Because of their high doses and potency, cancer drugs and treatments often cause some unpleasant side effects including severe energy loss, depression, skin impairments, hair loss, nausea and change in appetite. Caregivers can help to buffer these symptoms and make their loved one feel more comfortable in a number of ways, including the following:
Skin Issues: Cancer patients are at risk for numerous treatment- and disease-related skin impairments. Caregivers can help these skin problems by encouraging the use of sunscreen, helping to protect affected areas from trauma, and keeping skin clean and dry.
Hair Loss: Caregivers can encourage the purchase of a wig prior to treatment (in order to match hair color to a wig), and can minimize hair loss by using baby shampoo, a soft hairbrush, and minimizing hair washing.
Depression: If depression is suspected, contact a mental health professional. Also be sure to have health care providers review all medications for depressive side effects.
Nausea: Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy but can be helped with anti-nausea medications, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and eating smaller meals more frequently. Letting an in-home care agency or meal delivery service do the cooking can also help if cooking smells cause nausea.
Independence-4-Seniors' professional care team is experienced at helping clients cope with the side effects of cancer treatments. When your loved one needs some extra help at home during treatments, call us at (630) 323-4665. We're always happy to help.