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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Overview

Practical tips to help make it easier to get through treatment as well as possible

  • Do your best to live a lifestyle that helps your body function at its disease-healing best. This includes the food you eat, exercise if permitted by your doctor, and getting rest.
  • Don't be surprised if all kinds of emotions show up - particularly anxiety or depression. Don't let your feelings interfere with getting medical care. There are steps to take to help, including medications. (Emotions are discussed in: In Treatment For Breast Cancer: Emotional Well Being
  • If needed, home care is available. It may be covered by your health insurance.
  • Take precautions to avoid unnecessary infection.
  • Keep in mind tips about how to maximize limited time with a doctor. For instance, 
    • Keep a symptoms diary between visits. (Survivorship A to Z provides a free easy-to-use diary. Click here.)
    • Learn the meaning of the basic medical words that are likely to come up so conversations can be faster and more precise.
  • If you have a question or problems during office hours, go ahead and call the doctor. If you have a problem that you do not think can wait until morning, call at night. It’s better to call the doctor than end up in the hospital with a serious complication that should have been treated hours ago. Most doctors have 24 hour answering services.
  • Ask the doctor what would be considered to be an emergency so you know what to do if events happen. Pack an emergency bag "just in case."
  • If money for treatment or living while undergoing treatment is a concern, see How To Maximize Use Of Your Health Insurance and Breast Cancer: Finances
  • At the end of treatment, be sure to get a Follow-Up Medical Plan. (To learn more, click here). 

Side Effects

No matter what treatment you are undergoing, there is likely some degree of pain or other unpleasant side effect. Side effects are a price for regaining health or at least minimizing the effects of breast cancer. 

  • By and large, side effects can be minimized and possibly eliminated. 
  • One possible side effect from chemotherapy that cannot be eliminated is early menopause.
  • Report to your oncologist all unexpected side effects or side effects which are more severe than expected.

While Undergoing Chemotherapy:

  • Do not be surprised if starting treatment makes cancer feel real.
  • It will likely take longer than you prefer to find out if the treatment is working.
  • Do not be surprised or depressed if the initial chemotherapy does not work. 
  • Keep in mind that treatment decisions may change as treatment goes along. A change does not mean that the original treatment was wrong. Medicine is a combination of science and art.
  • If needed, transportation is available to and from treatment.
  • Chemotherapy affects your immune system which exposes you to infection. Pay particular attention to avoiding infection. For instance, check the quality of the local water supply.
  • It is not advisable to become pregnant during chemotherapy.

If You Have A Mastectomy

Learn how to stay safe and comfortable in hospital. One important tip is to make sure people disinfect their hands before touching you. Another is to have someone with you to act as patient advocate.

Before being discharged from a hospital:

  • Get a discharge plan and a follow-up plan so you know what to expect, how to deal with it, what to do and not do, and when to call the doctor.
  • Pre-arrange a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
  • Request a copy of your medical records to take or to have mailed to you.
  • Don’t pay a bill without checking it.
  • Learn what to do after discharge from the hospital: see: Breast Cancer: After Treatment: 0 – 6 Months

If You Have Radiation Treatment

  • Don't be surprised if the start of treatment makes cancer feel real.
  • Your breast and affected area will show an effect like a burn. Treat the area to make it feel better and foster healing.
  • Fatigue and nausea may appear after awhile. They are treatable.
  • Keep in mind that treatment decisions may change as treatment goes along. A change does not mean that the original treatment was wrong. Medicine is a combination of science and art.
  • If needed, transportation is available to and from treatment.
  • If you are uncomfortable in a hospital gown, make your own or buy a substitute.
  • Avoid getting pregnant during radiation treatment.

Complementary/Alternative Treatments

Only consider so called "complementary" or "alternative" treatments as complementary to Western medicine - not instead of it. There is no scientific proof that such treatments by themselves cure breast cancer.

If A Treatment Does Not Work

There are likely other treatments to use. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.

If your situation is unusual, consider researching other treatments yourself or hire a research service.  Discuss what you find with your doctor. If you feel as if you need one, get a second opinion. (It will likely be covered by your health insurance.)

If you have an advanced case of breast cancer, and the treatment is not working, consider modifying the goal of treatment to preserve your quality of life.

