CHEMOTHERAPY PATIENTS

COPING WITH CHEMOTHERAPY

Each

person with difference experiences Different chemotherapy, different side effect

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

BEFORE INITIATING CHEMOTHERAPY

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: All patients with cancer struggle with the challenges of coping and adjusting to these life changing event.

family members, friends or relatives providing moral support.

FEVER AND INFECTION

PRACTICAL HINTS

If any infection associated symptoms develops, seek immediate medical attention. prevent infection- making a habit of frequent hand wash Avoid from people with underlying illnesses e.g- flu, chicken pox. Avoid public/ minimize outdoor related activities
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NAUSEA
Antiemetics or anti-nausea drugs are used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting Before the chemotherapy appointment, consume small portion of meals Drink plenty of fluids. Herbal teas, fruit juices e.g- apple, grape juice. Minimal ingestion of fluids and food, but frequent .

CONT

Take mints/ candies Do not immediately sleep or lie flat post meal. Avoid sweet, fried, fatty foods. Avoid odors that are unappealing

FATIGUE
A common symptom. May get worse with repetitive cycles of chemotherapy. Balance between activity and rest. Try to maintain your everyday activities. The fatigue will spontaneously resolve after completing chemotherapy.

HAIR LOSS ( ALOPECIA )

HAIR LOSS ( ALOPECIA ) Occurs two to three weeks after starting chemotherapy. Variety degree of hair loss cover your head with a wig, scarf, or turban, or you may not want to cover your head at all. Use mild shampoo & conditioner to maintain skin & hair moisture.

CONT
Limit the use of hairdryers, curling irons & chemicals e.g perms, highlights Before possible hair loss, some people like to cut their hair short. Put a towel over your pillow so that clean up in the morning will be easier while you are shedding your hair.

CONT
Hair regret expected after completing chemotherapy Two to three months Slight different in hair :

colour texture

DIARRHEA OR CONSTIPATION
DIARRHEA Mote than three or four watery stools in 24 hours. Consume low-fiber foods such as white bread, noodles, rice. Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day. Avoid milk products & foods that are difficult to digest e.g. cabbage, broccoli, corn & spicy food.

CONSTIPATION
Drink more fluid in a day to prevent constipation. Stay as active as you can. Consistent regular exercise can reduce constipation. Consume low- fat, high fiber diet e.g. fruits & vegetables, Medications e.g. daily stool softener/ laxatives

MUCOSITIS /STOMATITIS

MUCOSITIS
Mouth sores and discomfort Practical Hints for Mouth Sores: Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush three times daily. Rinse mouth with a solution of one teaspoon of salt, diluted in a glass of warm water, three or four times daily.

CONT Eat foods cold/room temperature. Eat soft e.g. ice cream, milkshakes, mashed potatoes, yogurt. Avoid irritating, acidic foods, juices e.g orange, lemon, spicy foods. Suck on ice chips/ sugarless hard candy.

NEUROPATHY

Tingling and burning, numbness or pain in the affected areas, loss of your sense of position . In cases of fingers numbness, be careful when grasping sharp objects.

MENOPAUSE & SEXUALITY

may temporarily stop your periods or result in permanent menopause Depend on the type of chemotherapy administered. Symptoms such as hot flashes, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, mood changes and sleeping disturbances.

CONT Practical Hints for Menopausal Symptoms : take vitamin E (400 units only) to reduce hot flashes Use vaginal moisturizers on a regular basis or other water-based lubricants as needed, especially during and before sexual activity.

SKIN & NAILS EFFECTS

SKIN & NAILS EFFECTS

Nails- darkened, develops vertical lines. Skins redness, rashes & dryness. Sunlight sensitivity- wear sunscreen SPF >15 Avoid direct sunlight. Wear long sleeve cotton shirts Use lip balm.

THANK YOU