diet may help. Here are some easy ways to add fiber to your diet and to help constipation:
· Try including kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, fresh fruit and vegetables, and dried fruit in your diet.
· Start your day eating bran cereals or shredded wheat, or foods made with whole grains such as bulgur or wheat berries.
· Aim for a cereal with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.
· Try to have some fiber included in each of your meals.
· Add unprocessed wheat bran to hot cereals and yogurt.
· If you're not used to eating a lot of fiber, slowly increase your intake, as you may initially have increased flatulence/gas until your body gets used to more fiber in the diet.
· You can also reduce flatulence from eating beans by soaking beans first in water and discarding the water.
· Drink plenty of liquids. A high-fiber diet requires plenty of fluids to work effectively.
· Reduce your caffeine intake, as caffeine may promote constipation by causing you to lose fluids.
· Drink a hot, noncaffeinated beverage such as lemon water in the morning upon awakening.
· Add exercise to your daily routine. Check with your doctor first.
Coping with cancer symptoms; diarrhea |
Diarrhea may be due to many causes. You may get it because of chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the lower abdomen, malabsorption, or use of antibiotics. It can also develop because of intolerance to milk or difficulty in absorbing fats. If you experience weight loss from diarrhea, it may be due to dehydration, which means that your body does not have enough water. Speak with your health professional to try to determine the cause of the weight loss and obtain the proper treatment.
If you have diarrhea:
Drink plenty of room-temperature liquids to help prevent dehydration. These might include fruit drinks, Gatorade, ginger ale, peach or apricot nectar, water, or weak teas. Limit caffeinated beverages.
Allow carbonated beverages to lose their fizz or stir them before you drink them.
Consume more potassium-rich foods such as orange juice, tomato juice, bananas, and potatoes.
Try the BRAT diet:
· Bananas
· Rice
· Applesauce
· Tea and toast.
Try frequent, small meals.
Avoid greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods.
Try breads made from refined flour without seeds or nuts.
Avoid raw vegetables and the skins, seeds, and stringy fibers of unpeeled fruits. Resume your consumption of higher fiber foods, fruits, and vegetables once the diarrhea stops (check with your dietitian and doctor first).
Have spicy or highly seasoned foods only as tolerated.
If you are lactose intolerant, use dairy products sparingly. Instead of regular milk, try Lactaid, yogurt, or soymilk.
Coping with cancer symptoms; loss of appetite |
Many problems such as pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a sore or dry mouth may make eating difficult and cause you to lose interest in eating. Depression, stress, and anxiety may also cause loss of appetite. If your appetite is no longer motivating you to eat, here are some suggestions to help ensure that you are getting the nutrition that you need.
· Eat by the clock rather than by your hunger mechanism. Eat because it is 9am, noon, 3pm, 6pm, or whatever your daily pattern becomes.
· Snack between meals. Choose high-calorie puddings, shakes, high-calorie and protein drink supplements, sandwiches, avocados, and nuts.
· Plan for special circumstances. If you have to miss or delay a meal for a test or therapy, bring a snack of nuts, dried fruit, or cheese and crackers. Ask your dietitian if these foods fit into your medical diet.
· Choose high-calorie foods at this time, such as avocados, nuts, puddings, cream soups, cooked cereals, and vegetables with added butter or margarine. Use extra olive oil in salads.
· Plan your daily menu in advance. Make a shopping list of your favorite foods and beverages and have the food available. You may want to portion out snacks and keep them in the refrigerator in Ziploc bags so that they are readily available.
· Request help in preparing your meals. A friend or relative is often happy to help out by preparing food for you. Some grocery stores have shopping services that may be accessed through your computer. You are very important - ask for help when you need it, and ideally before you anticipate that you will need it.
· Fix several portions of your favorite foods and freeze them. This can make it easier to decide what to eat when your appetite is poor or you do not feel like cooking.
· Make food visually appealing. Eye appeal is often the first step in eating. Attractive colors and garnishes such as parsley, lemon wedges, olives, and cherry tomatoes help to enliven the appetite.
· Appeal to your sense of smell. Tap into the sense of wellbeing that smells can stimulate, such as the smell of fresh bread baking. If, however, you find that you are overwhelmed by smells at this time, stay away from the kitchen, and have someone else prepare the cooking.
