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Would you share tips to help minimize or alleviate some of the long term side effects you experience?
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member978 (Survivor (10 - 20 years)) - 09 / 29 / 2011
You've hit upon a very important topic and one that will become more and more challenging as the number of heavily treated survivors continues to rise. At the time of my treatment the physicians admitted they weren't sure what kind of long-term health issues I would face but felt the only way to even hope for survival was very aggressive treatment.
Bone loss associated with chemotherapy induced early menopause is problematic. I've taken calcium, Vit D and tried to walk regularly in an effort to keep my bones strong. Unfortunately that hasn't been terribly successful but has helped some. I tried an oral bisphosphonate but developed esophageal problems. Given some of the issues with IV bisphosphonates I've been reluctant to try them and my insurance doesn't cover them.
As a nurse, I'm hesitant to add medication to deal with those issues unless there is no other choice. Joint pain escalated to the point of needing an anti-inflammatory agent but again, walking regularly does help. Hot flashes can be an issue. Again, I tried an anti-depressant for a while and decided to keep a dietary record to determine if there were dietary triggers and have found some success changing diet rather than medication. Getting adequate rest and hydration seem to help as well.
I now have extreme sun sensitivity so limit my sun exposure and when out always use a 45-60 SPF sun block, sun glasses, hat and sun-protective shirt.
Often it's hard to know if symptoms are treatment related or simple part of the aging process. Following extensive chemotherapy it does seem that survivors may experience unexpected consequences and physicians aren't sure how to manage those.
Keeping active has been useful for me and having an understanding oncologist who will listen and explore ways to help me deal with continued questions related to my treatment.
Bone loss associated with chemotherapy induced early menopause is problematic. I've taken calcium, Vit D and tried to walk regularly in an effort to keep my bones strong. Unfortunately that hasn't been terribly successful but has helped some. I tried an oral bisphosphonate but developed esophageal problems. Given some of the issues with IV bisphosphonates I've been reluctant to try them and my insurance doesn't cover them.
As a nurse, I'm hesitant to add medication to deal with those issues unless there is no other choice. Joint pain escalated to the point of needing an anti-inflammatory agent but again, walking regularly does help. Hot flashes can be an issue. Again, I tried an anti-depressant for a while and decided to keep a dietary record to determine if there were dietary triggers and have found some success changing diet rather than medication. Getting adequate rest and hydration seem to help as well.
I now have extreme sun sensitivity so limit my sun exposure and when out always use a 45-60 SPF sun block, sun glasses, hat and sun-protective shirt.
Often it's hard to know if symptoms are treatment related or simple part of the aging process. Following extensive chemotherapy it does seem that survivors may experience unexpected consequences and physicians aren't sure how to manage those.
Keeping active has been useful for me and having an understanding oncologist who will listen and explore ways to help me deal with continued questions related to my treatment.
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