Tips to deal with the side effects of blood cancer treatment
Tips to deal with the side effects of blood cancer treatment
Here are expert tips to deal with anemia, bloating, constipation, diarrohea, hair loss, lack of appetite, bleeding problems, infection, oral problems and nausea or vomiting.
Chemotherapy is the first line of treatment option to fight blood cancer in which the drugs are targeted at stopping the cancer cells from multiplying. Even radiation therapy is a key treatment option. But the real problem is the side-effects of the treatment -- anaemia, constipation, bloating and loss of appetite. Hence, to help you deal with these common side effects of leukemia treatment, here are some valuable tips from our expert, Dr Mohit Sharma, Consultant-Medical Oncologist, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, that might help.
1. Fatigue and anemia: A common side-effect of many treatment options, low red blood cell count is the primary reason for anemia, which leads to fatigue, which might last for several weeks even after completing the treatment. If you are suffering from anaemia or fatigue, follow these tips to boost your energy level.
As anaemia causes fatigue or constant tiredness, make sure you take short naps. Also, avoid long naps during the day as it might hinder sleeping at night. Here are 6 tests to check if you ar anemic or not.
To keep your body active, include mild forms of exercise, like walking, to your daily routine. However, do no overwork and save your energy by balancing your activity with sufficient rest.
Drink plenty of fluids as dehydration might further worsen your condition, making you more tired.
Follow your doctor's prescription correctly to manage anaemia and talk to him if you fail to show any improvement with the use of medications.
2. Anxiety and depression: After being diagnosed with cancer, most people feel anxious or depressed, which might be the case even during the treatment. However, keeping calm and positive not only helps you to ease mental stress but also aids in recovery. Here are some tips to follow -
Talk to your family and friends about your feelings. Here's everything you need to know about dealing with depression.
Inform your doctor about your condition and ask about ways to deal with depression and anxiety like the use of medications or referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
3. Loss of appetite: In some cases, chemotherapy can result in damage to the intestinal cells or affect the neurons (brain cells) which controls your appetite. Even radiation of the head or neck region causes alteration of taste and also makes it difficult to swallow, thereby reducing your appetite. Although consulting a qualified dietician to improve your appetite is not a bad idea, here are few tips to eat well during treatment.
During the treatment, make sure you eat foods rich in proteins including protein shakes or drinks several times a day.
Drink plenty of fluids to maintain your body temperature and also improve elimination of harmful waste from the body.
Replace large meals with small, frequent meals, if you feel full after eating three large meals throughout the day.
If you don't feel like eating on a single day, it's okay. But if your appetite fails to improve even after several days, consult your doctor immediately.
4. Bleeding problems:Chemotherapy or targeted treatment might lead to thrombocytopenia, low platelet count, which causes difficulty in clotting of blood. In some cases of leukemia, very low platelet count cause bruises or small red spot on the skin, known as petechiae. If you experience any of these symptoms, report it to your doctor at the earliest as it might lead to uncontrolled bleeding problems requiring platelet transfusion. Here are few things you can do to avoid injuries and uncontrolled bleeding, if your doctor says that you have low platelet count.
Stay away from sharp objects to protect your skin from cuts and scrapes. Use an electric razor to shave and take proper care while using nail clippers.
Opt for a soft bristle toothbrush as hard-bristled one might lead to gum bleeding. Try to avoid toothpicks or dental floss and always consult your doctor before planning to undergo any dental examination.
Say no to sports that might increase your risk of getting injured.
Never think twice before calling a doctor if you develop unusual bleeding, any bruise, tarry stools, blood in urine or stools or small red spots on the skin.
5. Bloating and swelling: In some cases, chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy might lead to water retention, but the symptoms might subside by the end of the treatment. If you experience bloating and swelling during the treatment, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
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In the case of severe bloating, you doctor might prescribe diuretics, drugs that aid in the removal of excess water.
Lower your intake of salt as excess salt might worsen the condition. Hence, use less salt while cooking and also check food labels for the sodium content.