· Make your mealtimes pleasant. Your mealtime atmosphere is important to encourage eating. Set the table, perhaps adding candles, as well as wine, if permitted. Whenever possible, eat with family or friends.
· If you are finding it difficult to cook due to the symptoms of chemotherapy, consider calling organizations such as Project Open Hand at (415) 447-2300 or Meals on Wheels at (415) 920-1111 that deliver meals directly to your residence.
· If you are having appetite or eating problems, try sipping fortified nutritional drinks as a supplement to your meals.
Coping with cancer symptoms; chewing or swallowing difficulties |
Soreness and tenderness in the mouth and throat are common. If your swallowing difficulties are minor, the following suggestions may help. You may need to work with a dietitian or swallowing therapist or consider alternative methods of feeding if you have severe problems.
· Eat frequent small meals and snacks to ensure that you are getting enough calories.
· Cut foods into bite-sized pieces or grind them so that less chewing is required.
· Choose soft foods or foods that can be cooked until tender such as mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squashes (butternut and acorn), carrots, applesauce, ground beef or turkey, and tofu.
· Consume liquid supplements such as Ensure Plus, Boost Plus, or shakes that can be made in your blender.
· Consider using a blender to puree the foods your family is eating. When adding liquid to process the foods, remember to add high-calorie liquids - such as gravy, milk, cream, or broth - instead of water.
· Drink generous amounts of nutritious liquids with meals.
· Be adventurous. Try new sauces, gravies, or different oils on foods to make swallowing easier.
· Try apple, cranberry, or grape juices or fruit nectars if you are sensitive to citrus juices.
· Keep some baby food on hand for something quick and tasty.
· Try drinking liquids through a straw or as recommended by your swallowing therapist.
· Try drinking using a toddler's sippy cup without the valve; it doesn't come out too fast and no spilling.
· Chewing problems http://www.nonchewcookbook.com/recipe.html The Non Chew Cookbook was written for people suffering from chewing, swallowing and dry mouth disorders. (Commercial website)
What to do about gritty eyes and blurred vision? |
If this happens, it is important that you tell your doctor. He can prescribe soothing eye drops.
Is there something that helps with taking yucky tasting medicine? |
Just before drinking some of the bad tasting liquid, take a swig of cold Coke in your mouth, swish it around, and spit it out. It deadens the taste buds for a few seconds.
What causes mouth sores? |
This condition can affect as many as 80% of patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or blood stem cell transplants.
High-dose chemotherapy kills not only cancer cells, as it's meant to, but other fast-growing cells as well, such as those lining the inside of the mouth and throat. That can leave patients with extremely painful open sores in those areas, which prevent them from eating, drinking, or talking for a week or more after such treatments. The mouth and throat sores are also an open avenue for serious infection, which can be life threatening to patients whose immune systems may still be recovering from the effects of chemotherapy, and the pain from the sores can be so intense that it requires the use of narcotic pain killers.
What is the recommended treatment for mouth sores? |
Miracle mouthwash is a combination of benedryl, lidocaine, and milk of magnesia. Ask your pharmacist to mix some for you.
What other treatments can relieve mouth sores? |
· Bite open a 400IU capsule of vitamin E and swish it around your mouth before swallowing.
· Take supplements of vitamin C to help with tissue healing.
· Apply tea tree oil directly to the sores (acts as an antibiotic).
· Sucking ice chips can soothe a sore throat and help numb mouth sores.
· Keep your mouth very clean. Even if it hurts to brush your teeth, as bacteria can enter your body through the sores.
"I also used the old standby, which is 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a large glass of warm water followed by a plain water rinse. I guess it helps neutralize acids in the mouth and gives a little relief" Paul
For more information see Mouth Sores at the ACS web site http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3x_Mouth_Sores.asp
Is capsaicin effective for mouth sore pain? |
Yes! However, it has not been approved as a treatment by the FDA. The capsaicin desensitizes the taste neurons. One way to make effective use of capsaicin is to use it in products cooked with sugar. The sugar eliminates the burning sensation normally experienced with eating hot pepper products. The consumption of cayenne, and other peppers, is considered safe in moderate amounts, however, it can cause stomach upset or diarrhea in some cases.
