Side effects are part and parcel of undergoing treatment for oesophagus cancer. They cause various problems ranging from physical discomfort to emotional distress. Though they are frustrating to deal with, we can manage these complications to improve our quality of life.
If you have just been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and will start treatment soon, here are some side effects that your oncologist can caution you about.
Video Overview:
Common Side Effects Caused by Oesophagus Cancer and Your Treatment Plan
Swallowing Difficulties
Having trouble swallowing is a common symptom of oesophageal cancer. You may feel something lodged in your throat or chest all the time. You may also start choking on food and feel more pain when swallowing. This problem worsens over time as the cancer grows.
Here are a few things you can try to help you swallow your food:
Eat meals throughout the day in smaller amounts.
Opt for food that is soft and moist so that they are easier to chew and swallow.
Even so, be sure to chew slowly and thoroughly.
You can also take sips of your drink to make the food more moist if needed.
Your oncologist may also recommend swallowing exercises to improve your ability to swallow.
Nausea and Vomiting
Oesophageal cancer can also cause nausea and vomiting, which can be exacerbated when you start your treatment. Some ways to deal with this include:
Take anti-emetic medication, which helps prevent nausea. Ask your physician first if it is safe for you to take.
You can try introducing more ginger in your diet or drink ginger tea and eat ginger chews. Ginger root is a popular natural remedy for preventing nausea and vomiting.
Avoid foods that can trigger nausea and make you vomit. This may include greasy or sweet food and those with strong smells.
Remember to drink plenty of water, as vomiting can quickly dehydrate you.
Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Cancer can make even light activities exhausting and painful. Oesophageal cancer treatments can aggravate this when they damage healthy, non-cancerous cells.
To alleviate these symptoms, you can try options such as:
See if your doctor can recommend pain relievers that are safe for you to take.
Strive for a consistent sleep schedule so you have a restful sleep to recuperate from the treatments.
Eat a balanced diet so you have the nutrient needed to keep your energy levels up.
Consider massage therapy to relieve your pained muscles if your oncologist deems it safe.
Hair Loss
Treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also damage your hair follicles. This can then lead to hair loss. This is an emotionally draining side effect to have, but there are ways to cope:
Use mild shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products so they do not irritate the scalp or damage your hair further.
Wearing a comfortable wig can give you a semblance of normalcy.
Protect your sensitive scalp with a turban or scarf around the head.
You can also cut your hair short in preparation for the treatment. This will also make wigs and head wraps more comfortable.
Monitor How You Feel and Stay in Touch With Your Doctor
We are only scratching the surface of what side effects you can experience during your oesophageal cancer treatments, so it is important to also monitor yourself if you feel any unusual side effects after your sessions.
It is also crucial to keep in touch with your healthcare team even when you are not due for another therapy cycle or check-up appointment. They can see if the treatment plan needs adjusting or if they can recommend other ways to improve your condition.
Managing Cancer’s Side Effects Takes Teamwork
Dealing with the complications caused by oesophagus cancer and its treatments is difficult to face alone.
If you need guidance to help you cope, never hesitate to consult your cancer surgeon or oncologist in Singapore. You can learn healthy management methods and have them point you towards support groups who can help make your ordeal more bearable.
With a stronger body and mind, oesophagus cancer becomes less daunting to fight.
Related Infographic: The Hidden Triggers of Esophageal Cancer
About the Author:
Rebecca Teo is a talented writer, a healthcare advocate, and a Marketing Executive. She has a deep-rooted fascination for medical advancements and women’s health issues so she has carved a niche for herself in the field of writing. Rebecca’s expertise spans a wide array of surgical specialties, including general surgery, endoscopy, urology, colorectal procedures, and hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. Her ability to break down complex medical jargon into accessible and engaging narratives has earned her a loyal following among readers looking for credible healthcare information. Subscribe to Rebecca’s blog for insightful articles delivered straight to your inbox or leave a comment on her latest post. Rebecca loves answering questions and engaging with her readers.
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