Will the side effects of the drugs be hard to take? Here are some tips from a pharmacist for alleviating side effects.
Information provided by Li Chi-Kong, registered pharmacist
Drugs are an important part of breast cancer treatment. However, the mere mention of traditional chemotherapy, or even the new targeted therapies and hormonal drugs introduced in recent years, terrifies many patients who fear that the drugs will cause serious side effects. Some patients, afraid of the side effects of drugs, have avoided seeing their doctor or telling their doctor about their health problems. Because of that, they have missed their opportunity for treatment and allowed their condition to rapidly deteriorate.
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In truth, with advances in drugs and medical technology, today’s drugs have significantly reduced side effects making them very much tolerable by patients.
Here are a few ways to help you further alleviate discomfort during cancer treatment.
1. Worried about frequent hair loss?
Hair loss may occur during chemotherapy, and patients may experience frustration and distress due to this change in their appearance. If patients want to maintain their appearance, they can buy a wig that suits them before starting chemotherapy. If they want to sport a new look, they can wear a hat or scarf that they like. While making these physical preparations, patients can also prepare emotionally to face their possible hair loss.
Patients also need to take care of their hair every day, keep their scalp healthy, reduce their use of hairdryers, brush their hair more gently, and avoid perming and dyeing their hair. These days there are also ways to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss, such as scalp cryotherapy. Patients can ask their doctor for information.
It is also important to note that hair loss during chemotherapy is only temporary. This means that their hair will grow back once they are done with chemotherapy.
2. What can I do about nausea and abdominal pain?
With the continuous development of drugs to combat side effects such as anti-nausea drugs, side effects in patients have been greatly reduced. However, some breast cancer patients still have reactions and experience vomiting, diarrhoea, and even poor or no appetite after receiving chemotherapy.
If diarrhoea is serious, the doctor will prescribe anti-diarrhoea pills for the patient. In addition, the body must have enough energy, so adequate nutrition is essential. It is recommended to eat small frequent feedings. Choose easy-to-digest or warm, liquid food, and chew slowly while eating. During treatment, doctors, pharmacists, dieticians, and other healthcare personnel will closely monitor the patient’s condition. If patients notice a significant decrease in their weight, they should seek assistance from their health care team as soon as possible.
3. Struggling with mouth sores?
Some breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, may cause mouth sores. The medical term for this is “oral mucositis”. There are two general ways to deal with this problem:
- a) Gargle often: Gargle 4 to 6 times a day with mild (alcohol-free) mouthwash or saline to keep your mouth wet and clean;
- b) Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to reduce the chance of gum damage. If your oral pain is intense, first try to relieve the pain with ice cubes or an ice pack. If the situation does not improve, inform your doctor so he can consider prescribing pain-relieving drugs.
4. Concerned that taking the medications will cause infertility?
Some breast cancer drugs, such as those used in chemotherapy, do run the risk of causing menopause or harming the health of the ovaries and affecting fertility. If you want to have children, you can talk to your doctor in advance about adjusting your medication or treatment plan. You can consider alternative reproductive methods such as egg freezing to preserve your option of having children after you recover.
5. Will supplements strengthen my immunity?
Chemotherapy can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells, weakening the patient’s immunity. It is recommended to avoid crowded places during chemotherapy to reduce the risk of infection. Wear a mask if you need to go out. If you develop a fever, seek medical attention immediately. There are many products on the market claiming to ‘boost” your immune system. For your health and safety, consult your doctor before using these products as they may be harmful to your body.
Solutions at a glance:
References:
- Harcourt D, Frith H. Women’s experiences of an altered appearance during chemotherapy: an indication of cancer status. Journal of health psychology, 13:5, 597–606;2008.
- Friese C. et al. treatment-associated toxicities reported by patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer. Cancer, 123:11, 1925–1934;2017.
- Jensen S, et al. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, 74:2, 172–178;1992.
- Meirow D, et al. Toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation on female reproduction. Clin Obstet Gynecol, 53:4, 727–39:2010.
- Erich-Franz Solomayer EF, et al. Influence of Adjuvant Hormone Therapy and Chemotherapy on the Immune System Analysed in the Bone Marrow of Patients with Breast Cancer. Clinical Cancer Research, 9:1, 174–180;2003.