Life style

Before Treatment    During the initial diagnosis, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan. This plan may involve, surgery, radiation therapy,chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biological therapy. These treatment methods are meant to kill cancer cells, but can sometimes also damage healthy cells. As a result, side effects can occur, some of these side effects can have a negative effect on your ability to eat: loss of appetite changes in weight sore mouth or throat dry mouth dental and gum problems changes in sense of taste or smell nausea/vomiting diarrhea lactose intolerance constipation fatigue and/or depression Not everyone will develop these side effects, not every individual will react the same to the treatment. When it comes to dieting during the treatment stage, recommendations may seem very different from usual suggestions for healthful eating. Dietitians usually recommend eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals; and cutting back on fat, sugar, alcohol, and salt. However, breast cancer patients are recommend to focus on eating high calorie foods with lots of protein, this may include drinking more milk, cream, cheese and cooked eggs. Other suggestions are to use more sauces and gravies, or changing your cooking methods to use more butter, margarine, or oil. Dietitians do suggest that breast cancer patients refrain from eating too much high-fiber foods because these can aggravate problems such as diarrhea or a sore mouth. The reason for the difference in suggested diets, is because breast cancer patients need to build up their strength which helps withstand the effects of the cancer and treatment. What you should keep in mind before you go into treatment, is that many people have few or no eating related side effects. In the cases that side effect do occur, they are mild, and most go away after treatment is completed. Also, if you've been eating healthy before your treatment starts, you go into it with reserves that can help you keep up your strength, prevent breakdown of tissue, rebuild tissue, and enforce your natural defense system against infection. Dieting During Treatment    As a result of your breast cancer treatment, you may experience eating-related side effects. This may not be the case for everyone, some might have their normal appetite during the treatment, while others will not be able to touch food for days. During your treatment there is the possibility for the following eating-related side effects: Loss of Appetite Weight Loss Weight Gain Sore Mouth or Throat Dry Mouth Change in Sense of Taste or Smell Nausea Loss of Appetite  This is one of the most common side effects. It is not certain whether the loss of appetite is a direct cause of the cancer or the treatment. But it can also be a result of the emotions that arise during treatment (fear or depression). If you are experiencing emotions that you feel are affecting you ability to eat, consult a nurse, or doctor on ways to lessen these difficulties. A loss of appetite can also be caused by a combination of other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or change in taste and smell. If you think that this might be causing your loss of appetite, consult your doctor, there are medications available that can limit the side effects. For some woman, the loss of appetite is only temporary, lasting a few days, while other woman struggle with it during their entire treatment. Either way, here are some suggestions that might help: Try liquid or powdered meal replacements during times it is hard to eat food. Try to eat frequent, small, meals throughout the day, rather than a few big ones. Keep snacks within reach, so you can have something to eat when you feel like it. Examples of snacks might be: cheese and crackers, muffins, ice cream, fruit, or pudding. If you don't feel like eating solid foods, try fluids during the day. Juice, soup, and other fluid foods can give you important calories and nutrients that help with your fight against cancer. Try eating before going to bed, this won't affect your appetite for your next meal. Try eating good meals when you feel well, this is often in the morning. During meals, try drinking small amounts, because it may make you feel full. If your doctor allows it, can have small glass of beer or wine during diner, this may help stimulate your appetite. Weight Loss  Many patients experience weight loss during cancer treatment, this is particularly due to the cancer itself. But it can also be caused by emotional issues that arise during breast cancer treatment, such as fear, anxiety, or depression. If you do experience weight loss, try eating high protein foods, this might be able to slow your weight loss, and maybe even help you gain a little weight. It may be useful to look at the tips given under Loss of Appetite. You might also want to try some recipes suggested by the National Cancer Institute: Fortified Milk High-Protein Milkshake Peanut Butter Snack Spread Weight Gain  While some breast cancer patients might experience weight loss, others might experience weight gain. This