April 26, 2011
Massage Therapy for Breast Cancer
The following information is provided by Adventist Hinsdale Hospital Outpatient Imaging Center and Hands With Heart.
Experience the healing benefits of massage in a warm relaxing environment. Research has shown that massage therapy has a positive impact on the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of women with breast cancer. Breast surgery may also result in sore, achy muscles, and massage is the optimum way to promote natural healing. Take time to treat yourself. You deserve it!
Benefits of Massage
- Provides relaxation
- Reconnects a woman with her entire body
- Alleviates post-operative discomfort
- Eases sore, tight neck, shoulder and back muscles
- Prevents and reduces scare tissue
- Increases range of motion and mobility of the shoulder
- Boosts immune system
- Maintains a sense of well-being
Call 630-655-9907 today to schedule your 30 minute complimentary session.
This complimentary massage is available to you because Hands With Heart and Adventist Hinsdale Hospital Outpatient Imaging Center have partnered to establish the Hinsdale Hospital Breast Cancer Education and Outreach Fund. Hands With Heart is located inside DuPage Imaging at 908 N. Elm Street, Suite 404 in Hinsdale, IL.
Visit http://ckhandswithheart.com/ for more information.
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Massage therapy is safe for the majority of breast cancer patients, but there are few incidences where participation is not advised. You should always get cleared with your physician before setting up an appointment.
April 13, 2011
Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients
Nutritional therapy can prove a formidable ally during cancer and cancer treatment. Below is a list of tips to consider.
Mood
- Eat when you are hungry. Don’t let time of day dictate your meal pattern.
- If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, speak with your physician. Mental health plays a role in dietary intake.
- Enjoy meals and snacks with friends or family. Minimize eating alone.
- Eliminate or reduce stressors in the environment. Play music, get plenty of natural light, meditate or sing.
Boost Intake
- Eat nutrient-dense foods first so you don’t get full too quickly on other things.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and don’t fill up on liquids.
- Keep indulgent foods on hand when absolutely nothing else will do.
- Add powdered milk to liquid milk. Sprinkle grated cheese in soups and on veggies.
Lack of Energy
- Ask for assistance with food shopping and meal preparation.
- Eat from disposable plates and use plastic utensils if you don’t feel like washing dishes.
- Try finger foods. String cheese, bananas covered in peanut butter and avocado sandwiches are quick and satisfying.
Taste Aversions
- Try alternate food temperatures.
- If meat does not taste normal, eat other high-protein foods, such as yogurt, custard, eggs, poultry and fish.
- Use plastic eating utensils instead of metal ones.
Low Appetite
- Try a couple bites of food even when you’re not hungry.
- Prescription appetite stimulants are available if necessary.
Nausea
- Take anti-nausea medication as directed.
- Cold or room-temperature foods are often well tolerated.
- Limit greasy, fatty and spicy foods.
- Make sure food preparation areas are properly ventilated. Odors may worsen nausea.
Vomiting
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Keep a cup handy for sipping.
- Choose bland foods and progress from there.
- Do not eat about two hours before or two hours after treatment.
Mouth Sores
- Choose soft textures and moisten solid foods with cheese sauce or gravy.
- Stay away from acidic, spicy and salty items as well as tobacco and alcohol. These are irritating to the mouth.
- Take pain medication before meals or as described by your physician.
Dry Mouth
- Add more fatty liquids, like salad dressing and sauces to coat the mouth.
- Candies and mints help.
- Don’t use alcohol-containing mouthwashes.
- Work with a dentist and your oncologist if dryness persists.
Nutritional consequences of cancer may differ based on where the cancer is located in the body. Some cancers may be contained in a small area while others may affect a major metabolic organ, such as the pancreas or liver. In the latter case, diet would need to be highly specialized under the supervision of a physician and a dietitian/nutritionist.
Be sure to focus on eating a variety of foods to supply your body with adequate nutrition, and worry about fat and carbs when you’re in remission. Preventing weight loss will help keep you going strong.
March 30, 2011
Insomnia and Cancer
Insomnia can come in many forms; difficulty falling asleep, waking up multiple times during the night, or waking up early and not being able to fall back asleep. This disturbance in your sleep cycle can lead to daytime fatigue, concentration problems, memory problems and mood disturbances.
