While cancer treatment offers hope after diagnosis, it can lead to a new set of challenges, including uncomfortable side effects and negative emotions. You may be overwhelmed with worries and have questions, such as:
“How will I feel during cancer treatment?”
“How will I manage any pain?”
“Will I lose my hair?”
“How do I stay mentally strong during this process?”
All these worries and feelings are normal. By learning new coping strategies, making lifestyle adjustments and getting support from your care team, you can maintain a good quality of life—one that brings calm and stability—during cancer treatment.
Managing the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, can cause fatigue, digestive issues and other side effects. Helping you reduce and manage these complications is one of your care team’s priorities.
Side effects of cancer treatment vary, depending on the cancer and the type of treatment.
Common side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Temporary or permanent numbness and tingling in your hands and feet
- Skin irritation
Not everyone experiences the same side effects, as each person responds differently to treatment. Discuss any issues you’re experiencing with your care team and ask for specific ways to help alleviate discomfort.
For example, your doctor may prescribe antiemetics or recommend dietary changes to reduce nausea and vomiting. They may also suggest acupressure, a technique that uses gentle pressure to reduce pain and other symptoms.
Reducing Stress During Chemotherapy and Other Cancer Treatments
Self-care is essential during cancer treatment, as the process can be taxing on your body and mind. You may experience a wave of emotions, including sadness, anger and fear. During cancer treatment, find small ways to relieve stress and ease your mind.
Try some of these tips:
Practice relaxation.
Deep breathing and guided meditation are two common relaxation strategies. They help control breathing, slow the heart rate and reduce anxiety. You may find that other activities induce peace–make them part of your daily routine.
See a therapist or counselor.
A therapist or counselor may help you process your emotions and thoughts. They provide a safe space to talk through challenges and can teach a variety of coping techniques. You can choose in-person or online therapy.
Move your body.
Talk with your doctor about easy, safe ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Your care team may recommend short walks, stretching, yoga and other low-impact activities. If you have a favorite sport, such as swimming or tennis, ask if it’s OK to continue it during treatment.
Create a Support System
Your support network—the people who provide social and emotional support—plays a key role in how you feel during treatment. This network can include your family, friends and coworkers. They may go with you to appointments, help with errands and daily chores and listen to you when times are especially tough.
Identify and create your support network as early as possible. Talk to those closest to you about your diagnosis and treatment and ask how they can help.
While family and friends can be supportive, sometimes connecting with people going through a similar experience is more comforting. That’s why many people with cancer join support groups.
Cancer support groups can:
- Reduce loneliness and isolation
- Help you feel better about your diagnosis
- Keep you mentally strong
- Provide a safe space to vent or talk through challenges
- Connect you with new friends
Eating a Healthy Diet
Your diet during cancer treatment also impacts how you feel. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet can boost energy, improve strength and contribute to feeling better. It can also improve treatment outcomes.Â
Not everyone has the same dietary needs during cancer treatment. Your care team will recommend a personalized nutrition plan that’s ideal for you.
To feel your best, follow these best practices for a healthy diet:
- Add more protein and lean meats while limiting red or processed meats (like sausages and salami)
- Focus on eating more fruits and vegetables
- Limit processed foods that are high in sugar and sodium, like chips, soda and fast food
- Try smoothies and soups since they are easier to digest
Living Your New Normal
Receiving cancer treatment can be tough. Maintaining positive well-being and a good quality of life starts with adapting to a new normal, tapping into your strengths and finding ways to bring joy.Â
Talk with your cancer care team about any issues that are impacting your quality of life. They can give you tips and tricks, refer you to community programs that may help with financial struggles or transportation issues and refer you to other specialists if you’re experiencing other medical issues that are causing stress. While the diagnosis of cancer may be new to you, your medical team has been working with patients with the illness for years. Rely on them for guidance as you navigate this phase of your life.
More to Read
- How Exercise Helps Breast Cancer Prevention and Recovery
- Cancer Survivorship Support and Options
- Caring for Your Mental Health when You Have Cancer
- Artful Meditation: A Handful of Gratitude
Medically reviewed by Chamika Battle, BSN, RN, CMSRN, Oncology Nurse Navigator, and Michelle Houston, BSN, RN, Breast Surgery Nurse Navigator, at The Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health.