Caution: Capsaicin, is believed to have blood-thinning properties (natural blood thinner), a minor nuisance for some of us, but for some who have blood problems or already on blood thinners for other reasons, may need to check with their doctors before consuming capsaicin.
Here is a recipe for taffy that is intended for treating mouth sores:
Hot Pepper Taffy Pull (adapted from the Joy of Cooking Cookbook)
- 1-cup sugar
- 3/4-cup light corn syrup
- 2/3-cup water
- 1 TBS cornstarch
- 2 TBS butter or margarine
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
In a 2-qt saucepan, add sugar, corn syrup, water, cornstarch, butter and salt. Over medium heat, stir constantly until it becomes a hard ball (256F). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and pepper. When cool enough to handle, butter hands and pull until satiny and stiff. Pull into long strips, cut into 1" pieces, and wrap with wax paper.
Hot pepper taffy can be purchased ready-made.
Are there any chemo friendly foods? |
Here is a chemo compatible potato soup from Barbara: http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=Pine.BSF.4.02A.9901181034250.8440-100000%40schultz.io.com&output=gplain
Are there any easy to make meals? |
Here is a suggestion from Rian Wanadoo, NL. I have a great recipe for instant Jewish penicillin for the starved:
- 1 jar of chicken stock (the kind with a piece of chicken in it and you have to dilute it twice). half pound of ready to cook soup veggies.
- Cook the veggies, do stock and veggies in food processor, mince.
- Put in pan, add 3-4 oz of alphabet or angel hair noodles. Cook 10 minutes.
- Very thick, low sodium, delicious, easy to eat.
- Put in mugs freeze open. Take out of mugs, store in freezer plastic.
- Take out one, microwave, presto, 150 instant calories, even traces of protein and veggies.
Are there any swallowing aids? |
Here is a suggestion from Paul: "I used viscous lidocaine 2% to numb my mouth before eating. It only works for about 5 to 10 minutes, but it helped me get some liquid supplements down. I also used the Maalox, Viscous Lidocaine and Benadryl elixir concoction as a swallowing aid. Without it, I absolutely could not swallow pills."
What can I do for dry mouth? |
Ask your doctor about Evoxac (Cevimeline) http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/cevimeline_ids.htm
In addition, some of the Lupus or Sjorgen's patients have tried Savlia Orthana http://www.labpages.com/std_home/page0109.html it is available in spray and lozenges
Over the counter, there is Biotene (R), which makes four products for dry mouth: toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, and oral gel. It's available worldwide. For product information see: http://www.laclede.com/dry_mouth.html (commercial web site).
Why do I smell odors that others don't? |
It is due to the chemo or pain medicine, which causes an altered sense of smell.
What can be done about the odor? |
If you can smell yourself, or your urine, try these tips:
· Regular bathing and liberal use of body powder kept the daytime body odor to a minimum.
· Perhaps a dab of something nice-smelling near or on the nose, tricks the nose. Try a flavored lipgloss, they're cheap, non-toxic and come in multi flavors.
· If I was desperate I'd put a bit of Vicks rub up inside/near my nostril. Not everyone likes the smell. It also has an added benefit, if your immune system is low from the chemo, other people often think the person with the Vicks has a cold and they stay away.
· Try scent elimination products for hunters. Shower and shampoo using scent eliminating soap/shampoo. http://www.google.com/search?cat=&q=scent+elimination
What can be done about clothing or bedding odor? |
· Try scent elimination products for hunters, wash the clothing and bedding in scent eliminating detergent. http://www.google.com/search?cat=&q=scent+elimination
· Change the clothing and bedding frequently.
What can be done about room or house odor? |
Use lots of Febreze in the house and use a nice smelling powder in the crevices.
How long does the odor problem continue after treatment stops? |
The effects of chemo on altered sense of smell may last from a few days to as many as two months after completion of treatment.
Coping with the side effects of radiation |
If you are undergoing cancer treatment, you may not feel well. Both the disease and treatment (including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) can cause a variety of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fever, infections, and fatigue. Unfortunately, while some of these side effects are simply unpleasant, others can pose significant risks to your health and healing process.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, there are some general guidelines you should keep in mind. The best course of action for anyone with cancer is to learn about potential side effects before they occur, so that you know what to do, when and if they happen.