For more information, see:

To Learn More

More Information

Health Insurance 101

While Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery

Learn how to stay safe and be comfortable in the hospital. For example:

  • Even in world class hospitals, it is helpful to have a family member or friend stay with you as much as possible to act as a patient advocate. 
  • It is also your (and your patient advocate's) responsibility to make sure doctors, nurses and other personnel take precautions before touching you so they don't unnecessarily spread germs. Don't be afraid to speak up if you see someone not taking appropriate precautions. For example a doctor or nurse doesn't clean his or her hands before touching you.
  • See: How To Maximize Your Stay In A Hospital

Plan ahead for your needs when you are discharged from the hospital. For example:

  • Wear clothes that are loose fitting and easy against what could be raw skin. For instance, a large button-front men's shirt or a house dress with snaps in the front, top to bottom.
  • Purchase a product to apply every day to keep your incision from puckering. For instance, aloe vera gel (available at health food stores).
  • if you will need home care, start putting away valuable items, credit cards and cash so they aren't a temptation to home care workers.
  • If you will need a hospital bed or other equipment, the social worker at the hospital can help you figure out how to get it. Start thinking about where you would put uit.
  • If you have access to the internet, this could be a good time to start shopping for items you may need post surgery. For example, bras or mastectomy swim wear. If so, check the American Cancer Site, www.tlcdirect.org offsite link, and www.mastectomy.com. offsite link  (How to purchase bras is discussed in our Post Treatment article.)

You can have some control over the discharge date.

  • The length of your stay in the hospital depends on your doctor and insurance company. They determine when your condition is medically stable so that you can be discharged. If they want you to leave the hospital earlier than you think reasonable, you don't have to go quietly. Appeal. On the other hand, press firmly if you want to leave earlier than your doctor thinks advisable. (Do not leave without medical consent. If you do, you may be stuck with the bill for your entire stay without insurance).
  • If the hospital asks you to pay the bill before leaving:
    • If you don't have insurance: You can negotiate the bill.
    • If you do have insurance: Check with your insurance company before paying.
  • See: Discharge From The Hospital

Upon discharge from the hospital:

  • When you are discharged from the hospital:
    • Get a discharge plan that tells you, among other things what you should and should not be doing during recovery. A follow-up plan also includes a date for a follow up visit with your surgeon and perhaps other doctors. The sooner the follow-up date, the sooner you can ask follow-up questions and have the security of being examined by the doctor. To learn more, click here.
    • Check your bill, even if you have insurance. A large percentage of hospital bills have errors which are usually in the hospital's favor. See: The Hospital Bill Review
  • Assume any belongings you bring home from a hospital are contaminated and should be washed before being used again.'
  • If you will need home health care, click here.
  • If there are health problems after you get home, the best way to ensure that you are covered by insurance is to return to the same hospital.  For example, postoperative care is part of surgery and follow-up will likely be part of it.  Surgery may begin when you enter the operating room but it does not end when you leave.

NOTE: If you had a mastectomy which was covered by health insurance, federal law requires that the policy also cover reconstruction, including prostheses. For more information, click here.

For more information about medical care:  After treatment, see: Breast Cancer:  Post Treatment 0 - 6 Months: Medical Care

Lifestyle While Undergoing Treatment

Taking the following steps will help you feel in control. They also help maximize your body's ability to get through treatment. (NOTE: Also see the section of this document about the specific treatment you are undergoing).

Do what you can to:

  • Eat nutritiously  
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Only drink safe water
  • Reduce risk of infection in all aspects of your daily life. 
    • Infections slow recovery. 
    • If your immune system is low (say, from chemotherapy) infections can pose a major risk to your health.
  • Exercise (yes, even during treatment - though you may have to take it easier.)
  • Practice good mouth care. 
    • If your dentist advised additional precautions to take during treatment, take them. For instance, your dentist may recommend a fluoride mouth rinse or a fluoride gel in addition to daily brushing.
    • An infection in your mouth can lower your body's ability to fight your health condition. Keep your mouth clean. Brush at least twice a day. Floss at least once a day. (If you haven't had one lately, schedule a dental check up). 
    • Check your mouth every day. Call your dentist immediately if you notice any changes or problems. Any of the following symptoms may indicate an infection.
      • Bleeding or a sticky, white film in your mouth 
      • Lumps 
      • Soreness 
      • Swelling 
      • Ulcerations.
    • NOTE: Some cancer doctors recommend doing the following while chemotherapy is being administered to act as an anesthetic and to also provide hydration:
      • Sucking on a sugar-free popsicle 
      • Eat ice cubes or ice chips. 

Minimize alcohol consumption. For example, to one drink a day for women. (Men are limited to two a day).

