Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects Can Lead To A "Summer Of Strength"
Market Wire, July, 2000
Thousands of Americans with cancer are currently undergoing chemotherapy, and unfortunately, experiencing many of the side effects that go along with it. These side effects can compromise patients' ability to enjoy summertime activities, but by following eight simple strategies, patients don't have to be sidelined this summer.
"I want people with cancer to know that there are ways to manage chemotherapy side effects so that they don't have to miss out on their favorite activities of summer," said Denise Reinke, an experienced oncology nurse and member of the Oncology Nursing Society. "It's important that patients be in close contact with their health care provider so side effects can be addressed and they can get back to their favorite summer pastimes."
Ms. Reinke recommends eight strategies to help cancer patients manage chemotherapy side effects and enjoy their favorite summertime activities.
Talk with your doctor or nurse about anemia- Anemia is a common complication of chemotherapy in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Anemia can make people feel so tired that they can't do routine things like climb a flight of stairs, cook dinner or take a shower. It may also keep them from enjoying summertime activities, such as taking a walk outdoors or planning a picnic in the park. Symptoms include fatigue or extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, difficulty concentrating and loss of appetite and sex drive. People undergoing chemotherapy who think they might be suffering from anemia should see their doctor for a simple blood test. The good news is that anemia is easily diagnosed and is treatable, so patients can regain strength to enjoy summertime activities.
Conserve energy- Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. In order to have enough energy to participate in summertime activities with friends and family, be sure to go at your own pace, ask for help when necessary and conserve energy whenever possible. Ask your doctor about treatment options.
Drink plenty of water- Staying well- hydrated is important for everyone, but particularly for people undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can sometimes cause mouth, throat and gum problems, including reduced saliva production. Drinking plenty of water can help keep these unpleasant side effects to a minimum.
Beat the heat- If the weather is extremely hot, consider staying in air- conditioned places or, if outside, in the shade. If you must be outside, try to avoid being out between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
Protect yourself from the sun- Sensitivity to sunlight increases during chemotherapy treatment. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen and sunglasses to prevent exposed skin from burning and to avoid damage caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Wear hats- Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. To protect your scalp from the sun during the summer, it is important to cover your head with a hat or scarf.
Avoid alcohol- Not only will alcohol cause dehydration, it is also a blood thinner. This can be especially dangerous for someone undergoing chemotherapy, because chemotherapy can decrease the body's ability to clot blood, putting a patient at greater risk for blood loss due to injury.
Eat well-balanced meals- It is important when undergoing chemotherapy to maintain a well- balanced diet. Eating right will help ensure that you have the energy to stay active and provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs.
"This summer, chemotherapy-related side effects, such as anemia, do not have to put an end to summer fun. By following these simple strategies, people can protect themselves, feel better, get back their energy, and have a summer of strength, " said Ms. Reinke.
Ortho Biotech Inc. is offering these summer tips as part of its "Summer of Strength" program in an effort to help people suffering with chemotherapy-related side effects have an active summer. Ortho Biotech markets PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa), a medication used to treat chemotherapy-related anemia for non-myeloid cancers. In studies, only diarrhea and edema occurred more often with PROCRIT than placebo. For full prescribing information, please visit the PROCRIT Web site at www.procrit.com.
Bibliography for "Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects Can Lead To A "Summer Of Strength""
"Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects Can Lead To A "Summer Of Strength"". Market Wire. July 2000. FindArticles.com. 29 Nov. 2007. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_pwwi/is_200007/ai_mark09012982