If you are undergoing radiation therapy watch for fever and infection |
Radiation and chemotherapy are very powerful forms of cancer treatment, and can produce strong side effects. One of the most dangerous of these side effects is infection.
Common signs of infection are swelling, redness, pain, or fever (especially sustained fever). High fever can itself be dangerous, so it is very important to deal with fever as soon as it occurs and monitor it so that it does not get too high.
It is important to remember that the risk of infection and fever do not go away as soon as treatment ends. The amount of time a patient is at risk for infection varies greatly. Depending on each person's diagnosis and treatment options, it can be as long as two months. It is important for you to ask your doctor or health care team about this.
Why does fever occur? |
Because they are powerful, both radiation and chemotherapy can greatly reduce the number of white blood cells in your body. These white blood cells are the body's natural defense against infection. Having a low white cell count because of treatment can leave a person at high risk for infection.
A fever can be a sign that your body has an infection. In addition, fevers are not good for your body. They can be exhausting, cause chills, headaches, and other problems. Hence, it is very important to reduce fever (and the infection that is causing it) as soon as possible in order to monitor progress. It is also important to provide reports on your condition to your physician or health care team.
The most common course of action will be to treat the fever and the cause of the infection at the same time, with anti-fever drugs, antibiotics, and medicine to help replenish your body's white blood cells. As with any serious side effect, the key to dealing with fever and infection is to watch for warning signs, communicate with your doctor, and take action quickly.
Be careful not to believe these myths about fever |
"Fevers come and go - it's best just to let them run their course." False
Fevers are always an indication that something is wrong, and should be reported and treated. If fevers get too high, they can lead to dehydration and cause seizures. When you are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, fevers often indicate infection, which is serious and requires medical attention.
"Fevers help burn up whatever is wrong." False
High fevers do not destroy the bacteria that cause infection. This is why your doctor or health care team will treat both the fever and the possible infection. If your white blood cell count is low, your body will not be able to fight off the infection on its own.
Should I tell my doctor about a fever? |
Fever is one of the warning signs of infection. If a fever develops, don't wait to see what happens. Tell your doctor or health care team, and follow their advice.
Will nausea and vomiting accompany my radiation therapy? |
Many people know that nausea and vomiting are common side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Depending on your type of treatment, you may experience them all at once, separately, at different times throughout your illness, or not at all.
However, there is good news. In the last few years, health professionals have learned a great deal about controlling nausea and other side effects.
There are also things you can do to help limit your nausea:
· Get plenty of rest. Some patients report that resting helps them overcome feelings of nausea. Some anti-nausea drugs, designed to make you sleepy, help you rest through a period of nausea.
· Relax and try to distract yourself. Watching TV, listening to the radio, or any other activity that relaxes you will help you feel less affected by symptoms.
· Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight sweaters, shirts, or dresses, especially around the waist or neck, can aggravate an upset stomach.
· Rinse your mouth out often, and avoid strong foods or odors. Rinsing can help eliminate a bad taste in your mouth, and you should not eat strong or spicy foods if you think you may experience nausea.
· Try taking small sips of fluids or sucking on ice chips an hour or so after being sick. This helps settle your stomach.
· Crackers or toast help. Because they are mild, these types of foods can put something back into your stomach, usually without causing upset.
· Have another person stay with you. Talking to someone can be a great source of help and encouragement.
Be careful not to believe these myths about nausea and sickness |
"All radiation and chemotherapy treatments make you feel sick." False
Each person reacts differently to cancer therapy. Some people experience nausea and vomiting, some do not. Also, symptoms can come and go throughout treatment.
"There are no medicines to get rid of nausea and sickness caused by radiation and chemotherapy. The ones that are available cause side effects." False
Medicines are available to help, many that have no side effects. These medicines are called antiemetics. Ask your doctor about them.
"Getting sick means the cancer treatment is working." False
Whether the treatment makes you sick or nauseated is not an indication of its effectiveness. Again, each person reacts differently to treatment. Some do not get ill at all.
When can nausea and vomiting be an indication of a serious problem? |
Nausea and vomiting can be an indication of a serious problem, especially if they interfere with your ability to take oral medication, or cause bleeding or pain. Do not be afraid to discuss this with your doctor - there is no cause for embarrassment.