  • Check with your doctor to find out if there is a negative interaction between alcohol and your treatment or any drugs you are taking.
  • Avoid recreational drugs.
  • Minimize stress
  • Rest 
  • Get appropriate sleep
  • Deal with emotions that surface. 
  • If you smoke consider stopping. 
    • Smoking may interfere with the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Cancer patients who smoke have a lower survival rate than nonsmokers. By quitting, a patient can improve the body’s response to treatments, lessen complications and side effects, decrease the risk of recurrence and enhance survival.
    • Quitting during treatment may be very uncomfortable. It may include a variety of symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety and irritability. On the other hand, it may help keep your mind off of the treatment.

For more information, see:

NOTE:

  • Do not attempt weight loss during treatment. Wait until the post treatment recovery phase.
  • Do not take herbs, vitamins or nutritional supplements or use recreational drugs during treatment unless you get your doctor's consent.

Keep Track Of Symptoms

At each appointment, your doctor or other medical practitioner will likely ask you about any symptoms you experienced since your last appointment.

You can easily keep track of your symptoms in our Symptoms Diary or Symptoms Diary: Chemotherapy. When you are ready to go to the doctor, a push of a button can turn the chart into an easy-to-read graph which you can print and take with you. A graph can be read by the doctor in seconds, leaving more time for your questions and concerns.

If symptoms are more severe than expected, or if unexpected symptoms appear, call your doctor.

NOTE: IF YOU WORK: Also keep track of anything that happens at work that could be useful if you ever need to file a claim that you are disabled or discriminated against because of your health condition. Include positive comments as well as potentially discriminatory statements or actions. See Work Journal.

How To Live With Medications and Supplements

  • Before agreeing to take any medications, learn about the risks as well as the benefits. Ask questions. We provide a suggested list of questions to ask before agreeing to take any medication. Please feel free to add additional questions.
  • Do what you can to avoid medical errors
    • Start by obtaining a readable doctor’s prescription. If you can't read it, neither can the pharmacist.
    • Check the medication you receive against the prescription and make sure it looks like you expect. 
  • Avoid overmedication
    • Overmedication is all too common. 
    • Ask your doctor if a lower dose will do the same job - particularly for drugs you continue to take over time. 
    • For information about avoiding overmedication, click here.
  • Carry a list of your drugs all the time. 
    • Emergencies happen. You may need to tell emergency personnel all the drugs you are taking. A list of medications becomes even more important if you become unconscious. 
    • Plus the list will be helpful each time you see a doctor or fill a prescription. 
    • We provide a form: List Of Medications that can be saved and printed as needed.
  • Ask that each newly prescribed drug be checked for negative interaction with other drugs you are taking. 
    • Do not assume that this will happen automatically.  
    • If you buy all your drugs at one pharmacy, you won’t have to remember to tell them about each drug you are taking or stopped taking recently.
  • Treat over-the-counter medications, supplements and vitamins as if they are drugs. Just because they are sold without a prescription does not mean there are no risks.
  • Take care if you use herbs, vitamins or other supplements.
    • Herbs, vitamins and supplements are not subject to FDA approval so there is no guarantee about their safety or effectiveness. There is not even a guarantee that the same mix of ingredients will be in each bottle – even for bottles from the same manufacturer.
    • Look for products with the mark: “USP Verified.” USP Verified means that the supplement meets standards of quality, purity and potency which are set by the not-for-profit U.S. Pharmacopeia. For more information, see: www.uspverified.org offsite link
  • Consider the price of drugs, even if insurance will pay for them.  It may feel like insurance company money is other people’s money, but expenses show up in everyone's increased premiums. See: Drugs: How To Save Money When Buying Or Using 
  • Do not let price be the sole factor in determining what you want or where to obtain medication. 
    • Consider, for example, what happens if you need a refill in an emergency? 
    • A pharmacist can be a very important part of your health care team. Consider whether you have access to a pharmacist where you buy your medications. 
    • If necessary, you may be able to obtain drugs for free or for a very low cost.
  • If the current drugs on the market don’t satisfy your needs, there may be newer drugs to consider that are still being tested for safety. 
    • Access to cutting edge drugs is through a process known as a clinical trial – a controlled test in which use of the drug is medically monitored. It is essential that you be fully informed before entering a clinical trial. For information and tips about clinical trials, click here. 
    • Colon Cancer Alliance has a service which matches patients with clinical trials. Call: 866.278.0392.
  • Live with drugs wisely.
    • Comply with your doctor’s directions for taking your medications. Non-compliance can be harmful. Time tested tips help if you have difficulty complying.
    • Do not share drugs.
    • Store drugs correctly (not in a medicine cabinet in the bathroom).
    • Travel well with your drugs. Carry a copy of your prescription. Carry an extra supply in case you get delayed.
    • For additional information about wise living with drugs, click here.
  • Stay open. Decisions regarding medical care and treatment may change over time.