is particularly true for breast cancer patients taking certain medications, or on hormone therapy or chemotherapy. If you do experience weight gain during your treatment, it is important that you do not go on a diet right away, but consult your doctor on what may be causing it. In some cases it might just be anticancer drugs causing your body to hold on to excess fluids, called edema. If this is the case, your doctor might suggest a dietitian, who will be able to put you on a low salt diet. This is important, because salt causes your body to keep extra water. Over half of the women diagnosed with breast cancer may actually gain weight during their treatment. Because of this, doctors often recommend low fat diets, similar to the diets recommended after treatment is finished. Here are some tips on slowing, or eliminating the weight gain: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and breads and cereals. Choose lean meats, and low fat dairy products Cut back on butter, mayonnaise, sweets and other extras. Choose low-fat and low-calorie cooking methods (boiling, steaming). Avoid eating high-calorie snacks between meals. If you are able to, try to exercise more.  Sore Mouth and/or Throat  Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or infections may cause mouth sores, tender gums, or a soar throat. This can decrease your appetite, and discourage eating. You should check with your doctor that the soreness is a side effect, and not a separate dental problem. If it is a side effect, your doctor might be able to subscribe medicine that can help treat the side effects. It is also important that if you experience these problems you check with your dentist, he/she will be able to recommend a special product to clean your mouth. You should also rinse your mouth with water after eating, removing any left over foods rests and bacteria. It is important that you choose your foods correctly if you are experiencing these side effects, because the wrong foods can cause more irritation. It is recommended that you try to eat soft foods, which are easy to chew and swallow, such as: milkshakes bananas, applesauce, and other soft fruits peach, pear, and apricot nectars watermelon cottage cheese, yogurt mashed potatoes, noodles macaroni and cheese custards, puddings, and gelatin scrambled eggs oatmeal or other cooked cereals pureed or mashed vegetables, such as peas and carrots pureed meats You can also try this recipe for Fruit and Cream, recommended by the National Cancer Institute. As said, you should try to refrain from eating foods and liquids that can cause irritation to your mouth and throat: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, or other citrus fruit or juice tomato sauces or juices spicy or salty foods raw vegetables, granola, toast, crackers, or other rough, dry foods commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol  Dry Mouth  Radiation and Chemotherapy for breast cancer can sometimes reduce the flow of saliva, which can cause dry mouth. When this happens, food becomes harder to chew and swallow, but it can also change the way that food tastes. Some suggestions on how to deal with dry mouth: Try to have a sip of water every few minutes, it might even be good to carry a bottle of water around with you. Try eating very sweet or tart foods and beverages, such as lemonade. These may help your mouth make more saliva.  Chewing gum, sucking on hard candy or popsicles can also help increase the production of saliva. Eat soft, pureed foods, these may be easier to swallow. Try to keep your lips moist with lip salves. Moisten foods with sauces, gravies, and salad dressings to make it easier to swallow. If your dry mouth is persistent, and becomes severe, you can ask your doctor for medicine that coats, protects, and moistens your mouth and throat (known as artificial saliva).   Change in Smell or Taste  The smell and taste of certain foods may change during treatment, especially meat or other high-protein foods, which can start to taste bitter or metallic (some foods may even have less taste). Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or breast cancer itself may be the cause, but the changes will go away after the treatment is finished. There is no way of predicting who will be affected by cancer and the treatment, there is also no way to prevent side effects from occurring. What you should do, if the side effect continues to persist, is visit your dentist or doctor to make sure that it is actually a side effect of the treatment that is causing these changes. There are choices you can make that can help you if the taste of certain foods start to change: Choose and prepare foods that look and smell good for you If beef, or other red meat, starts to taste or smell strange, try eating chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, or fish instead Try marinating the meat, chicken, or fish with sweet fruit juices, sweet wine, Italian dressing, or sweet-and-sour sauce Try using seasonings, such as basil, oregano, or rosemary Try tart foods, such as oranges or lemonade If the smell of food starts to bother you, try