What causes leg cramps? |
Leg cramps or spasms are a painful tightening of the muscles in the leg. Staying in bed for long periods of time sometimes causes muscles in the legs or feet to cramp. Other causes of cramping are pressure on the calf muscles or on the back of the knee, too much phosphorus, too little calcium, or too little potassium in the body.
What problems are associated with leg cramps? |
· Pain and discomfort in a leg or foot accompanied by tightness and stiffness
· Difficulty moving a foot or pain when moving a foot or leg
What should I do for leg cramps? |
· Change positions frequently
· If you are bedridden, use a bed cradle (a support at the end of the bed that holds up the blanket) to protect your legs and feet from the weight of bedclothes
· Move your legs in bed by bending and straightening them 10 times, twice a day, or as many times as you can
· Use muscle relaxants, if prescribed by the doctor
· Apply heat to legs in spasm, if allowed by the doctor
· Massage your leg, if allowed by the doctor
· Keep your legs warm
· Contract the opposing muscle group, or try pointing the toes or walking around
· Follow the doctor's instructions for correcting any imbalances in calcium, potassium, or phosphorus
What should I avoid if I get leg cramps? |
· Getting too tired or tense
· Sitting or lying in a way that puts pressure on the back of the knees or on the calf muscles
· Staying in one position for too long
When should I call the doctor about leg cramps? |
Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms:
· Cramping that is not relieved by heat, massage, or vigorously contracting the opposing muscle group
· Cramping that continues for more than 6 to 8 hours
· Red, swollen, or hot foot or leg
Nausea |
Nausea and vomiting are less common side effects of chemotherapy today, thanks to newer drugs that don't cause this problem. In addition, when these side effects do occur, they are much less severe. Talk to your doctor about these powerful anti-nausea drugs. Different drugs work for different people, and you may need more than one drug to get relief. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse if you feel very nauseated or have vomited for more than a day, or if your vomiting is so bad that you cannot keep liquids down. You could become dehydrated.
What should I do if I’m nauseous? |
· Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. (Nausea is often worse if your stomach is empty).
· Eat slowly, chew your food completely and try to stay relaxed.
· Eat foods that are cold or are at room temperature. (The smell of hot or warm foods may make you more nauseous).
· Avoid eating foods that are hard to digest such as spicy foods or foods that are high in fat (including rich and creamy sauces).
· Rest after eating. If you need to lie down, keep your head elevated about 12 inches above your feet.
· If you feel nauseous when you first wake up, keep a box of crackers on your night stand and eat a few before getting out of bed. Or, try eating a high-protein snack such as lean meat or cheese before going to bed (protein takes longer to digest).
· Instead of drinking beverages with your meals, drink beverages and other fluids between meals.
· Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid (preferably water) per day to prevent dehydration. Choose cold beverages such as flat soda or flavored drink mixes. You can also choose ice cubes, popsicles or gelatin.
· Try to eat more food at a time of the day when you feel less nauseous.
· If you have been feeling nauseous, be sure to tell your health care provider before each treatment session.
· Contact your health care provider if your nausea causes vomiting that is persistent or severe (if you can't keep fluids or foods down on a continual basis). Persistent vomiting can cause dehydration and should be treated immediately.
· If your health care provider prescribes an anti-nausea medication for you, take it 1/2 hour to 1 hour before eating.
Can nausea or vomiting harm my health? |
Persistent vomiting causes the body to lose large amounts of water and nutrients. If you are vomiting more than three times a day and you are not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated. Dehydration is the loss of water from body tissues and it disturbs the balance of essential substances in your body. Dehydration can cause serious complications if it is not treated.
Notify your health care provider if you are vomiting persistently and experience any of these signs of dehydration:
· Dark urine
· Small amount of urine
· Rapid heart rate
· Headaches
· Flushed, dry skin
· Coated tongue
· Irritability and confusion
Persistent vomiting may reduce the effectiveness of medications if they have not yet been absorbed into your bloodstream. If persistent vomiting continues, your radiation treatments may be stopped temporarily. You may also be given fluids intravenously (through an IV in your vein) to help your body regain the nutrients it needs for energy.
Are there any group suggestions for dealing with nausea? |