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Head and Neck Cancer : Managing Side Effects

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Managing Side Effects

What to Expect After Surgery for Head and Neck Ca...
The side effects of surgery for head and neck cancer depend on the size of the tumor and the type of surgery performed. Here are some things you can expect after surgery.
Source:StayWell
Date:November 23, 2004
Learning to Speak Again After Laryngeal Surgery
Pat Wertz Sanders was not surprised when she learned that she had laryngeal cancer, cancer of the voice box. For a year, she'd had sinus infections, bronchitis, and a constant cough. And although radiation usually treats laryngeal cancer well, saving the voice, it didn't work for Sanders. Her doctor told Sanders that she needed a full laryngectomy, meaning she needed to have her larynx taken out.
Source:StayWell
Date:November 23, 2004
What to Expect After Radiation Therapy for Head a...
Radiation affects all your cells, normal ones as well as cancer cells. That means you may have side effects. What they are and how strong they are depends on these things.
Source:StayWell
Date:June 20, 2005
Radiation Therapy: Managing Side Effects
Having side effects of radiation therapy does not mean that your cancer is getting worse or that therapy isn't working.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Skin Care During Radiation Therapy
TIP: Ask a family member or friend to give you some help applying lotion in hard-to-reach spots.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
What to Expect After Chemotherapy for Head and Ne...
Chemotherapy affects normal as well as cancer cells. The possible side effects depend on what kind of drug you take and the dose.
Source:StayWell
Date:June 20, 2005
Oncology: Controlling Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting lasts for 24 hours or more You have trouble keeping fluids down
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Understanding Anemia (during chemotherapy)
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Oncology: Managing Fatigue
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Preventing Bleeding During Chemotherapy
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Mouth Care During Chemotherapy
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Oncology: Coping With Hair Loss
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
What to Expect After Biotherapy for Head and Neck...
Doctors are still learning about biotherapy. This new procedure takes advantage of flaws in the cancer cell and targets that flaw to destroy the cell. In most cases, this treatment has few side effects and doesn't affect normal cells. But treatments that target some cancer cell characteristics do have side effects. For example, drugs that target epidermal growth factor receptors can also affect your skin cells, causing an acne-like rash. Rarely, lung tissue becomes inflamed and scarred. This is called interstitial lung fibrosis.
Source:StayWell
Date:June 20, 2005
Nail Care During Chemotherapy
Caution: Call your doctor if your cuticles become red and painful or show other changes.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Nutrition During Chemotherapy
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Skin Care During Chemotherapy
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Oncology: Controlling Constipation
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Oncology: Controlling Diarrhea
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Oncology: Preventing Infections
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Oncology: Communicating with Others
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.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
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