Treatment Side Effects – Page 4 – ChemoPrescribe LLC.

Flu Symptoms Caused by Cancer Treatments

Cancer patient using a thermometer to check his temperature. — Learn about flu-like symptoms you may have during treatment for cancer. Know when to call your doctor or seek urgent medical care.

Credit: iStock

Flu-like symptoms (also called flu-like syndrome) are a group of related side effects that may be caused by cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. If flu-like symptoms are severe, you may be advised to seek immediate medical attention. Some people who receive higher doses of treatment, or more than one treatment at a time, may have more severe flu-like symptoms.

Talk with your doctor so you know what flu-like symptoms to expect, based on your cancer treatment.

Some types of chemotherapy can cause flu-like symptoms within a few hours after treatment. These symptoms generally last for 2 to 3 days.
Some types of immunotherapy increase your body’s natural immune response, which can cause mild to severe flu-like symptoms. These symptoms often peak shortly after treatment and become less severe over time. Immunotherapy treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy and some monoclonal antibodies may cause cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a condition that can lead to severe flu-like symptoms as well as a rash, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and trouble breathing. Doctors may refer to severe cases of CRS as a cytokine storm.

Ask Your Health Care Team about Flu-Like Symptoms

What signs and symptoms might I have, based on the type of cancer treatment I am receiving?
Which flu-like symptoms should I call you about? Which can be managed at home?

Make note of flu-like symptoms you should call your health care team about:

appetite loss
body aches (muscle or joint aches)
chills
diarrhea
fatigue (lack of energy)
fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher
headache
nausea and/or vomiting

Ways to manage flu-like symptoms during cancer treatment

Keep in mind that when these symptoms occur in people receiving immunotherapy they may be diagnosed, managed, and treated differently than when they are caused by other cancer treatments.

When your doctor recommends self care, here are steps you can take to feel better:

Appetite loss: Drink water and other fluids advised by your health care team to stay hydrated. Drinking fluids is especially important if you are not eating much. It may be easier to eat small meals, and to eat more often. Choose foods that are high in calories and protein to give your body strength. Learn more about how to manage appetite loss.
Chills: Chills are your body’s way of increasing your temperature. Ask your health care team what steps you should take if you have chills. Your health care team may advise you not to pile on blankets, since this can cause your temperature to rise even higher. When chills are severe, doctors may prescribe medicine.
Diarrhea: Drink plenty of water to replace fluids you lose when you have diarrhea. Water and other fluids will help prevent dehydration, which may cause you to feel weak, dizzy, and disoriented. Your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter diarrhea medicine. If you are receiving immunotherapy, diagnostic tests may be advised to rule out gastritis, a more serious medical condition. Learn more about how to manage diarrhea.
Fatigue: Balance periods of rest with periods of activity. Choose the time of the day when you have the most energy to do an activity or to exercise. Regular exercise can help you to keep up your strength and stamina during treatment. Learn more about how to manage fatigue.
Fever: Your body loses fluids when you have a fever, so it’s important to drink water to prevent dehydration. You may want to rest and put an ice pack on your forehead. Sometimes taking medicine to lower a fever can mask a more serious problem. For this reason, you may be advised to call your doctor before taking medicine to lower a fever.
Headache and/or body aches: Use ice packs or place a cold washcloth on your forehead to get relief. If advised by your doctor, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
Nausea and vomiting: Try to take small sips of water, fruit juices, ginger ale, tea, and/or sports drinks, if recommended, throughout the day. Learn more about how to manage nausea and vomiting.

If these symptoms last or become severe, your doctor may advise diagnostic tests to identify what is causing these problems and determine how best to treat them.

Talking with your health care team about flu-like symptoms

Prepare for your visit by making a list of questions to ask. Consider adding these questions to your list:

What flu-like symptoms are common for the type of treatment I’m receiving?
What problems should I call you about? Are there any symptoms that need urgent medical care?
When might these symptoms start? How long might they last?
Should I keep track of any symptoms?
How much fluid should I drink every day? What types of fluids are best for me to drink?
Are there medicines I should take to feel better? Are there medicines I should avoid or call you before taking?
How often should I check my temperature?

Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment

Woman with hair loss wearing a fashionable scarf to cover her head. — If treatment will cause hair loss, try wearing fun scarves and earrings—or a cap, from time to time.

