Dancing With Fear: Tips and Wisdom from Breast Cancer Survivors
by Leila Peltosaari
USA $14.95, CAN $18.95, 224 pages, trade paperback, 2005 (published by Tikka Books)
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Survivor Tips
Side effects and warning signs
Your doctor will give you a complete list of serious side effects and warning signs that must be reported immediately to your doctor or chemo nurse (such as fever, swelling, bleeding, bruising, pain at chemo injection site, bloody stools or urine, prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, shortness of breath, serious nausea, inability to drink or eat, any sign of infection).
Pay close attention to your body. Keep notes and report anything out of the ordinary to your oncologist. He/she will know the red flags that might signal rare but serious complications that need immediate medical care. Keep regular gynecological checkups. Get a list of potential complications and side effects from your doctor or pharmacist. Some common side effects are similar to the symptoms of menopause. Avoid soy capsules and isoflavone capsules that might interfere with your treatment. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for their recommendation according to the latest research.
Microwavable heatbag
A heatbag gives immediate pain relief during chemo days, recovery, and beyond. Buy one at a pharmacy or make your own version. Sew a long, narrow bag from strong cotton, leaving one end open (a good size is about the length of your lower leg from knee to heel, and the width from your fingertips to wrist). Fill two-thirds of the bag with uncooked rice or other uncooked grain (but not popcorn!), allowing free movement of the grain, and sew securely shut. Heat the bag in a microwave oven for two or three minutes and drape it around your waist. Massage your aching muscles through the grain to radiate the heat all over for instant comfort.
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