How to live with cancer : The Tribune India

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How to live with cancer

As this dreaded disease claims more and more cases, life takes an irreversible turn for the patients and their caregivers.

How to live with cancer


Dr Abhishek Puri

The abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells is known as cancer or malignancy. Cancer, if organ confined, is localised and has the best chance of cure; whereas when it spreads to other organs, it is metastatic. Apart from the genetic factors that influence some types, most tumours develop from unhealthy lifestyle choices, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.

The symptoms, experienced by patients, depend on the type of cancer and its location. Breast cancer usually presents as a lump or discharge from the nipple, whereas metastatic breast cancer presents with symptoms related to an organ which is affected; e.g. generalised body pain (if it spreads to bones), breathlessness (lungs), or seizures (brain). Some patients show no signs or symptoms until the cancer has advanced far. 

CAUTION, a handy acronym

  • Change in bowel or bladder habits
  • A sore throat that does not heal
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge (for example, nipple secretions)
  • Thickening in breast, testicles, or elsewhere
  • Indigestion (long standing) 
  • Obvious change in wart or mole on the skin (especially if it thickens or changes colour)
  • A nagging cough or hoarseness of voice. 

These are non-specific symptoms as these also arise from noncancerous conditions. Most people use the internet to search for their symptoms, but they need to be aware that healthcare professionals do not endorse most websites. 

What to do after a cancer diagnosis? There is an emotional turmoil, and one needs time to process it. It is always better to speak with someone to help you cope up emotionally, physically and spiritually. 

A ready reckoner

Always be able to communicate with your physician. Communication is a two-way street; while your physician listens to your concerns, it is imperative that you trust them and follow their advice. Organise your medical reports and attempt to keep notes of your consultations to make sense of your discussion with a health-caregiver. 

Design a healing plan. There is usually a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy involved. Patients should explore meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques to cope up with both, side-effects as well as the associated anxiety, and boost your emotional well being. 

Bring about lifestyle changes. Quit smoking, if you do smoke. Eat clean and healthy. A trained dietician can help more than ad hoc recommendations with the proper caloric intake. In my clinical practice, many people assume that canned juices, coconut water or protein powders are sufficient. However, it goes counter to exact requirements of the human body. Instead, a regular home-based balanced diet (with correct ingredients) does more benefit than claimed nutritional supplements (like peptones) or multi-vitamins. 

Cancer treatment also causes appetite to suppress. Therefore, eat small meals and snacks more frequently, limit fluids during meal time, make the meals more appealing (food with colours and better texture) to increase appetite. Some exercise is must for the patient as it can increase appetite. Most patients restrict physical activity which worsens an existing condition.

Always ask questions to your health-caregiver about a specific line of management and its anticipated benefits. Most cancer treatments follow particular guidelines which have been designed based on the stage of cancer. The side-effects are also predictable in a significant subset of patients. Make sure you are aware of associated clinical trials as well. Do not hesitate to speak to a mental health professional in you are depressed. 

Always figure out your workplace requirements; although most patients usually attend office with light duties assigned to them. It helps to return to work faster after your treatment course is over. 

It also helps to factor in the cost of treatment; a mandatory insurance coverage helps when you are healthy. Most families suffer financial toxicity in the absence of adequate backup.After the treatment is over, go in for regular follow ups. 

Finally, how to stay healthy? A normal healthy lifestyle includes a proper diet (salads and green leafy vegetables and avoiding junk food), good sleep and exercise. A low impact physical activity like cycling can do wonders. 

A cancer diagnosis is not the end of the world. Proper planning will go a long way to help you overcome these challenges. 

Side effects

  • These vary according to the site. Surgical techniques have evolved with laparoscopic and robotic procedures that minimise blood loss and ensure quicker recovery lessening hospital stay. Reconstruction surgeries decrease cosmetic defects. 
  • Chemotherapy usually causes suppression of blood counts, temporary hair loss, loss of appetite or tingling sensation over peripheries. 
  • Radiation therapy often causes redness and darkening of skin over the treated area, diarrhoea if the abdomen is being treated or difficulty in swallowing for head and neck cancers. 
  • These vary in duration and intensity and are mostly temporary. It is crucial to reach out to patient support groups as the best guides are those who have undergone the same line of management. 

Dos

  • Remain positive, no matter what
  • Frequent exercise
  • Clear your mind; meditate to reduce anxiety
  • Eat vegetables and fruits
  • Have an adequate diet designed by a dietitian 
  • Go for frequent check-ups as per schedule. 
  • Have your friends or colleagues help you with the chores. 
  • Organise a patient support group. 
  • Read books, indulge in your passion or hobby. 
  • Always discuss alternative therapies with your doctor.

Don’ts 

  • Have sugary or canned juices. 
  • Sedentary lifestyle worsens your outcomes. 
  • Let stress overwhelm you
  • Don’t smoke or take alcohol. 
  • Don’t expose yourself to intense sunlight or extremes of temperature during treatment. 
  • Don’t try homemade remedies. 
  • Don’t ever hesitate to speak to a mental health professional. 
  • Don’t rely on pills for nutrition. 
  • Don’t rely on websites claiming to “cure cancer”.

— The writer is radiation oncologist, Fortis Cancer Institute, Mohali

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