Credit: National Cancer Institute

Some types of chemotherapy cause the hair on your head and other parts of your body to fall out. Radiation therapy can also cause hair loss on the part of the body that is being treated. Hair loss is called alopecia. Talk with your health care team to learn if the cancer treatment you will be receiving causes hair loss. Your doctor or nurse will share strategies that have helped others, including those listed below.

Ways to manage hair loss

Talk with your health care team about ways to manage before and after hair loss:

Treat your hair gently. You may want to use a hairbrush with soft bristles or a wide-tooth comb. Do not use hair dryers, irons, or products such as gels or clips that may hurt your scalp. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Wash it less often and be very gentle. Pat it dry with a soft towel.
You have choices. Some people choose to cut their hair short to make it easier to deal with when it starts to fall out. Others choose to shave their head. If you choose to shave your head, use an electric shaver so you won’t cut yourself. If you plan to buy a wig, get one while you still have hair so you can match it to the color of your hair. If you find wigs to be itchy and hot, try wearing a comfortable scarf or turban.
Protect and care for your scalp. Use sunscreen or wear a hat when you are outside. Choose a comfortable scarf or hat that you enjoy and that keeps your head warm. If your scalp itches or feels tender, using lotions and conditioners can help it feel better.
Talk about your feelings. Many people feel angry, depressed, or embarrassed about hair loss. It can help to share these feelings with someone who understands. Some people find it helpful to talk with other people who have lost their hair during cancer treatment. Talking openly and honestly with your children and close family members can also help you all. Tell them that you expect to lose your hair during treatment.

Ways to care for your hair when it grows back

Be gentle. When your hair starts to grow back, you will want to be gentle with it. Avoid too much brushing, curling, and blow-drying. You may not want to wash your hair as frequently.
After chemotherapy. Hair often grows back in 2 to 3 months after treatment has ended. Your hair will be very fine when it starts to grow back. Sometimes your new hair can be curlier or straighter—or even a different color. In time, it may go back to how it was before treatment.
After radiation therapy. Hair often grows back in 3 to 6 months after treatment has ended. If you received a very high dose of radiation your hair may grow back thinner or not at all on the part of your body that received radiation.

Talking with your health care team about hair loss

Prepare for your visit by making a list of questions to ask. Consider adding these questions to your list:

Is treatment likely to cause my hair to fall out?
How should I protect and care for my head? Are there products that you recommend? Ones I should avoid?
Where can I get a wig or hairpiece?
What support groups could I meet with that might help?
When will my hair grow back?

Listen to tips on how to manage hair loss caused by cancer treatments such as radiation therapy.
(Type: MP3 | Time: 3:39 | Size: 3.4MB)

Radiation Therapy Audio Transcript

What To Do About Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Narrator:
What to do about hair loss during radiation therapy.

Let’s listen in on a support group as the group’s leader, Janet, opens the discussion by talking with members about coping with hair loss, also called alopecia.

Janet:
Okay—let’s get started.

First, I want to make sure you all know that people tend to lose hair only in the area where they get radiation therapy. Tonight, we’re going to talk about different ways to prepare for hair loss and what can make this a little easier. Who would like to start?

Kim:
I will. [sigh] I hate that my hair is already thinning. I’m getting radiation therapy to my head, and I wake up to a new handful of hair on my pillow each morning. I’m not a vain person, but I love my hair.

Janet:
Kim, hair loss can be very hard. I’m so sorry. Most people find that their hair starts to fall out in the area where they are getting radiation therapy, about 2 to 3 weeks after their first radiation therapy session.

Kim:
That makes sense—I started my first treatment 3 weeks ago.

Rodney:
It helped me that I started out half bald to begin with. But I know what you are saying, Kim. I would wake up to hair on my pillow each morning. I decided to shave my hair off before it fell out on its own from treatment. I used a good electric razor—learned the hard way when the plastic one cut my scalp.

Kim:
Rodney—the bald look is great for you. I’m just not ready to shave it all off right now.

Janet:
Rodney, thanks for letting us know what worked well for you. Who else would like to share?

Cara:
Well—first I cut my hair short so the shock factor was less. And I got a wig before all my hair fell out. The first one I got matched my natural hair color. That one was free. Then I thought, hey, I’ve always wanted to be a redhead—so I bought a red wig.

Kim:
The first one was free?