Insomnia is often a common problem for cancer patients. Causes and factors that contribute to insomnia include certain medications, hospitalization, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, pain, nausea and vomiting, depression and anxiety, and hot flashes.
Talk to your physician about what factors may be causing your insomnia, treatment for the symptoms that are disturbing your sleep cycle, and possible medications or psychological solutions that may be of help.
Here are a few sleeping tips you can try on your own that may reduce your insomnia:
- Use the bed only for sleeping- do not watch television, eat or read in bed- this will train your mind to associate the bed with sleeping
- Do not stimulate your mind with work or other activities too close to bedtime- give your mind some time to shut down and prepare for sleep
- Develop a pre-bedtime ritual that relaxes you- deep breathing exercises, stretches, meditation, prayer
- Encourage your body to rest by taking a warm bath or drinking a warm glass of milk or chamomile tea before climbing into bed
- Keep your sleeping space dark, cool, comfortable and quiet
- Establish a regular sleeping cycle and go to bed only when tired
- If you are unable to fall asleep, or go back to sleep within 20 minutes, get up and leave the bedroom until you feel sleepy again
- If napping is necessary- limit to 30 minutes and try to keep the nap before 3 pm
- Exercise regularly a few days a week- this can encourage better sleep
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol for 4 to 6 hours before bedtime- alcohol may make you tired initially, but can cause disturbances in your sleep cycle that can wake you up during the night
- Avoid heavy or spicy meals before bedtime
If these techniques give you no relief, talk to your doctor about your options.
Visit the Hinsdale Hematology Oncology Website for more information on insomnia and some other helpful tips to try out.
(Information adapted from: oncolink.org)
March 16, 2011
Journaling for Health
Journaling can be a valuable therapeutic tool for patients with a variety of medical problems. Expressing your fears, hopes, feelings, and experiences daily can be good for your health. There have been numerous studies conducted on the effects of journaling, outlining the physical and psychological benefits.
The Cancer.net article “Finding Comfort Through Journaling,” provides information on how cancer patients can benefit from expressive writing.
Here are a few reasons to keep a journal:
- Translating your stream of consciousness into writing frees your mind and lets you focus on other things.
- Writing down experiences allows you to look back and see how far you have come on your journey.
- Writing things out helps to clarify your thoughts. Your journal can help you prepare for conversations with various doctors.
- Journaling may provide a distraction from fatigue and other physical symptoms from treatment.
- Writing is a way to share you innermost thoughts when no one is available to confide in.
The Strike at Cancer Foundation offers these tips on how to journal:
- Find a quiet place without interruptions so you can give your full attention to expressing your feelings.
- Try to write without worrying about grammar, spelling and punctuation. Just let your thoughts flow freely out onto the page.
- If you find it difficult to start writing, start by asking yourself a few questions like – What is my biggest fear today? – What I am excited about today? – What did I wake up feeling?
- Be honest in your writing. Your journal is sacred and can be used to express your fears and deepest secrets.
- Journal in the morning so your thoughts do not own your day, journal at night to release your mind before going to bed, or journal whenever the mood strikes.
Getting started is simple. All you need is a pen and some paper or a computer to start an online journal. Whatever method you chose, try to write down your thoughts and feelings and not just a list of events. Tapping into your emotions and expressing them is the key to journaling and provides the greatest benefits.
Source: Cancer.net. (August 2009). Finding Comfort Through Journaling. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Feature+Articles/Quality+of+Life/Finding+Comfort+Through+Journaling
February 10, 2011
Managing Dry Skin from Chemo
Chemotherapy can cause dryness to the skin, and winter weather can add to the irritation. It is important to protect your skin from the cold and wind, and treat your skin with moisturizing lotions.
Here are some tips on preventing and managing dry skin:
- Since dry skin can be caused by dehydration, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Begin to use a moisturizing lotion twice a day to prevent rough, flaky, tight and itchy skin. Suggestions include Eucerin Cream, Vitamin E Cream, or Alpha Keri Lotion. Bath oils can be applied to wet skin after bathing, or lotions can be applied after patting dry.
- Dry and windy conditions can aggravate the skin. If it is necessary to go out in the extreme cold, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands and a scarf to protect your face. In the summer, be sure to use a sun screen (at least SPF 15) and wear protective clothing.
