Your road to recovery from ovarian cancer won’t be easy, but you have the strength and resilience inside you to overcome any hurdle. That includes the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Here are some practical tips for managing what comes your way.
Pain: Navigating the Path to Healing
After ovarian cancer surgery, it’s natural to experience short-term pain and tenderness. Let your doctor know if pain disrupts your sleep or affects your appetite, hindering healing. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy pain in hands and feet is another challenge.
What you can do: Opt for loose, comfortable clothing and footwear, and communicate openly with your doctor about pain management. From short-term steroids to alternative therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy, a range of options exists to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Fatigue: Finding Rest in the Midst of Struggle
Cancer treatments, surgery, and pain can lead to overwhelming fatigue. Plan moments of rest in your day and prioritize a balanced, protein-rich diet. A balanced diet may vary from patient to patient depending upon the individual treatment and survivorship. Discuss with your care team to establish a balanced dietary pattern. Napping is okay, but be mindful not to disrupt nighttime sleep.
What you can do: Stay hydrated with fluids, excluding caffeine and alcohol. Embrace a self-care routine that benefits both your body and spirit. Discuss with your care team the possibility of light exercise such as walking or gentle yoga.
Nausea and Appetite Changes: Nurturing Your Body
Chemotherapy may bring about nausea, vomiting, or appetite loss. You’ll want to get this under control soon to prevent malnutrition and dehydration.
What you can do: Sip on soothing fluids, avoid strong-smelling foods, eat and drink slowly, and consider acupuncture for nausea control. Consult your doctor for anti-nausea medications tailored to your needs. Supplement the anti nausea medicine with ginger.
GI Issues: Balancing Digestive Wellness
Constipation and diarrhea are common during ovarian cancer treatment.
What you can do: Maintaining a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in daily light exercise such as walking or yoga can promote digestive regularity. If you’re feeling sore around your bottom from going to the bathroom too much, try soaking in warm water and talking with your doctor before using over-the-counter remedies.
Anemia: Replenishing Vitality
A drop in red blood cells may lead to anemia, causing fatigue, lightheadedness, and headaches.
What you can do: Prioritize iron and protein-rich foods, balance activities with ample rest, and explore supplements or transfusions if necessary.
Chemo Brain: Navigating Mental Fog
Chemo-induced mental fog can impact concentration and memory.
What you can do: Use tools like notebooks or smartphone apps to organize information, engage in light exercise, and consult your doctor if needed.
Hair Loss: Embracing Change with Grace
Hair loss, a common chemo side effect, can be emotionally challenging.
What you can do: Consider cutting your hair before treatment, using mild shampoos, and exploring head coverings like wigs or hats with sunscreen protection for exposed scalps.
Early Menopause: Managing the Transition
Ovary removal or chemotherapy may induce early menopause with symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
What you can do: Explore hormone replacement therapy (HRT), vaginal estrogen creams, and antidepressants for symptom relief. Talk to your care team about complementary therapies such as meditation, and music therapy.
Infections: Guarding Your Health
Chemotherapy weakens infection-fighting white blood cells, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
What you can do: Practice good hygiene, avoid crowded places, and prioritize rest and hydration. Use moisturizer to soften dry and potentially cracked skin, which can be a source of entry for infectious or toxic agents.
Sexual Side Effects: Nurturing Intimacy
Cancer treatments may impact libido, causing vaginal dryness or fatigue.
What you can do: Communicate openly with your partner, explore water-soluble lubes or vaginal creams, and discuss pelvic floor exercises with your healthcare team. Plan for rest before and after sexual activity to manage energy.