Cara:
Yes. The nurse gave me the number of a place that supplies wigs at no charge. But wigs can be hot, especially in the summer. That’s why you see me in this colorful scarf wrapped around my head like a turban. Personally, I think a turban is the way to go!

Miguel:
I see a lot of women at the hospital wearing bandannas. Some men too.

Cara:
I’ve seen lots of people at the clinic in baseball caps!

Kim:
These are great suggestions. Thanks, guys. But I still need to know one thing—Janet, will my hair grow back?

Janet:
Your hair may grow back in 3 to 6 months after your treatment is over. It really depends on the amount of radiation you get. People who get very high doses may not see their hair return. In the meantime, wash your hair gently with a mild shampoo and pat it dry. I’d also avoid using a hair dryer.

Kim:
Okay, Janet, thanks. And thanks, everyone, for sharing your ideas. Looks like I’m going scarf shopping!

Cara:
Want some company?

Kim:
Sure, that would be great. Do you think we could go tomorrow afternoon?

Narrator Summary:
Hair loss can be difficult for both men and women. It’s important to remember that people tend to lose their hair only in the area where they get radiation. Most often, hair grows back 3 to 6 months after you complete treatment.

If you’d like to wear a wig, talk with a nurse or a social worker where you receive treatment. In some cases, your wig may be free or covered by your health insurance.

And as some group members shared, you can always wear a scarf, bandanna, cap, or nothing at all on your head. Choose whatever works and feels best for you.

//
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Edema (Swelling) and Cancer Treatment

A doctor explaining how to prevent edema to an older woman and her husband. — Certain exercises and diet changes can help, if edema is the cause of swelling. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine called a diuretic.

Credit: iStock

What is edema?

Edema, a condition in which fluid builds up in your body’s tissues, may be caused by some types of chemotherapy, certain cancers, and conditions not related to cancer.

What are signs of edema?

Signs of edema may include:

swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs
swelling in your hands and arms
swelling in your face or abdomen
skin that is puffy, shiny, or looks slightly dented after being pressed
shortness of breath, a cough, or irregular heartbeat

Tell your health care team if you notice swelling. Your doctor or nurse will determine what is causing your symptoms, advise you on steps to take, and may prescribe medicine.

Some problems related to edema are serious. Call your doctor or nurse if you feel short of breath, have a heartbeat that seems different or is not regular, have sudden swelling or swelling that is getting worse or is moving up your arms or legs, you gain weight quickly, or you don’t urinate at all or urinate only a little.

Ways to prevent or lessen edema

Steps you can take to prevent or lessen edema-related swelling include:

Get comfortable. Wear loose clothing and shoes that are not too tight. When you sit or lie down, raise your feet with a stool or pillows. Avoid crossing your legs when you sit. Talk with your health care team about wearing special stockings, sleeves, or gloves that help with circulation if your swelling is severe.
Exercise. Moving the part of your body with edema can help. Your doctor may give you specific exercises, including walking, to improve circulation. However, you may be advised not to stand or walk too much at one time.
Limit salt (sodium) in your diet. Avoid foods such as chips, bacon, ham, and canned soup. Check food labels for the sodium content. Don’t add salt or soy sauce to your food.
Take your medicine. If your doctor prescribes a medicine called a diuretic, take it exactly as instructed. The medicine will help move the extra fluid and salt out of your body.

Talking with your health care team about edema

Prepare for your visit by making a list of questions to ask. Consider adding these questions to your list:

Are my medications or treatment likely to increase my risk of developing edema?
Are there steps I can take to prevent edema?
What symptoms or problems should I call you about?
What steps can I take to feel better if I notice swelling?
Are there foods, drinks, or activities I should avoid?

Diarrhea: Cancer Treatment Side Effect

A woman is drinking a full bottle full of water to stay hydrated — Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. It may also help to avoid certain foods, such as dairy products. Talk with your doctor to learn what medicine to take.

Credit: iStock

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea means having bowel movements that are soft, loose, or watery more often than normal. If diarrhea is severe or lasts a long time, the body does not absorb enough water and nutrients. This can cause you to become dehydrated or malnourished.

Radiation Therapy Audio Transcript

What To Do About Diarrhea

Narrator:
What to do when you have diarrhea from radiation therapy.

Let’s listen in as support group members and the group’s leader, Janet, talk about coping with diarrhea.

Miguel:
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m beginning to feel like I live in the bathroom. Some days diarrhea keeps me close to home when I’d rather be out.