- Avoid cosmetics, soaps and moisturizers containing perfume or scents. The chemicals in them can worsen already dry skin, so use products labeled non perfume, non allergen, or “for sensitive skin.” Use a laundry detergent that is unscented or allergen free to avoid irritation against your skin.
- Protect your hands with rubber gloves when doing household chores like washing dishes and gardening. You will be blocking the chemicals in the cleansers/products that can cause dry skin.
- Vaseline or other lotions may be applied to the skin around nailbeds. If skin or nailbed problems arise, coat hands with Vaseline and wear cotton gloves to bed.
- If skin becomes extremely dry and painful, or you develop a rash, please contact your healthcare provider. Ask you nurse if you have any questions on suitable products for your skin reactions.
January 20, 2011
Peripheral Neuropathy
Patient Guide to Peripheral Neuropathy
(Numbness, tingling, ‘pins and needles’)
Peripheral neuropathy is a side effect that sometimes occurs as a result of cancer treatment. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on the type of nerves that are damaged. Sensory nerves are usually the ones affected. Common symptoms caused by sensory nerve damage are tingling, ‘pins and needles,’ and cold or electric shocks. These symptoms usually occur in the hands and feet.
How to Manage Peripheral Neuropathy
Because of sensory loss, you will depend more on visual cues from your environment. The following suggestions will help you make your environment safer and reduce the chance of injury.
Lights
- Your rooms should be well lit so you don’t fall.
- Light switches or lamps should be at the door entrances. The light switch should be visible to you and easy to turn on with your fingers.
- Turn on lights before you enter a room.
- The room should be bright enough for you to see all the areas where you walk or do activities.
- All stairways inside and outside of your home should have the lights on before you walk on them.
- Keep a night-light in your room and along the path you walk during the night.
Stairs
- Cover stairs with a non-slip surface.
- Clear stairways and hallways of objects, such as small area rugs, toys and clutter.
Floors
- Floors should have non-glare and non-skid surfaces.
- Remove all area rugs or, if needed, be sure they have non-slip backing.
Bathrooms
- Bathtub or sink area rugs should have non-slip backing,
- Use portable over-the-tub handgrips or install shower grips.
- Use a non-breakable water thermometer to check that your bath water temperature is below 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use adaptable nail clippers to cut your nails. These may be purchased at a health supply store.
Kitchens
- Use rubber gloves to wash dishes.
- Use a non-breakable water thermometer before you wash dishes so you do not harm your skin with water warmer than 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use lightweight, non-breakable glasses, utensils and plates.
General Safety Tips
- You may purchase special equipment at health supply stores to assist you with activities of daily living. Examples of equipment you may find useful are: zipper pulls, buttoners, molded sock aids, elastic shoelaces, cuff and collar extenders and lightweight dressing sticks to put on garments without bending.
- Special pens, pencils and utensils can help you hold the objects more easily.
- Wear shoes that go over the instep of your feet.
- Wear gloves and warm socks in the cold weather.
- Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe for you to drive based on you specific symptoms.
Exercise
- Walking is good exercise for your health and helps keep your muscles flexible.
- If you exercise in a gym, inform the instructor that you have peripheral neuropathy and get instructions on the use of safe equipment that may help you keep your muscle tone.
Referrals
- There are many professionals, agencies and resources available.
- Your physical therapists can help with exercise programs and devices to assist you.
- Occupational therapists may help you find adaptive devices for work or home.
- Your ability to drive may need to be evaluated by a rehabilitation specialist.
- You may wish to have a podiatrist care for your feet.
- Finally, the Neuropathy Association can provide general information and support groups. They can be reached at 1-800-247-6968, or you can visit their website at www.neuropathy.org.
October 27, 2010
Hot Flashes during Cancer Treatment: Remedies
A Hot flash is described as a sudden, temporary onset of body warmth, flushing and sweating. Hot flashes associated with menopause can be treated with estrogen replacement therapy. Many breast cancer and prostate cancer patients experience night sweats and hot flashes, but cannot take certain hormone replacement therapies because they can make some cancers grow and can even increase the risk of breast cancer. Patients should also be cautious of using plant-based and natural remedies, because the effects these products have on certain cancers is unknown.
