A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing for both patients and caregivers alike. However, if both understand what symptoms and changes can be expected, they will likely be able to manage better and overcome them. Below, we highlight some common symptoms and how they can be managed.
01. Fatigue
Women diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to experience feelings of tiredness both from the condition, as well as from the treatment. Treatment procedures like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can take a toll physically and mentally in that regard.
Unfortunately, symptoms of fatigue may last for months. Thankfully, developing some key lifestyle habits goes a long way in helping patients feel better. These habits include:
Eating a well-balanced diet
Maintaining a healthy weight
Getting enough sleep
Staying physically active
02. Changes in Hair and Skin
Perhaps one of the most commonly known side effects of breast cancer chemotherapy treatment is that of hair falling out. Importantly, hair does not fall out only from the head. It falls out from the entire body.
Additionally, chemotherapy can result in dry skin; leaving the skin feeling itchy and flaky. Radiation therapy may cause the skin to look and feel sunburned in the spots where the treatment has been applied.
Due to these symptoms impacting the skin, the visible changes can sometimes result in an equally visible reaction from loved ones who may not be aware of the diagnosis or its possible impact. Thankfully, the hair grows back and the skin returns to its normal texture and level of hydration once the treatment is finished.
In the meantime, changes in hair and skin can cause patients to feel insecure and not like themselves. As such, patients should consider speaking with a mental health counselor or therapist who can help them navigate these new experiences.
03. Swelling
Sometimes, when treating breast cancer, surgery is required to remove the lymph nodes from the arm near the affected breast. This procedure may result in fluid buildup causing the chest, arms, and belly to swell and feel stiff and sore. This condition is called lymphedema.
Chemotherapy drugs can also cause the body to retain more fluid than normal. Whatever the cause of the swelling, physical therapy may help to lessen the impact of swelling.
04. Bone Thinning, Bone and Joint Pain
Breast cancer itself can cause pain if it spreads to the bones. Some estrogen-blocking breast cancer drugs (known as aromatase inhibitors) can also result in bone thinning. These drugs inadvertently make bones increasingly brittle which can add to the bone and joint pain scenario. Pre-menopausal women may experience the early or premature onset of menopause.
As far as treating these symptoms is concerned, radiotherapy (a specialized form of radiation treatment) can sometimes help when there is bone thinning or bone and joint pain present. Additionally, pain medications may help with the pain being experienced.
Conclusion
In part two of Unpacking the Impact of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, we will look at an additional four (4) symptoms to be aware of and how to manage them. Remember, while these symptoms may directly impact the patient who is diagnosed with breast cancer. The total impact of these symptoms stretches to the loved ones as well.
It is sometimes hard to see your loved ones experiencing these life-changing symptoms. As such, it helps that loved ones and laymen and laywomen caregivers understand the impact of treatment and play an active role in managing the same.
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