Janet:
I’m glad you brought this topic up, Miguel. Many people getting radiation therapy to the pelvis, stomach, or abdomen have diarrhea. The good news is that there are things you can do to manage it. Let’s go over 3 steps that can help.

Miguel:
Thanks. That would be great.

Janet:
First, drink lots of clear liquids like water, ginger ale and clear broth. Most people need to drink more liquids when they have diarrhea – 8 to 12 glasses a day. Check with your doctor to see how much liquid you should drink. Keep in mind that this won’t stop the diarrhea, but it will help replace the fluids you are losing.

Second, eat small meals every 2 or 3 hours that are easy on the stomach. Anyone ever heard of the BRAT diet?

Gina:
Yeah. Let’s see… “B” is for bananas, then there’s “R” for rice, “A” for applesauce, and… oh, then there’s “T” for toast.

Janet:
That’s it – bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

OK, on to the third step – avoid things that can make your diarrhea worse, like milk, alcohol, and drinks with caffeine in them. Stay away from raw fruits and vegetables that have a lot of fiber in them and stay away from fried or greasy foods. Ask your doctor about other foods you may need to avoid.

Gina:
Is there medicine that can help?

Janet:
Yes, medicine can help some people. Ask your doctor or nurse about medicine that would be best for you.

Folks, one last thing – be sure to call your doctor or nurse right away if you’re dizzy or have diarrhea or stomach pain for more than a day. Okay?

Gina:
Okay. Thanks for the information, Janet – I think I can do those things you mentioned.

Narrator Summary:
Drink lots of clear liquids each day. Most people need to drink 8 to 12 glasses. Check with your doctor to see how much liquid you should drink each day.

It may also help to follow the BRAT diet. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are easy on the stomach.

Avoid greasy or spicy foods. They can make your diarrhea worse, so can milk, alcohol, and drinks with caffeine in them.

Ask about medicine that can help, and be sure to let your doctor or nurse know if you’re dizzy or have diarrhea or stomach pain for more than a day.

Talk with your nurse to learn more about how to manage diarrhea during radiation therapy.

What causes diarrhea?

Cancer treatments, or the cancer itself, may cause diarrhea or make it worse. Some medicines, infections, and stress can also cause diarrhea. Tell your health care team if you have diarrhea.

What are the dangers of diarrhea?

Diarrhea that leads to dehydration (the loss of too much fluid from the body) and low levels of salt and potassium (important minerals needed by the body) can be life threatening. Call your health care team if you feel dizzy or lightheaded, have dark yellow urine or are not urinating, or have a fever of 100.5 °F (38 °C) or higher.

Ways to manage diarrhea

You may be advised to take steps to prevent complications from diarrhea:

Cover of the booklet, Eating Hints, shows a big pot of vegetable stew with sweet potatoes.

Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment

Learn about treatment side effects that may affect eating and what to do about them.

Drink plenty of fluid each day. Most people need to drink 8 to 12 cups of fluid each day. Ask your doctor or nurse how much fluid you should drink each day. For severe diarrhea, only clear liquids or IV (intravenous) fluids may be advised for a short period.
Eat small meals that are easy on your stomach. Eat six to eight small meals throughout the day, instead of three large meals. Foods high in potassium and sodium (minerals you lose when you have diarrhea) are good food choices, for most people. Limit or avoid foods and drinks that can make your diarrhea worse.
Check before taking medicine. Check with your doctor or nurse before taking medicine for diarrhea. Your doctor will prescribe the correct medicine for you.
Keep your anal area clean and dry. Try using warm water and wipes to stay clean. It may help to take warm, shallow baths. These are called sitz baths.

Questions to ask your health care team about diarrhea

Prepare for your visit by making a list of questions to ask. Consider adding these questions to your list:

What is causing the diarrhea?
What symptoms should I call you about?
How much liquid should I drink each day?
Can I speak to a registered dietitian to learn more about foods and drinks that are best for me?
What medicine or other steps can I take to prevent diarrhea and to decrease rectal pain?

NCI’s Gastrointestinal Complications PDQ® summary discusses GI problems common in cancer patients. For more information, see the section on diarrhea in the patient or health professional version.

Listen to tips on how to manage diarrhea caused by your cancer treatments such as radiation therapy.
(Type: MP3 | Time: 2:55 | Size: 2.7MB)