There are things you can do to better control your body temperature:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Keep air circulating with a fan and open windows
- Learn deep breathing relaxation techniques
Source: National Cancer Institute. (2010). Fevers, Sweats, and Hot Flashes. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/fever/Patient
Hot flashes and sweats may be most prevalent at nighttime and can be frustrating when trying to sleep. There are new products on the market to alleviate overheating at bedtime.
Cool-jams
Cool-jams are pajamas made using moisture wicking smart fabrics. Cool-jams dry 3x faster than cotton fabrics and push moisture to the outside of the fabric so your skin never feels wet. When you are feeling hot, they cool and balance your body temperature, and they even keep you warm when feeling cold.
Pajama sets run around $55-$65.
Outlast Bedding
http://outlastsleepsystem.com/
Outlast bedding technology absorbs, stores and releases excess body heat within your bed. It reduces overheating and balances the temperature under the covers. Products made with Outlast include:
- Mattresses
- Mattress pads
- Sheets
- Cooling blankets
- Pillows
- Pillow Cases
For more information or to find a retailer:
customerservice@outlast.com
1.888.OUTLAST
Or you can visit, www.drinights.com, an online retailer.
October 7, 2010
What to Expect during Chemo
Dr. Patricia Madej highlights advances in chemotherapy in the following article from keepingchicagowell.com.
Chemo 101: What to Expect
When you think of chemotherapy, do you picture someone losing their hair, becoming weak and just looking sick? Although chemo can have these side effects, Patricia Madej, MD, a medical oncologist with Adventist Bolingbrook and Adventist Hinsdale Hospitals, says medicine to treat cancer has moved beyond these stereotypes.
“Very few of us are driving the same car we did in the 1980s – things change and improve,” Dr. Madej says. “The same holds true with chemotherapy. When it comes to managing unpleasant side effects, we’ve made remarkable strides over the last several years.”
Chemo 101
When it comes to treating cancer, patients have a lot of options – including surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. “Simply said, chemotherapy is any drug used to stop cancer cells from growing,” Dr. Madej says. Up to 70 percent of patients who are diagnosed with cancer are candidates for chemotherapy, which can be used to:
- Prevent cancer cells from returning. Although the goal of surgery is to remove all the cancer, chemotherapy may decrease the chance of recurrence.
- Shrink tumors. A woman may need a mastectomy, but if she has chemotherapy, it may shrink the tumor enough to where she can have a lumpectomy instead.
- Treat patients who have relapsed. If cancer was removed successfully but then returns, chemotherapy is often the next line of defense.
Although chemotherapy is most often given intravenously, the amount and duration depends on the individual, the cancer stage and the specific chemotherapy drug.
Managing side effects
According to Dr. Madej, tumor cells are some of the fastest growing cells in the body. Chemotherapy works by stopping your body’s most active cells from dividing. Unfortunately, this isn’t always limited to cancer cells. Hair follicles and blood cells are also some of the fastest growing cells in our bodies, which is why chemotherapy can cause hair loss, low blood counts and fatigue. Other possible side effects can include nausea, loss of or increased appetite and pain.
Oftentimes, patients can take certain medications prior to chemotherapy treatment to help prevent nausea, for example. Oncologists also recommend patients eat light foods, get enough sleep and exercise during their treatment to help control side effects.
At Adventist Midwest Health, all cancer patients can find a multidisciplinary team dedicated to helping them through treatment. “We’re big on support and education to aggressively prevent and decrease side effects,” Dr. Madej says.
The future of chemo
Controlling side effects isn’t the only way chemotherapy is improving. According to Dr. Madej, researchers are now working on more precise treatments. “In targeted therapy, drugs would only attack cancer cells,” she says. “We’re also looking at the tumor’s DNA to determine how aggressive its cells are. Based on that information, we can use treatments to destroy cancer in the most effective way. This is a very exciting time for cancer treatment.”
Patients who receive cancer treatment at Adventist Midwest Health receive physical and emotional support. “From clinical trials to support groups, we help patients through one of the most challenging and difficult times in their lives,” Dr. Madej says.
Source: Keeping Chicago Well. October 2010. Chemo 101: What to Expect. Retrived from: http://keepingchicagowell.com/articles/chemo-101-what-expect
April 29, 2010
Spring and Summer Chemotherapy Tips
There are certain side effects from chemotherapy that come along with the Spring and Summer months. Take a look at these tips and learn how to enjoy the warm weather while caring for your body.