6. Constipation: It is always a wise idea to take preventive measures for constipation, which can be infrequent or painful bowel movements. As painkillers might further increase your risk of constipation, here are a few tips to relieve constipation.
Load up your intake of fluids, especially water.
Eat foods rich in fiber as it adds bulk to stools and softens it, thereby aiding in bowel movement.
If your condition is severe, your doctor might recommend stool softeners or laxative.
7. Diarrhea: If left unattended, diarrhea might lead to dehydration. Caused mainly due to radiation and other medications, here are few tips to control diarrhea.
Try to avoid intake of milk and milk products as they further worsen your condition
Stay away from foods that might trigger gas or acidity like dried fruits, cereals rich in fiber, popcorn, nuts, corn and dried beans.
Increase your intake of water and other fluids like soups and juices to prevent dehydration.
8. Hair loss: Known as alopecia, hair loss can affect you mentally as it acts as a visual reminder of leukemia treatment. Mainly caused due to chemotherapy and radiation, keep in mind that your hair might grow after the treatment. Here are a few tips that might help you to cope with hair loss.
Try to cut your hair before the start of the treatment as it gives you sufficient time to accept yourself with no hair.
After the treatment, invest in a wig or get a hat or scarf before you start losing hair. In this way, you can buy a wig that matches your hair.
Moreover, using a hat or scarf protects your scalp from the harsh heat and cold temperature.
9. Infection: Lack of white blood cells (WBC) might increase your risk of infections as your body fails to fight infection. Known as neutropenia, it leads to fever, chills or inflammation at the site of the injury. If you have low WBC count, here are tips to stay healthy and prevent infections.
Avoid crowded places or hanging out with people suffering from cold, viral flu or infections. If you have to do so, wear a surgical mask to prevent infections.
Do not forget to wash your hands before and after visiting a washroom or eating meals. Also, take a bath every day without fail to lower your bacterial load. Here's a step-by-step guide to wash your hands the right way.
Take care to avoid cuts and treat open sores as these might attract bacteria leading to infection.
Avoid touching your eyes or nose without washing your hands properly.
When eating out, sushi and raw meat is a strict no-no. Also, avoid unwashed and uncooked vegetables and fruits as there is high chance that they might be laden with germs.
Never self-medicate and always consult your doctor before popping antibiotics to deal with infections. Also, consult your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of infections like fever, severe chills, cough, hoarseness, lower back pain, difficulty or pain during urination, sores or redness of the skin.
10. Insomnia: Although the exact cause of insomnia is not known, it might be due to depression, pain or anxiety during the treatment. However, taking sufficient rest is the only way to deal with the side-effects of cancer treatment. Here are are tips to help you sleep well.
follow a fixed schedule and go to bed at the same time every day. Also, avoid long naps during the day.
Exercising, at least, two - three hours before hitting bed might help you get a good night's sleep.
If you still can't sleep, get up and walk for few minutes before getting back to sleep.
Do not eat or drink fluids close to bedtime. Also, stay away from indulging in stimulants like caffeine and tobacco just before sleeping.
Avoid taking sleeping pills without consulting your doctor.
11. Oral problems: Cancer treatment might result in sores on lips and mouth, which make your eating experience painful and unpleasant. Also, some people might experience a strange taste in the mouth following a stem cell transplant due to the chemical used for freezing process. Following these tips might help you to prevent and even ease the symptoms.
Always keep your mouth and lips moist and clean. This includes brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush after meals and before going to sleep. If you floss normally, do not stop unless your doctor advises so. Also, if you are planning to floss, ask your doctor beforehand to prevent any complications.
If you have dry mouth, include soft and pureed foods in your diet as they are easy to swallow. Also, sip water at regular intervals.
Stay away from mouthwashes that contain alcohol and spicy and hot foods as they might irritate sores and hence, further complicate the problem.
In the case of using topical ointments to treat mouth sores, consult your doctor beforehand.
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