serving them at room temperature, or turning on a fan, or cover the food while cooking, cooking outdoors might also be a good option Try using bacon, ham, or onion to add flavor to vegetables  Nausea  A common side effect of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy, is nausea (with or without vomiting). Cancer itself, other medications, or even unrelated conditions can also cause nausea. Like all other side effects, not all breast cancer patients experience nausea, and those that do don't experience it at the same time (some may have it right after therapy, others not till a few days afterwards). If you develop nausea after therapy or surgery, try asking your doctor about medications that can control this side effect, these are called antiemetics. A few suggestions to help reduce nausea are: To try foods that are easy on your stomach: Toast, crackers, and pretzels Yogurt Sherbet Angel food cake Cream of wheat, rice, or oatmeal Boiled potatoes, rice, or noodles Skinned chicken that is baked or broiled, not fried Canned peaches or other soft, bland fruits and vegetables Carbonated drinks Avoid foods that are: Fatty, greasy, or fried Very sweet Spicy or hot Have strong odors Eat small amounts, often and slowly. Don't wait till you're hungry to eat, feelings of hunger can make nausea stronger Drink less fluids with meals Rest after meals, because activity may slow digestion Wear loose-fitting clothes If you experience nausea during or immediately after chemotherapy, try not to eat 1 to 2 hrs before treatment starts Keeping Healthy After Treatment    Having a healthy and balanced diet is an important aspect of recovery from breast cancer. Your body needs all the help it can get to recover from the surgery and therapy you underwent. A registered dietitian is your best source of information about your diet, but we have provided a few tips to help you on your way. If you want to get in touch with a dietitian, ask your doctor for a referral. The majority of eating-related side effects caused by radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatments will start to go away after you finish you treatment. If you experience side effects, you will notice that they will gradually go away, and you will start to get your appetite back. In some cases, the side effects persist, in particular weight loss. If this happens to you, you should contact your doctor or dietitian, with whom you will be able to set up a plan to beat the problem. After the cancer treatment ends, and the side effects start to wear off, you will want to start eating normally again. However, it is important that you eat right at such an important time in your life. Your body will not regain its strength from a high fat diet, but starving yourself won't help either. In order to regain your strength, rebuild tissue, and help you feel better you need to eat well balanced meals on a daily basis. There is no scientific proof that a well balanced diet will prevent cancer from recurring, but it will help you recover. A few tips: It is important that you eat a variety of foods daily, no one food contains all the nutrients you need to recover. It is important to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Raw, or cooked, vegetables, fruit, and fruit juices provide the minerals, vitamins, and fiber you need. Breads and cereals are also important, especially whole grain varieties. These types of food provide carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and fiber. Try to eat as little fat, salt, sugar, alcohol, and smoked or pickled foods. When buying milk products, choose the low fat varieties. You should also try to keep you portions of lean meat and poultry (without skin) small, no more than 6-7 oz. a day. You should also try to use lower-fat cooking methods, such as broiling, steaming, and poaching. Possible Changes    Breast cancer is a life altering disease that touches both the patients and their friends and family. The way breast cancer changes ones life is not always the same. There will always be a sense of relief, once the treatment is over, but this relief is quickly followed by anxiety for recurrence. Some women will have a new outlook on life, and will want to grasp every moment of it, while other women will be more conservative, sometimes even depressed. This is often the case for women who have undergone a mastectomy, and have lost one or both their breasts. Women who have lost their breasts to cancer often have trouble adjusting to their new physical appearance. They might feel less attractive, and experience a loss of libido. If you are struggling after breast cancer, it can often help to seek support from people who have been through the same experience as you Continuing on the affects breast cancer can have on your life. We cannot predict the feelings you might have as a result of what you have been through, this can differ per individual. We can tell you what physical changes (temporary or permanent) can occur as a result of breast cancer, and how these changes can be dealt with. Take a look at our following sections on "Fashion" and "Beauty". Headwear    