For more information, see:

Fatigue, Pain And Other Side Effects

In general

No matter what treatment you undergo, there is likely to be some degree of fatigue, pain or other unpleasant side effects.

  • With a treatment such as surgery, the side effects may be immediate and decrease over time. 
  • With chemotherapy or radiation there may be no side effects to start, but they may accumulate. Some may linger after treatment ends.

Side effects are a price for regaining health or at least minimizing the effects of cancer. Most people would say the price is small compared to the potential reward.

Fatigue

Fatigue can be particularly difficult because it is the side effect that most often interferes with daily life. Fatigue can be due to a number of causes. There are several techniques that can help such as scheduling your day around your fatigue, and exercise. For more information, click here.

Pain

Pain does not have to be part of a health condition. If you have pain, speak with your doctor about alternatives for getting rid of it, or at least decreasing how much it hurts. If his or her remedies don't work, seek out a doctor who specializes in treating pain. You can receive what is known as Palliative care at the same time as you work to cure your condition. For more information, click here.

Chemotherapy: Early Menopause

Chemotherapy may cause early menopause. Symptoms of early menopause vary from woman to woman. Common symptoms to watch for include hot flashes, a dry vagina, dry skin and mood swings. For other side effects of chemotherapy and how to deal with them, click here.

Raduation Side Effects

See: Radiation: Nausea and Vomiting and Radiation: How To Care For Your Skin

Side effects to report

Report all unexpected side effects or side effects which are more severe than expected to your oncologist. Side effects can be minimized, and in some cases, eliminated entirely.

Keep your primary doctor informed about your treatment and side effects. While it may be the last thing you want to hear, other things may be happening in your body at the same time that wouldn't be noticed by your cancer doctor.

NOTE: Keep track of side effects so that you can report to the doctor accurately when you see each other. Also keep track of questions to ask. Survivorship A to Z provides a Symptoms Chart to help you keep track of symptoms. We also provide a prioritizer which lets you keep track of your questions, and then lets you prioritize them with a push of a button before you see a doctor.

Practical Tips While Undergoing Chemotherapy

Do Not Expect Instant Results

  • It can be difficult to know whether treatment is working since there is nothing to see.
  • You will only know how the treatment is working in time when you undergo tests similar to those which diagnosed your breast cancer. This is usually after the completion of at least two treatment cycles.
  • On the other hand, if your cancer metastasized and the chemo is being used to reduce the size of the tumor first, a scan will be taken to see if there are changes.
  • Do not be surprised or depressed if the initial chemotherapy does not work. Treatment is a combination of art and science. There is no way to predict how any particular treatment will affect any particular person. Several chemotherapies may be used in combination. If one combination doesn't appear to be effective, the combination may be changed.

Learn When To Call Your Doctor 

For instance, call if the following occur. The symptoms may not signify anything important, but let your doctor decide when a symptom is harmless, or whether something should be done right away.

  • Symptoms which indicate there may be an infection. Symptoms of infection include a temperature of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills or sweating, a general sense that you feel poorly, a new cough, burning sensation when urinating, change in bowel habits and an ulcer on the skin.
  • Swelling in the arm or leg that becomes warm, red, and painful. Swelling may be a sign of a blood clot inside a blood vessel that can travel to your heart and then your lungs.
  • Dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, pale skin or a feeling of being cold. These symptoms could indicate anemia (a condition in which the blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin or total volume).  

Stay Hydrated

Chemotherapy is toxic. The chemical poisons are flushed out through your kidneys and bladder. If you do not drink enough liquids, your kidneys and bladder will be exposed to higher concentrations of toxic chemicals. This is the reason people are given beverages to drink during treatment and told to keep fluid intake high.

Check your drinking water to be sure it is safe for people who are prone to getting infections. (See: Drinking Water Safety.)

