Coping With Fatigue & Hair Loss
Everyone has their own way of coping with having cancer and going thru what can be an emotional and physical challenge from cancer treatments. What is important for cancer patients to know is that most side effects associated with treatment are temporary. You can find comfort in knowing there are remedies to lessen some of your symptoms and you can always and most importantly find comfort in your family, friends and support groups. Ask your medical support team or your support group for assistance if you are unsure. Cancer Survivors may be your strongest support group. They have fought this battle before you and may have some encouraging words or helpful tips. They understand better than anyone what you are going through.
The most common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation, I believe, is fatigue. Remember, you are battling a life threatening disease and it is going to zap your energy. Give yourself time to rest! Your body will need it in the days ahead. Take some time to relax with a good book, not a cancer book, something that will take your mind away from what you are going thru. Listen to some music or enjoy the outdoors. When you discover what is best for you, realize one thing, it's OK to take time for yourself. You need to make the conscious, very crucial decision to take care of you! As a woman, this is hard for some of us to do because we have a mothering instinct and we always feel better about ourselves when we take care of our spouses and children first. You are battling cancer…you need to take care of yourself.
Another inevitable side effect of chemotherapy is hair loss. This may include the loss of your eyelashes and eyebrows as well. Chemotherapy drugs not only kill cancer cells, but they also kill normal cells. Mentally, this is the most challenging side effect of chemo. It can take away your self-esteem and challenge your resilience. But know this, losing your hair is temporary, so don't feel like you need to hide the fact that you have lost your hair. Remember there are options, as you now know from strolling through our web site, we have created the best option for you at… www.iwearitwell.com .
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