Treating side effects
The side effects from breast cancer treatment can be serious. Some healthy habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise, can help control symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help patients deal with specific side effects, such as medications to control as well as prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue. Patients should learn what to do when they feel tired and that tiredness does not go away with rest or sleep. For example, if bathing is the first option to reduce fatigue and the morning is the most energetic time, patients may choose to bathe in the morning.
- Nausea or vomiting. Patients should watch for signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth or feeling light-headed when standing) and seek treatment. Reducing the amount of food eaten will help. A small amount of ginger candy or ginger tea may also help.
- Diarrhea. Patients should take care to rest their stomachs and watch for signs of dehydration. Check with your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications for diarrhea. Make sure to consume enough water.
- Constipation. Patients should make sure they are getting enough water each day, as well as eating fruits and vegetables and fiber in their diet. Do not use laxatives without first consulting your doctor.
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Other problems that can be addressed with home treatment
- Sleep problems. If the patient has a sleep disorder, measures to cope with the sleep disorder may be helpful. These include establishing a sleep routine and making one’s bedroom a relaxing place to be.
- Hair loss. Hair loss may be unavoidable. But patients can reduce scalp irritation by using a gentle shampoo and avoiding hair-damaging products.
- Stress.
- Stress. Cancer and its treatment can certainly be stressful for patients. But there are ways to relieve stress, such as learning specific relaxation techniques and finding ways to express yourself.
- Pain.
- Pain. Not all types of cancer or cancer treatments cause pain. But if patients do have pain, there are many home remedies that can help, such as taking some over-the-counter medications, and applying ice and heat packs.
- Lymphedema, or swelling of the arm. Patients can reduce the risk of lymphedema by protecting their arm on the side of surgery and letting their doctor know immediately if that side of the arm becomes swollen or red.