Chemotherapy can be an aggressive form of breast cancer therapy. The drugs administered during chemotherapy attack cancer cells, but also attack healthy cells. As a result, chemotherapy drugs can cause the hair to break close to the scalp. Which can result into the hair thinning a little bit, partial, or patchy loss of hair, or even complete loss of hair (alopecia). This side effect is only temporary, and will gradually wear off after chemotherapy treatment has ended. Hair loss is not something to be ashamed about, and you shouldn't feel that you must hide it. But we understand that it is not pleasant when people stop to stare in the street. There are many ways for the hair loss to be concealed. One option is through the use of a hat. Hats are a popular alternative and come in hundreds of different shapes, styles and colors. Department stores usually have a good selection, and there are also specialist hat shops that exist. However, a hat alone does not completely conceal patchy and complete hair loss. Sometimes an additional wig underneath a hat can make it look more real. Scarves are another alternative. They also are available in a wide variety of colors and materials,. In addition, they are light and easy to wear, making them more suitable for warm weather. Cotton, lightweight wool or blends are the best fabrics, as satin type materials tend to slide off the head too easily. Scarves usually have instructions and suggestions on how to tie them. You may like to try the following basic style: Lay a square scarf flat; wrong side facing you. Fold the scarf diagonally into a triangle. For a basic head wrap you will need a scarf at least 75cm x 75cm; for more elaborate styles it needs to be 100cm x 100cm. Place the scarf on your head with the folded edge about 2.5cm below your natural hairline and the points at the back. Tie the ends into a double knot behind your head over the triangle point (if you are doing more than the basic head wrap you may only need a single knot). The flap should be underneath the knot. Pull any excess scarf out from under the kno Clothing    When it comes to buying even the most basic clothes, women who have undergone breast surgery can run into problems. Breast cancer patients often feel self-conscious about the scars left by surgery, and find that their old clothing might reveal too much. There are available solutions. Women who have undergone a mastectomy have a wide range of clothing to choose from, that can help them conceal scaring, and the breast they lost to cancer. There are for example mastectomy t-shirt's, skirtini's, sleepwear, tanktops, and nightgowns. These specially designed clothes help conceal scarring, but are also make wearing breast forms easier. These clothes have higher cuts around the neck and under the arm. You can try looking at your local department store, but it is always worth checking out specialty shops at the medical center where you were treated Swimwear    When it comes to clothing, swimsuits are often one of the biggest challenges for women who suffered from breast cancer. It can be embarrassing for some women that their scars can be seen when wearing swimsuits. This can be solved by wearing a swimsuit with a high neckline, and a high cut under the arms. Just because you have had breast surgery, doesn't mean you can't wear a two piece bathing suit any more. Certain manufactures offer special pocketed mastectomy bathing suit bras with molded cups. Suitable swimsuits might also be available through your normal department stores, but you may also want to try the specialist shops.  Bras    Not all women who undergo a mastectomy will want to have reconstructive surgery, but they will still want sexy lingerie options. Times have improved from when mastectomy bras looked like something your great-grandmother would have found too clunky. Victoria's Secret hasn't picked up the trend yet, but there are several other lingerie manufacturers who have, including Playtex, Jodee, and Amoena, which sell all kinds of bras: plunging, lacy, demure, strapless, and sporty.  The local department store might not carry the mastectomy bras, but you should be able to find them in specialty shops (maybe found in the medical center where you were treated). Ordering online is also an option. If you want even more options, some department stores, notably Nordstrom's, will often add prosthesis pockets at little or no charge to any bra you purchase from them. After your surgery is completed, you doctor will probably advise you to avoid underwire bras, especially if your lymph nodes were removed. This because the wire from the bra can easily jab you in an area that's lost some sensation after surgery, which can cut your skin leaving you open for infection. Avoiding underwire bras can cause some problems for large-breasted women. Some women have found a solution, through purchasing underwire bras sold in maternity stores. These bras often have a short wire, making it extremely unlikely that it will ever poke out or up in the wrong place. Wigs    There are a lot of ways to cover your head if you do lose your hair. A wig is the most obvious choice. But not everyone fancies this. Wigs can be a bit hot, obviously more so in the summer. Some people often prefer hats, scarves or baseball caps, or go natural. There are three types of wigs: - Man made (synthetic) hair, for example acrylic - Real (human) hair - Wigs that are made of both. Synthetic wigs are a lot cheaper than real hair wigs. You can find most synthetic wigs in a wide variety of styles, lengths and colors. You don’t have to style them and they won’t get damaged in the rain. If you lose all your hair you can get adhesive pads with your wig to stop it slipping.  