Page 81 - LIVESTRONG Digital Guidebook

Common Treatments
and Side Effects

The most common cancer treatments today are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. A cancer patient
may receive one or a combination of these or other types of treatment. The type of treatment you receive
depends on the type and stage of cancer.

“If you do not have someone [to go to appointments with you], —SUSAN C.
take a tape recorder, keep the tapes and listen to them.”

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT about any side effects you could experience. Medi-
cal care can often lessen the effects and problems
Find out if you need lab work before your treatment. associated with treatment.
Ask your health care team about the best ways to pre-
pare for your treatment sessions. Your provider may Ask your health care team for information about
have advice or give you a prescription for medication what to eat and what to avoid eating or drinking dur-
that can help you avoid side effects such as nausea. ing your treatment. There are many types of foods and
beverages to consider for each type of treatment.
Many cancer patients prepare a special tote bag
or backpack to bring along to treatment sessions. The following is an overview of the three most
They include items that will provide comfort and common types of cancer treatment and some of the
something to do during treatment. side effects that are possible:

Some good items to include in a treatment bag: Surgery
• Sweater and comfortable clothes Improved surgical methods now help limit dam-
• Music player, headphones and favorite music age to normal tissue. They have also reduced
• Blanket and pillow risks and side effects. Surgery is often used
• Reading materials to find out if cancer cells are present such as
• Crossword puzzles or other activities with a biopsy. It is also used to remove tumors.
• Deck of cards Sometimes surgery is done to rebuild (recon-
• Lip balm struct) or reshape physical changes.
• Body lotion A medical device (port) is sometimes
• Calming teas like peppermint surgically placed under the skin. The port can
• Notepad or journal and pen
• Bootie socks Find out about side effects that might
• Cookies, crackers or other snacks occur with each type of treatment.
• Stress ball
 Talk with your health care providers about
COMMON TREATMENT SIDE EFFECTS what you can expect.

Some treatments bring side effects. However, not  Learn what can be done to manage
all cancer patients will experience the same thing. the side effects.
Knowing what you might experience can help you
feel more in control. Talk with your health care team  Prepare a backpack or bag to take
to treatment sessions.

www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp A : D U R I N G T R E AT M E N T T R E AT M E N T C O N C E R N S 81