Do What You Can To Avoid Getting An Infection

While undergoing cancer therapy, your immune system is lower than normal, which means that you are more prone to getting infections and that you have less resistance with which to fight an infection. Infections slow recovery. If your immune system is low (say, from chemotherapy) infections can pose a major risk to your health

Simple steps help avoid unnecessary infection. For example:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and warm water. 
  • Keep your hands away from your face. 
  • Use caution when buying, storing and cooking foods.
  • Check the local water supply to be sure it is safe for people with a lowered immune system. If it isn't, filter the water, boil it or drink bottled water. (And don't brush your teeth with it either.)

For additional tips, see: How To Avoid Infection

Avoid Getting Pregnant

 It is not advisable to become pregnant during chemotherapy. If you do become pregnant, let your doctor know right away. 

Talk with your doctor about how long to wait after the end of treatment before it is okay to become pregnant.

Try to Keep A Healthy Weight

More than half of women with breast cancer who undergo chemotherapy experience weight gain. This should be avoided because weight gain during therapy can diminish quality of life and may increase the risk of cancer recurrence. 

  • If nausea and vomiting make it difficult to eat or to maintain weight, click here. 
  •  While you may think only about weight loss during chemotherapy, it is not uncommon for people who undergo chemotherapy to experience weight gain. This should be avoided because weight gain during therapy can diminish quality of life and may increase the risk of cancer recurrence.  
  • Do not attempt weight loss during treatment. Wait until the post treatment recovery phase.
  • A combination of psychological support, nutritional counseling and exercise help to maintain or lose weight. 

SIDE EFFECTS TO CONSIDER  (and how to cope with them)

There may be no side effects to start, but they may appear as treatment continues. There is likely to be some degree of fatigue, pain or other unpleasant side effects. Side effects are a price for regaining health or at least minimizing the effects of cancer. Most people would say the price is small compared to the potential reward.

There may be no side effects to start, but they may accumulate. Some side effects may linger after treatment ends.

Nausea and Vomiting:

  • Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting and dry heaves – sometimes even before a chemotherapy session.
  • There are steps to take both before and after chemotherapy to help reduce the possibility of nausea or vomiting, or the severity. For instance, relax before a session. Afterward, eat small, easy to digest, meals of foods that are easy on the stomach.
  • If you find you get queasy after treatment, it may because you have food in your stomach.
    • Try fasting for several hours before and after each treatment. 
    • If nausea continues, let your oncologist know. He or she can prescribe anti-nausea medication.
  • Ask your doctor about medications to control nausea or vomiting. 
  • Keep track of your symptoms to help a discussion with your doctor or other health care provider. We have a symptoms diary you can use to keep track. When you are ready to see a doctor, you can change your diary into an easy to read graph.

Fatigue

Fatigue is common during chemotherapy for breast cancer. The main reason for fatigue is that your body is building tissues to repair the damage done by treatment.  The process demands energy. Fatigue may also be related to other aspects of the disease or the stress of having cancer. Fatigue can be particularly difficult because it is the side effect that most often interferes with daily life. Fatigue can be due to a number of causes.There are several techniques that can help such as:

  • Get plenty of sleep at night. 
  • Stay active during the day. 
  • Take a nap if needed. 
  • Plan your schedule around when you feel energized. 
  • For other ideas, see Fatigue

Pain

  • Pain does not have to be part of a health condition. If you have pain, speak with your doctor about alternatives for getting rid of it, or at least decreasing how much it hurts. If your doctor’s remedies don't work, seek out a doctor who specializes in treating pain.
  • You can receive what is known as Palliative care at the same time as you work to cure your condition,
  • For information about pain and dealing with it, click here.

 Early Menopause

  • Chemotherapy may cause early menopause. Symptoms of early menopause vary from woman to woman.
  • Common symptoms to watch for include hot flashes, a dry vagina, dry skin and mood swings.

Which Side Effects Appear Depend On The Particular Chemotherapy

There are different side effects which accompany different chemotherapies. Each side effect can either be eliminated or at least reduced in severity. To learn about the possible side effects for each drug used during treatment for lung cancer, visit the following websites:  

 Side Effects To Report

  • Report all unexpected side effects or side effects which are more severe than expected to your doctor. Side effects can be minimized, and in some cases, eliminated entirely.
  • Ask your doctor what side effects to report and when to make a report. For instance, should you only call during office hours, or 24 hours a day?
  • Keep track of side effects so that you can report to your doctor accurately when you see each other. Also keep track of questions to ask. Survivorship A to Z provides a Symptoms Chart to help you keep track of symptoms. We also provide a prioritizer which lets you keep track of your questions, and then lets you prioritize them with a push of a button before you see a doctor.
  • Keep your primary doctor informed about your treatment and side effects. While it may be the last thing you want to hear, other things may be happening in your body at the same time that wouldn't be noticed by your cancer doctor.

