How to alleviate the side effects caused by cancer treatment?
2020-07-08
According to a new survey published in the Journal of Clinical Practice in Oncology, approximately one-third of adult patients who have received cancer treatment may experience side effects of treatment (37% for radiotherapy, 36% for chemotherapy, and 34% for surgery). This nationwide survey sponsored by the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) surveyed more than 400 American adults. "90% of patients are confident in their treatment decisions, but a considerable number of patients said they need more information about potential side effects." The study's senior author, Dr. Reshma Jagsi, a professor of radiation oncology at the University of Michigan, said.
The difference in information is related to the severity of treatment side effects experienced by patients, and patients who report serious side effects are more likely to say that they do not know enough about these side effects. More than a third (38%) of patients who experienced severe side effects reported that they were unaware of these side effects, compared with only 4% of those who reported the least side effects.
The survey also paid special attention to the side effects of patients receiving radiation therapy. Patients report that these experiences are generally in line with their expectations, but it is worth noting that 29% of people feel more tired (28%) or weaker (28%), or feel that changes in energy levels are worse than expected ( 31%).
In fact, fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer radiation therapy. People usually describe it as extreme fatigue, weakness, heavyness, fatigue and lack of energy. There are many reasons for fatigue, such as: anemia, changes in appetite, anxiety, depression, infection, lack of exercise, drugs, pain, difficulty breathing, sleep problems, etc. Studies have shown that for some patients, fatigue may be an important long-term problem.
To alleviate the fatigue caused by cancer radiotherapy, you may wish to try the following methods.
1. Try to sleep at least 8 hours every night
This may require more sleep than before radiation therapy. One way to sleep better at night is during the day. Another method is to relax before going to bed. Do some calming activities before bed, such as reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, or listening to music.
2. Plan a break
Take a nap or rest between activities.
3. Try not to do too much
Due to fatigue, you may not have enough energy to do all the things you want to do. So choose the most important activity for you and do it when you are most energetic. For example, you may go to work but not do housework; you may go to watch children's sports games but not cook.
4. Exercise
Research shows that most people feel better after exercising every day. Go for a walk, bike ride, or do yoga. Talk to your doctor or nurse about the exercises you can do while receiving radiation therapy.
5. Relax
Meditation, prayer, gentle yoga, guided imagination, etc. are some methods that can be used to relax and reduce stress.
6. Eat well and drink well
Eating 5-6 small meals a day is more acceptable than eating 3 large meals a day. Foods high in protein and high in calories will help you maintain energy. Keep easy-to-handle foods around you, such as canned soup, frozen food, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Drink plenty of water every day-about 8 glasses of water or juice. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
7. Develop a suitable work plan
Fatigue can affect your energy for work. You may need to reduce your work, such as a few hours a day, or a few days a week. Or talk to your boss about working at home so you don’t have to commute. If possible, you may consider taking sick leave while receiving radiation therapy.
8. Ask for help
When you feel tired, you can contact home care services, or ask family and friends for help. Family caregivers, family members and friends can help you with housework, run errands, or drive you to radiotherapy.
9. Learn from other cancer patients
People with cancer can help each other by sharing ways to treat fatigue. One way to meet cancer patients is to join some support groups, either face-to-face or online.
10. Record your daily feelings
Keeping a record every day can help you understand the changes in your energy level and help you make better use of your time. When you feel very tired, unable to move normally, or still very tired after a break, please inform the doctor that he will give treatment suggestions for some causes of fatigue, such as anemia, depression, or sleep disorders.