Some people say wearing these pads makes the wig feel more secure and helps them feel more confident. The downside to synthetic wigs is that they are not very good with direct heat on them.  It can melt the fibers. You can’t use a hair dryer or curling wand and you’ll need to wash your wig in cold water. Real hair wigs are much more expensive than synthetic ones. The cost will depend on where you buy the wig and its style and length. Real hair wigs last much longer than synthetic ones, but they are harder to look after. If you decide to have a real hair wig you need to start fitting soon after your treatment, so it will be ready in time for when your hair begins to fall out. Unlike a synthetic wig you can’t wash a real hair wig and you must protect it from the rain. Eyebrows and Eyelashes    Eyebrows If you lose your eyebrows or find that they are thinner you can redraw them with an eyebrow pencil that matches your normal hair color. Eyebrow pencils are available from any chemist or beauty shop. Beauty counters in department stores can show you how to redraw your eyebrows as it can be daunting to try this at first if you are not used to it. To make the eyebrows as realistic and natural looking as possible follow the natural eyebrow arch and draw in short feathery strokes to look like the normal eyebrow hair. Make the brow thicker on the inner end of the eyebrow (nearest to the nose) and thinner at the outer edge. You can also use false eyebrows. They need to be fixed with special adhesive, which is available from the false eyebrow suppliers. Special solvent is used to dissolve the adhesive and remove the eyebrows. Eyelashes False eyelashes can be used to give a natural appearance. These are available from many beauty departments along with the adhesive that is used to attach them. Many department stores have private rooms where staff can show you how to apply the eyelashes. Skin and Nails    Impacts of chemotherapy on your skin Chemotherapy will make skin drier because the drugs interfere with oil and sweat glands. Keeping skin as moist as possible during treatment is important to keep it looking young and healthy. Moisture can also prevent cracking and chapping, which can lead to infection, due to the fact that the immune system is suppressed. During the day, use a product that protects your skin from the sun, blocking UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to use a moisturizing soap and avoid stronger soaps. Skin changes after radiation  For people of all races, the skin color will change. Lighter skin will turn red, dark skin will get darker or become ashen. Usually the affected areas are limited to small patches. There can be some itching, burning, and tenderness of the skin. You may have some dry peeling, like old sunburn, as the skin rubs off. The skin generally heals quickly and completely. The red reaction goes away the fastest. The changeover to tan shading, if you have light skin, can take a few weeks to go away. In women of color, the darkening of the skin can be more significant and may also take longer to disappear. Ordinary freckles and moles can become much darker within the treatment field. These spots are almost always benign, but they will darken because of the treatment. After you finish radiation, they usually return to their normal color, and some eventually disappear. Skin that receives radiation treatment has an increased risk of developing skin cancer in the future. This is why it is important to take extra precautions to protect the skin within the radiation treatment field from the sun. The part of your breast near your cleavage will probably be in the treatment field, and that's also the area exposed to the sun when you wear a bathing suit or tank top. So make sure you use a moisturizer or body lotion with sun protection factor. (SPF) Nails Chemotherapy may also affect nails, retarding their growth and, in many cases, causing them to become thin and brittle and develop horizontal grooves. It's not a good idea to cover the nails with acrylics or other types of wraps because these materials can trap bacteria that may cause infection. Instead, the nails can be clipped short and moisturized with lotions. A light-color nail polish will camouflage any nail imperfections. But to prevent nails from drying out, only non-acetone-based nail polish remover should be used. Cancer patients who have professional manicures should bring their own implements to guard against infection. Cuticles should be pushed back rather than cut.