Additional Tips For Living With Chemotherapy

If your chemotherapy will be given in a doctor's office or other facility, it may make it easier for you if you take a family member or friend to the first treatment. After that, It may be easier if you go to treatments alone. Going alone makes going for treatment more like going to a standard doctor's appointment. You will likely find other women going through the same treatment with whom to have an informal support group.

Taking the following steps will help you feel in control. They also help maximize your body's ability to get through treatment.

Do what you can to:

  • Eat nutritiously  
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Only drink safe water
  • Exercise (yes, even during treatment - though you may have to take it easier.)
  • Practice good mouth care. 
    • If your dentist advised additional precautions to take during treatment, take them. For instance, your dentist may recommend a fluoride mouth rinse or a fluoride gel in addition to daily brushing.
    • An infection in your mouth can lower your body's ability to fight your health condition. Keep your mouth clean. Brush at least twice a day. Floss at least once a day. (If you haven't had one lately, schedule a dental check up). 
    • Check your mouth every day. Call your dentist immediately if you notice any changes or problems. Any of the following symptoms may indicate an infection:
      • Bleeding or a sticky, white film in your mouth 
      • Lumps 
      • Soreness 
      • Swelling 
      • Ulcerations
  • Minimize alcohol consumption. For example, men should limit drinking to two drinks a day. Women are limited to one drink a day. Ceck with your doctor to find out if there is a negative interaction between alcohol and your treatment or any drugs you are taking.
  • Minimize stress
  • Get appropriate rest  and sleep
  • Don’t keep emotions that surface to yourself.
  • If you smoke consider stopping. 
    • Smoking may interfere with the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Cancer patients who smoke have a lower survival rate than nonsmokers. By quitting, you can improve the body’s response to treatments, lessen complications and side effects, decrease the risk of recurrence and enhance survival.
    • Quitting during treatment may be very uncomfortable. It may include a variety of symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety and irritability. On the other hand, it may help keep your mind off of the treatment.

Some cancer doctors recommend doing the following while chemotherapy is being administered to act as an anesthetic and to also provide hydration:

  • Suck on a sugar-free popsicle 
  • Eat ice cubes or ice chips. 

Do not take herbs, vitamins or nutritional supplements or use recreational drugs during treatment unless you get your doctor's consent.

Additional tips for living with chemotherapy are described in the document in "To Learn More." For instance, spread the word among your friends that cooking may be difficult for you. Cooking may be particularly difficult for you if you are cooking for your entire household and not just for yourself. Home cooked meals provided by friends are said to have the taste of love in them.

For more information, see:

For information about medical care after treatment, see: Breast Cancer:  Post Treatment 0 - 6 Months: Medical Care

Practical Tips While Undergoing Radiation

This discussion about radiation is divided into: side effects and what to do about them and general tips.

SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

There is likely to be some degree of fatigue, pain or other unpleasant side effects. Side effects are a price for regaining health or at least minimizing the effects of cancer. Most people would say the price is small compared to the potential reward.

There may be no side effects to start, but they may accumulate. Some side effects may linger after treatment ends.

Nausea and Vomiting:

  • Radiation can cause nausea, vomiting and dry heaves – sometimes even before a radiation session.
  • There are steps to take both before and after radiation to help reduce the possibility of nausea or vomiting, or the severity. For instance, relax before radiation. Afterward, eat small, easy to digest, meals of foods that are easy on the stomach.
  • If you find you get queasy after treatment, it may because you have food in your stomach.
    • Try fasting for several hours before and after each treatment. 
    • If nausea continues, let your radiation oncologist know. He or she can prescribe anti-nausea medication.
  • Ask your doctor about medications to control nausea or vomiting. 
  • Keep track of your symptoms to help a discussion with your doctor or other health care provider. We have a symptoms diary you can use to keep track. When you are ready to see a doctor, you can change your diary into an easy to read graph.
  • For more information, and to get to the symptoms chart, see “To Learn More.”

Fatigue

Fatigue is common during radiation for breast cancer. The main reason for fatigue is that your body is building tissues to repair the damage done by treatment.  The process demands energy. Fatigue may also be related to other aspects of the disease or the stress of having cancer. Fatigue can be particularly difficult because it is the side effect that most often interferes with daily life. Fatigue can be due to a number of causes.There are several techniques that can help such as:

  • Get plenty of sleep at night. 
  • Stay active during the day. 
  • Take a nap if needed. 
  • Plan your schedule around when you feel energized. 
  • For other ideas, see the document in “To Learn More.”