Skin
Summertime brings warm weather, water and sun. All these components are very harsh on the skin, which is our number one protection against infection. We need to keep it healthy and intact so that it can continue this function. It is important to use daily moisturizing skin lotion. It is especially helpful if this can be done after a shower or bath to “lock in” the moisture. Any over-the-counter moisturizer is effective as long as it is applied regularly. Our face and hands are affected the most. While on intravenous and oral chemotherapy, your skin is more sensitive to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. This means you will burn more easily in a shorter period of time. Radiation therapy puts you at greater risk for burns in any areas that have been irradiated. Apply SPF 15-45 for any sun exposure. Be extra careful on those areas that may be forgotten such as neck, scalp, ears and tops of feet.
Infection
Patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy or radiation are more susceptible to infection. Thus you need to adjust some of your summertime activities. Bacteria thrive in soil and plants. You need to take extra precaution when gardening by wearing gloves. Gloves help to keep the dirt away from our skin and prevent bacteria from entering our bodies through small cuts or abrasions. It is important to wash your hands after gardening.
It is also the time for mosquitoes, bees and spiders to bite, which can cause infections, especially for patients with a mastectomy and lymph node dissection. If you do experience a bite or cut during the summer and the area becomes red, tender or warm, please call the office and speak to a nurse.
Dehydration
Dehydration caused by chemotherapy is increased even more during summer months. Therefore, it is imperative that fluids are increased. Carry a water bottle. Keep a variety of cold beverages, popsicles and fresh fruits available as a tasty reminder to increase your fluids. Signs of dehydration are dry mouth, dizziness, light-headedness, heart palpitation and weakness. If you feel you have become dehydrated, slowly start drinking fluids or call the office for further instructions.
Dyspnea
Dyspnea is defined as labored or difficult breathing. The increased heat and humidity of summer cause your lungs and heart to work harder and you may find yourself short of breath, light headed and more fatigued. This does not mean you cannot go outside. What this does mean is that you need to change the time of day or length of outside activity. If you enjoy walking, gardening, golfing, swimming or other outdoor activities, you may need to do these activities in the early morning when the heat and humidity are less. Remember to bring a water or sports drink bottle on your outing. If, at any time, you do have dyspnea please immediately go inside, preferably to an air-conditioned space, and rest. If the symptoms do not resolve within ten minutes or you experience chest pain, please call the office or go to the closet Emergency Department.
February 24, 2010
Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
Nutrition plays a big part in your cancer treatment. Eating the right foods can help you feel better, and eating the wrong foods can make you feel worse. Whatever eating habits you decide to follow, be sure to focus on eating a variety of foods to supply your body with adequate nutrition. Eating well will help prevent unintentional weight loss due to increased metabolism and decreased appetite – and will help keep you going strong!When going through chemotherapy:
- Do not skip meals the day of treatment
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals (5-6 per day)
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about any nutritional concerns or seek the advice of a dietitian/nutritionist
- Consider purchasing a cook book geared toward patients undergoing treatment
For further information on eating well during treatment, visit the Nursing Tips section of our website.
Eating Well Through Cancer is a great tool to have during and after treatment. Written by Holly Clegg & Gerald Miletello, M.D., the book is designed to show what kinds of foods can help ease the side effects of chemotherapy. All of the recipes are cross referenced to show which are good for neutropenia, diarrhea, constipation, sore mouth or throat, as well as which can be eaten on the day of therapy, which are high calorie-high protein, etc. The book can be purchased on Holly’s website.
For a little taste of what the book is all about, here is the recipe for Blueberry Pancakes:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (thawed)
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg whites, sugar, and oil. In another mixing bowl, combine together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the flour mixture to the buttermilk mixture, blending well. Stir the blueberries in gently. Coat a nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Pour the batter in ¼ – cup portions onto the skillet and cook until brown on both sides and firm to touch, about 3 minutes per side.
This recipe is good for:
- The day of chemotherapy
- Constipation
- Snacks and light meals
- Caregivers
- Healthy eating post treatment
All recipes provide nutritional information and notes from Dr. Miletello. For example, this recipe suggests substituting vanilla nutritional energy drink supplement for the buttermilk.
(Credit: Eating Well Through Cancer, Holly Clegg & Gerald Miletello, M.D, 2001, 2006 pg, 23)
