Breast Cancer : In Depth - Managing Side Effects
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You will likely have physical concerns since your cancer may cause symptoms, and you may have side effects from your treatment. In this section, you'll learn more about how to respond to some of the most common ones. They are listed in alphabetical order.
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When you are being treated for breast cancer, it's likely that you will have side effects from that treatment and, perhaps, also symptoms of the disease itself. For instance, the cancer itself can cause symptoms if the tumor puts pressure on an organ or body part and causes pain. Or the tumor may interfere with the function of that organ or body part. The treatments to destroy cancer cells can harm healthy cells at the same time, and that means treatment can cause side effects.
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When you are undergoing treatment for cancer, you may have side effects that affect your physical response to sex. You may also experience changing feelings about who you are, how you feel about yourself, and how you feel about your relationships. All of these feelings can influence your sexuality.
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Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to treat your cancer. From the moment you found out you had cancer, you most likely have had questions about treatment. You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Loved ones, support groups, and counseling can help you. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits, or call if you need to. And use the resources below for information.
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TIP: Ask a family member or friend to give you some help applying lotion in hard-to-reach spots.
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Having side effects of radiation therapy does not mean that your cancer is getting worse or that therapy isn't working.
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Radiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. To feel better, get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat well. This will give your body the extra strength it needs right now. Also, look to family and friends for support and comfort.
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Chemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result. Anemia has many symptoms. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the signs listed here. You may need treatment.
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Chemotherapy can make your blood less able to clot. This happens because the treatment reduces the number of platelets (clotting agents) in your blood. As a result, your risk of bruising and bleeding increases. To help prevent problem bleeding, use the tips on this handout.
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You develop mouth sores Mouth pain keeps you from eating Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These side effects occur because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Using the tips on this handout may help you feel better.
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Caution: Call your doctor if your cuticles become red and painful or show other changes.
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During chemotherapy, the energy provided by a healthy diet can help you rebuild normal cells. It can also help you keep up your strength and fight infection. As a result, you may feel better and be more able to cope with side effects. Ask your doctor about your nutrition needs.
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Minor skin problems are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects occur because the treatment affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. To manage these side effects, try the tips on this handout.
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Constipation (difficulty passing stool) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Constipation can be caused by the medications you are taking. It can also occur if you're not getting enough exercise and nourishment. Fluids are important in managing constipation.
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Diarrhea (loose stools) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Diarrhea results when treatment affects the normal cells lining the intestine. To help limit this problem, try the tips on this handout.
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Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, and poor appetite. Fatigue can also be a sign of anemia (a shortage of red blood cells). This could require medical treatment. The tips below can help you feel better.
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Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It occurs because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Not all types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause hair loss, but if it does happen, these tips can help.
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Chemotherapy can make your body less able to fight off infection. This happens because treatment reduces the number of white blood cells (infection fighters) in your body. To help prevent infections, try the tips on this handout.
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Nausea or vomiting lasts for 24 hours or more You have trouble keeping fluids down
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Now that you are facing treatment for cancer, you may have concerns that you want to share. If you do want to talk, you may not know how to start. These ideas may help.
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Chemotherapy is commonly given after other cancer treatments, such as radiation or surgery, to destroy any remaining cancer cells and to help prevent cancer from returning. This type of therapy is called adjuvant therapy. Along with these powerful treatments come complaints from people of "not being able to think clearly" or "having a fuzzy memory." If you have experienced this, it's not all in your head. It may be real, something that people with cancer have dubbed "chemobrain."
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If you have osteoporosis, your bones become porous and weak. As they lose strength, they are more likely to break. People with osteoporosis are particularly at risk for breaking these bones.
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Dyspnea is the technical word for difficulty breathing. It's a common symptom in people who have lung cancer or have cancer that has spread to the lungs. People who experience dyspnea describe it as difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. They often compare it to feeling like they are suffocating or being smothered. In many cases, patients may develop anxiety or panic if they feel they cannot breathe. Often their anxiety and fears can make the dyspnea worse. By panicking, patients can become more breathless and begin a cycle that is hard to stop.
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