Pain

  • Pain does not have to be part of a health condition. If you have pain, speak with your doctor about alternatives for getting rid of it, or at least decreasing how much it hurts. If your doctor’s remedies don't work, seek out a doctor who specializes in treating pain.
  • You can receive what is known as Palliative care at the same time as you work to cure your condition.

Skin Changes

  • Radiation therapy is likely to cause skin changes. Many of the changes are only temporary. 
  • Take extra care of your skin during radiation therapy. Be gentle. Do not rub, scrub, or scratch.
  • Be careful not to wash off the marks you need for radiation therapy.  (For more information, see the document in “To Learn More.”)

Watch For Other Side Effects And Learn When To Report Them

  • There may be no side effects to start, but they may accumulate.
  • Ask your doctor what side effects to report and when to make a report. For instance, should you only call during office hours, or 24 hours a day?
  • Keep track of side effects so that you can report to your doctor accurately when you see each other. Also keep track of questions to ask. Survivorship A to Z provides a Symptoms Chart to help you keep track of symptoms. We also provide a prioritizer which lets you keep track of your questions, and then lets you prioritize them with a push of a button before you see a doctor.

AVOID PREGNANCY

Radiation can be harmful to a fetus. Women of childbearing age are advised to avoid conceiving while treatment is under way.

ADDITIONAL TIPS WHILE UNDERGOING RADIATION TREATMENT

Taking the following steps will help you feel in control. They also help maximize your body's ability to get through treatment.

Do what you can to:

  • Eat nutritiously  
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Only drink safe water
  • Reduce risk of infection in all aspects of your daily life. Infections slow recovery.
  • Exercise (yes, even during treatment - though you may have to take it easier.)
  • Practice good mouth care. 
    • If your dentist advised additional precautions to take during treatment, take them. For instance, your dentist may recommend a fluoride mouth rinse or a fluoride gel in addition to daily brushing.
    • An infection in your mouth can lower your body's ability to fight your health condition. Keep your mouth clean. Brush at least twice a day. Floss at least once a day. (If you haven't had one lately, schedule a dental check up). 
    • Check your mouth every day. Call your dentist immediately if you notice any changes or problems. Any of the following symptoms may indicate an infection.
      • Bleeding or a sticky, white film in your mouth 
      • Lumps 
      • Soreness 
      • Swelling 
      • Ulcerations.
  • Minimize alcohol consumption. For example, men should limit drinking to two drinks a day. Women are limited to one drink a day. 
  • Minimize stress
  • Get appropriate rest and sleep.
  • Deal with emotions that surface. 
  • If you smoke consider stopping. 
    • Smoking may interfere with the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Cancer patients who smoke have a lower survival rate than nonsmokers. By quitting, you can improve the body’s response to treatments, lessen complications and side effects, decrease the risk of recurrence and enhance survival.
    • Quitting during treatment may be very uncomfortable. It may include a variety of symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety and irritability. On the other hand, it may help keep your mind off of the treatment.
  • Hospital gowns: If you are uncomfortable in the hospital gown used in the radiation facility, consider making your own or buying one of your own.

Do not:

  • Attempt weight loss during treatment. Wait until the post treatment recovery phase.
  • Take herbs, vitamins or nutritional supplements or use recreational drugs during treatment unless you get your doctor's consent.
  • Be surprised if the treatment plan changes as the treatment goes along. It does not mean that the disease is getting worse or that the disease has progressed.

Additional information

Medical Appointments

Do not miss or be late for a medical appointment.

When the doctor gives you new information, repeat back your understanding of the information to be sure you understand the important points. If the doctor does not have time to answer questions, ask when you can call or see the doctor again to get your questions answered.

Always take a recording device to record your conversation with the doctor so you can review it later. Contact the doctor or his or her staff if you have follow-up questions.

If you have difficulty getting to and from appointments, help is available. Call the American Cancer Society at 800.ACS.2345. The more notice you give the Society, the more likely they will be able to find you free transportation.

To learn more, see:

Home Care

If you need home care during treatment, it is available.

You can either hire an agency, or hire helpers on your own. There are pros and cons to each method which are discussed in Home Care.

Home care may be covered by your health insurance.

NOTE: Take precautions before even the best recommended person comes into your home when you're not feeling well. For example, put away your jewelry, valuables, credit cards, blank checks, and any documents with your Social Security and/or bank account numbers.




