The side effects of cancer treatment, such as hair loss, dry skin, changes in fingernails and toenails, and weight gain or swelling, can lower one’s spirit and make it difficult to face the world.
Lynn Fantom, clinical nurse coordinator at Penn State Hershey Breast Center, said women going through treatment can help combat the effects to their psyche by being proactive, educating themselves, and getting support.
“For many women, hair loss is kind of the big neon sign that says ‘I have cancer,’” Fantom said.
Wearing wigs, scarves, or hats can help them feel better and prevent people from asking unwanted questions.
Fantom recommends that any woman going through treatment talks to her healthcare team so they can walk her through what’s going to happen and offer tips. She reminds patients to use moisturizer regularly to combat dry skin and suggests they suck on ice chips to avoid or minimize mouth sores.
While it is important to maintain healthy nutrition, some patients find it difficult because their taste is altered due to the chemotherapy. Fantom said patients should try to remain active, even if it’s just walking, because it can help them tolerate chemotherapy better.
Whether through therapy or support groups, Fantom recommends women in treatment seek help to face the physical changes they will experience.
“Women going through cancer treatment can talk to one another about how they’re feeling in different stages throughout their treatment plan,” Fantom said. “It’s not only physical, but it’s also emotional—and the emotional aspect is a lot more impactful than the physical sometimes.”
Fantom recommends maintaining good hygiene and seeking out makeup tips online or at a free Look Good Feel Better workshop where participants are given makeup kits and are able to bring their wigs along to be styled and learn how to care for them. The women also learn techniques for skin and nail care.
“They have makeup on, they have a wig on that looks realistic, and they can go out with more confidence,” Fantom said. “The more a patient feels upbeat and hopeful about things, the better they do through treatment, and it can actually help with the side effects.”
For more information about Look Good Feel Better sessions for men, women, and teens, visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.
For information about an American Cancer Society program that provides free wigs, visit www.cancer.org.
This article was adapted from information provided by Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
