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There are two main treatments available for patients with late
stage lung cancer: chemotherapy and radiation. Both can cause side effects you
might experience during the course of your treatment.
Fortunately, there are
many ways to deal with these side effects. If you experience any of the side
effects listed, it’s important to let your doctor know as soon as you can. He
or she can work to adjust your treatment regimen or find way to alleviate your
symptoms.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for patients with
advanced lung cancer. Many patients experience fatigue during the course of
their chemotherapy. If there are any underlying causes of your fatigue, like
anemia, your doctor might recommend certain medications to correct them. He or
she might also choose to prescribe medications—such as sleep aids or certain
pain medications—to help you feel better.
You can also manage your fatigue by making small changes to
your daily routine. Try to set aside time every day to rest, making a conscious
effort to conserve your energy. It’s important to pace yourself and not
overcommit to work or other activities if you’re feeling weak or tired.
Nausea and vomiting are common, making it difficult get the
nutrition you need to help your body heal. You should tell your doctor right away
if you’re having this issue, as he or she can prescribe anti-nausea medicine
that might make it easier for you to eat. Highly effective medications are now
available to prevent and reverse chemo-related nausea and vomiting. Greasy,
fried, salty, sweet or spicy foods can all make you nauseated, so stay away
from these types of foods. Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and
eat five or six smaller meals instead of three larger meals.
One of the most emotionally distressing chemotherapy side effects
you might experience is the loss of your hair. Professional counseling and
support groups can help you deal with body image issues brought on by your
cancer treatment. Building a community of support with people who know exactly
what you’re going through can be extremely beneficial for helping you cope.
It’s also important to take care of your head and scalp to
prevent as much hair loss as possible. You can cut back on how often you wash
your hair. When you do wash it, use a gentle formula shampoo. Don’t scrub your scalp
and be sure to pat or air dry your hair to prevent more damage. If needed, wearing
a wig or hairpiece can increase your confidence and help lessen the emotional
burden hair loss can cause.
Radiation
Radiation treatment often causes some of the same side
effects as chemotherapy, like fatigue and nausea. But there are other radiation
side effects you might experience, such as skin irritation. To reduce your
skin’s irritation, make sure you’re washing your skin with mild soap and water,
and dry it completely. It’s also important to avoid using deodorants, perfumes
or cosmetic products on the affected area. These products could cause your skin
to become even more irritated.
Another common, and usually temporary, side effect of lung
cancer radiation therapy is difficulty swallowing. You might choke, gag or
cough when you try to swallow foods or liquids, or you might feel like something’s
stuck in your throat. To deal with this issue, your doctor might recommend an
appointment with a speech language pathologist who will teach you new ways to
swallow to avoid discomfort. Your doctor might also prescribe certain
medications that could help reduce any inflammation in your esophagus caused by
your radiation treatment.
Good nutrition is essential in the fight against cancer. At
home, try to eat soft foods like yogurt or pudding, or foods that can easily be
blended or moistened. Use straws if you can to drink liquids, and take small
bites, being sure to eat slowly and carefully. It can also help to drink meal
replacement beverages that are easier to swallow to ensure you’re getting
proper nutrition throughout the day.
Since there are many common side effects of advanced lung
cancer treatments, it’s important to let your doctor know immediately about any
problems you might be having. Every cancer patient is unique, so there’s no way
to know which, if any, side effects you’ll experience. However, with the right
planning and help, you can learn to manage any treatment side effects you might
have.