If Treatment Is Not Working

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EACH OF THESE SUBJECTS, SEE THE DOCUMENTS IN “TO LEARN MORE”

There are likely other treatments to consider. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.

If your situation is unusual, consider researching other treatments yourself or ask a family member or friend to do it for you or hire a medical research service.  

Watch for quack treatments.

  • Discuss what you find with your doctor. 
  • If you feel as if you need one, get a second opinion from a qualified, experienced specialist who is not connected with your doctor. A second and even a third opinion will likely be covered by your health insurance. If you do not have insurance, second opinions do not have to be expensive.

A consultation with a doctor who specializes in treating pain (a palliative-care specialist) can help. Such professionals are trained to consider the patient’s entire medical and personal situation and to focus on symptom management and pain relief along with curative treatments.

If the prognosis is particularly worrisome or the cancer does not respond to aggressive measures, consider modifying treatment to preserve your quality of life.

If it looks as if you have a shortened life expectancy of six months or less, consider hospice care. Hospice care can be given at home – and can be free if necessary.

How To Consider "Complementary" or "Alternative" Treatments

So called "alternative" or "complimentary" treatments such as massage or bio-feedback can make you feel better and help cope with treatment. Together with traditional medicine, they may also work on your cancer.

These treatments should only be considered in addition to medical treatment - not as a replacement or "alternative."  There is no scientific proof that any alternative treatment works against breast cancer.

For information about each complementary therapy and what medical evidence indicates it does or does not do with respect to cancer, see American Cancer Society Complete Guide To Complementary & Alternative Cancer Therapies $24.95 including shipping. The book can be ordered at: www.cancer.org offsite link.

To learn whether to use a particular complementary treatment, and, if so, how to choose the best practitioner, see Complementary Treatments

NOTE: Be sure to discuss any complementary treatments you are considering with your doctor - preferably before starting.

How To Prepare In Case Of An Emergency Or Natural Disaster

While emergencies can happen to anyone, you may be more vulnerable to emergencies because of your treatment.

Consider the following:

  • The types of emergency care available to you and when and where to go.. This includes deciding which emergency room to go to if needed. This exercise should be considered for your home, where you work, and any other place in which you spend substantial amounts of time. (We include information about how to maximize your time in an Emergency Room)  
  • Think about what to communicate to emergency first responders. For instance, be ready to tell responders your disease, current treatment, recent treatments and  current medications you are taking including over the counter medications and dietary supplements. (Carrying a List of Medications helps).
  • In case you become unable to communicate, wear a medical alert, carry a computer flash drive or a card with a summary describing your condition and treatment(s) to let emergency first responders know about your medical condition, treatment and/or medications. 
  • How to continue treatment if a disaster occurs. Speak with the doctor overseeing the treatment or his/her staff.
  • For additional information about disaster planning, click here and about medical emergencies, click here.

 “Just in case:”

  • Keep an emergency bag packed. 
  • Think about the following subjects:
    • The financial and legal steps to take now so you are prepared in the event of a medical emergency. The documents to complete are known as "Advance Directives" or "Advance Healthcare Directives." To learn about them, click here.
    • If you travel, how to prepare for medical emergencies that may come up during travel. For information about travel, from preparation through return, click here.
    • What to do if you have underage children and cannot care for them because of a medical emergency. For information, click here.

If it would be helpful, use our prioritizer to list the steps you want to take. You can then number them in order of priority. A push of a button will change the order of the list to your priority. 

For more information, see: Medical Emergency: How To Be Prepared

NOTE: While speaking about emergencies, be sure to protect your property and pocketbook in the event of a loss with Homeowners (Renters) Insurance and Automobile Insurance. Information about what to look for, how to minimize cost, and how to file claims, as a person with a serious health condition is contained in the linked articles. 

Toward The End Of Treatment: Steps To Take

Make your first follow-up appointment as early as your doctor recommends. Let your doctor or the doctor's staff know that you would like to get a breast cancer follow-up plan at that meeting - or to at least discuss the subject.

Consider thanking the professionals who helped you through treatment.

You are likely to experience depression from the withdrawal of the treatment family. Learn about the symptoms to look for, and what to do if they appear. Seeing your doctor again can help provide reassurance.

Plan a treat for yourself when treatment is over. It doesn't have to be expensive. A treat will help deal with the disruption treatment causes in your routine and with side effects. (This subject is covered in more detail in Day To Day Living).

For more information, see: