Breast Cancer Metastasis, When Can It Happen? (Video)
13 Facts Everyone Should Know about Metastatic Breast Cancer
WHAT IS METASTATIC BREAST CANCER?
Recurrent and Metastatic Breast Cancer
What can I do to manage hair loss?
The technical term for hair loss is alopecia. The hair on your head falls out, and if hair on other parts of your body grows rapidly, it may fall out too (such as eyelashes or eyebrows). Alopecia is a relatively common side effect of several chemotherapy agents used to treat and manage breast cancer. You may have already experienced this when you had your initial breast cancer treatment. For women needing radiation to their brain, hair loss can happen again and may occur in a few areas or all over, depending on how the radiation was given. Hair loss has become a signal that the person is a cancer patient.
It can be psychologically and physically difficult to cope with hair loss since it is associated with our self-image, womanliness, health status, and other personal issues related to how we feel about our hair. Getting a wig in advance of hair loss can be helpful so that your hair style, texture, and color can be matched well for you. Some insurance companies cover the expense of a wig. Check your policy and see if your insurance company covers “skull prosthesis for side effects of cancer treatment.”
Costs that are not covered are tax deductible. There are programs like “Look Good, Feel Good” that most cancer centers offer to their patients. This is a special program available free of charge to show you how to wear turbans, scarves, and makeup to reduce the obvious appearance of hair loss. Ask your doctor or nurse when they are offering this program at the facility where you are getting your treatment.
Alopecia is a relatively common side effect of several chemotherapy agents used to treat and manage breast cancer
My doctor mentioned that he would check my calcium levels periodically. What is this for?
Hypercalcemia is an unusually high level of calcium found in the blood. There are situations in which it can be life threatening, and it is usually associated with a problem with metabolism caused by the cancer. It occurs in 10 to 20 percent of people with cancer.
Symptoms that would trigger your doctor to check your blood level for this side effect include: loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, frequent urination, excessive thirst, feeling confused and unable to concentrate, abdominal pain, or constipation. If the calcium level is very high, it can trigger irregular heartbeat, kidney stones, and loss of consciousness and coma. Intravenous bisphosphonates (zoledronic acid or pamidronate) medications help control this side effect.
Term:
Hypercalcemia – Accelerated loss of calcium in bones, leading to elevated levels of the mineral in the bloodstream with symptoms such as nausea and confusion.
It seems harder to fight off colds and flu viruses than it did before. How come?
When harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the body and the body is not able to fight back to destroy these cells on its own using the immune system, an infection brews. Breast cancer patients are at higher risk of developing an infection because the cancer present in their bodies, along with the treatments being given can weaken their immune systems. Spiking a high fever; chills; sweating; sore throat; mouth sores; pain or burning during urination; diarrhea; shortness of breath; a productive cough; or swelling, redness, or pain around an incision or wound are all symptoms that an infection may be present.
To help reduce risk of infection, stay away from young children who may be carriers of flu viruses, colds, and other respiratory illnesses. Though they can look relatively healthy, young children may be harboring germs. This doesn’t mean to abandon seeing your children or grandchildren though. It does mean to evaluate how the child is feeling and if he/she has any symptoms (runny nose, fever, cough), that would signal to you that this isn’t a good day to have the child sitting on your lap. Family members who live with you or you see frequently should get flu vaccinations too to help reduce the risk of unknowingly bringing viruses your way. At the first sign you may be getting an infection (fever, cold, etc.), notify your doctor so he can prescribe something for you.
Breast cancer patients are at higher risk of developing an infection because the cancer present in their bodies, along with the treatments being given, can weaken their immune systems
My chemotherapy and hormonal therapy have caused me to develop symptoms of menopause. How can I manage these symptoms and feel more like myself again?
Approximately 40 percent of women dealing with breast cancer develop menopausal symptoms due to breast cancer treatments. This can be particularly an issue for women who are premenopausal and are undergoing chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy for control of their disease.
It is thought to be caused by a decline in estrogen and other hormones. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, difficulty with bladder control, insomnia, and depression. Some patients use complementary therapies such as vitamins, soy products, or black cohosh to try to reduce symptoms. Currently, there aren’t studies to give us definitive answers about the use of these supplements.
It is worth talking to your doctor about his thoughts if you wish to consider taking any. Some patients find that taking a medication like venlafaxine (Effexor) can be helpful in reducing hot flashes. Wearing cotton clothing in layers that can be peeled off as needed also can be a useful measure on your part. There are various vaginal lubricants that can be used for vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. These include Replens, Astroglide, or K-Y Jelly. Avoid using petroleum-based products as they can increase risk of vaginal infections. Avoid spicy foods, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, hot showers, and hot weather, all of which can trigger hot flashes.
Term:
Complementary therapy – Interventions used in conjunction with standard therapies.
My dentures aren’t fitting right and have caused ulcers on my gums. What caused this?
This is known as mucositis, or mouth sores. It is an inflammation of the inside of the mouth and throat and can result in painful ulcers. Medications like steroids may increase the risk of developing an infection in your mouth. Keep your mouth clean and moist to prevent infection. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush after each meal and rinse regularly. Avoid commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can irritate the mouth. If you wear dentures that are not fitting properly, you will be more likely to get sores in your mouth from rubbing and irritation.
This can be a particular problem if you have experienced or are experiencing weight loss because your gums may shrink changing the fit of your dentures. See your dentist for evaluation of this. If you have dental needs that have not been taken care of prior to starting chemotherapy, ask your oncologist and dentist to talk on the phone and discuss what strategy to use to reduce risk of infection and mouth sores while receiving your treatments.
Term:
Mucositis – A condition in which the mucosa (the lining of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus) becomes swollen, red, and sore. For example, sores in the mouth that can be a side effect of chemotherapy.
I’m taking so many different medications now that my stomach is always upset. What can I do to feel better and be able to eat and enjoy food again?
Nausea and vomiting are relatively common side effects associated with chemotherapy drugs. With the development of anti-nausea medicines (called antiemetics), the incidence of nausea and vomiting has reduced considerably. When beginning new medications, such as hormonal therapy, these side effects may be problematic for a while. Pain medications have a reputation for contributing to nausea, too. Severe nausea that interferes with your ability to eat or retain foods can cause dehydration. Changes in what you eat and drink may be useful in managing nausea and vomiting.
Some specific suggestions include:
Eat a light meal before each chemotherapy treatment.
Have small amounts of food and liquids at a time.
Have bland foods and liquids.
Eat dry crackers when feeling nauseated.
Limit the amount of liquids you take with your meals.
Maintain adequate liquids in between meals; take mostly clear liquids such as water, apple juice, herbal tea, or bouillon.
Eat cool foods or foods at room temperature.
Avoid foods with strong odors.
Avoid high fat, greasy, and fried foods.
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
Suck on peppermint candies to help reduce or prevent nausea.
Rub peppermint flavored lip balm above your lips and below your nose so that you are smelling mint, which may reduce nausea.
Ask your oncologist for a prescription for an antiemetic and ask if you can take it in a preventative manner to prevent, reduce, and control nausea.
These medicines include such drugs as Zofran, Kytril, and Compazine.
Term:
Antiemetics – Drugs to stop or prevent nausea or vomiting.
Changes in what you eat and drink may be useful in managing nausea and vomiting.
