Managing cancer treatment side effects requires a comprehensive approach that follows established clinical guidelines while considering individual patient needs. Australian healthcare providers have access to world-class protocols and guidelines that, when combined with appropriate medical products and support, can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life during treatment.
Understanding Cancer Skin Care
Cancer treatment can significantly affect the skin, making proper skin care essential. As patients undergo various treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, the skin often reacts with a range of adverse effects. These can include dryness, sensitivity, rashes, and more severe conditions like radiation dermatitis. Understanding how to manage these effects is crucial not only for comfort but also for maintaining overall skin health and quality of life.
Proper skin care during cancer treatment involves recognising the specific needs of the skin at different stages of therapy. For instance, chemotherapy can cause the skin to become extremely dry and flaky, while radiation therapy might lead to redness and peeling in the treated areas. These conditions require targeted approaches, such as using mild, non-irritating cleansers and rich moisturisers that can soothe and hydrate the skin without causing further irritation.
Additionally, patients may experience increased skin sensitivity, making it essential to avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and other potential irritants. Protective measures, like using sunscreen to guard against UV damage and wearing soft, breathable fabrics to reduce friction, can also play a significant role in skin care during treatment.
Incorporating supportive products specifically designed for cancer patients can further enhance skin care routines. Products like specialised creams for radiation dermatitis or hydration-promoting solutions like enterade® can make a noticeable difference in managing skin health. By addressing these needs proactively, patients can alleviate discomfort and maintain a better quality of life throughout their treatment journey.
Common Skin Issues During Cancer Treatment
Patients undergoing cancer treatment often experience various skin problems, including:
Dryness and Flaking: Common with chemotherapy, dryness can lead to itching and discomfort.Radiation Dermatitis: A side effect of radiation therapy, causing redness, peeling, and irritation.Increased Sensitivity: Treatments can make skin more sensitive to sunlight and everyday products.Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots or patches on the skin due to certain chemotherapy drugs.
Radiation Dermatitis: Causes and Care
Radiation dermatitis occurs when radiation therapy damages the outer layers of the skin. Symptoms can range from mild redness to severe peeling and open sores. Here are some care tips:
Gentle Cleansing: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid irritation.
Moisturising: Apply rich, fragrance-free moisturisers to keep skin hydrated.
Protective Clothing: Wear soft, loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction.
Radiation Relief Creams: Specially formulated creams can help soothe and protect affected areas.
Chemo Skin Effects and How to Manage Them
Chemotherapy can cause various skin issues, including:
Rashes: Some chemo drugs can cause itchy, red rashes.Dryness: Chemo can reduce oil production, leading to very dry skin.Nail Changes: Nails may become brittle or discoloured.
Management Tips
Hydration: Drink plenty of water and use hydrating skin products.Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect sensitive skin.Nail Care: Keep nails trimmed and avoid harsh nail products.
Best Skin Care Products for Cancer Patients
Choosing the right skin care products is crucial. Here are some recommendations:
Gentle Cleansers: Look for mild, soap-free cleansers that won't strip the skin of natural oils.Rich Moisturisers: Use emollient-rich moisturisers to combat dryness and irritation.Radiation Relief Creams: Products specifically designed for radiation dermatitis can provide relief.Fragrance-Free Products: Avoid products with fragrances, as they can irritate sensitive skin.Enterade®: A specially formulated drink that helps manage the side effects of cancer treatment by promoting hydration and supporting digestive health.
Tips for Better Skin Care During Treatment
Here are some practical tips to maintain healthy skin during cancer treatment:
Consistent Routine: Stick to a gentle skin care routine, even on days when you feel tired.Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, opt for lukewarm water instead.Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.Use Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent skin dryness.Pat Dry: After bathing, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it to avoid irritation.Wear Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect sensitive skin from harmful UV rays.
Role of Nutrition in Skin Health
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining skin health. Incorporate these foods into your diet:
Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, they help protect and repair skin.Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds can improve skin elasticity.Hydration: Drinking enough water is essential for overall skin health.Enterade®: This drink can support overall health and hydration, particularly beneficial for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Skin changes during cancer treatment can affect self-esteem and emotional well-being. Seeking support from counsellors or support groups can provide emotional relief and practical advice. Here are some tips:
Counselling and Therapy: Professional counselling can help address emotional stress and provide coping strategies.Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and understanding from others who are going through similar experiences.Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help manage stress and improve emotional well-being.Engaging in Enjoyable Activities: Spending time on hobbies and activities that bring joy can help reduce feelings of fatigue and improve mood.
Managing skin care during cancer treatment involves understanding common issues and using appropriate products and techniques. At Aurora Direct, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, supportive care products that make a difference in your journey.
For more information about our products and personalised recommendations, visit Aurora Direct.
What is Cancer-Related Fatigue?
Cancer-related fatigue is an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that affects cancer patients and survivors, beyond the typical tiredness experienced in daily life. It is persistent, often worsened by physical and mental activity, and does not improve with rest. This type of fatigue can severely impact a patient's ability to perform daily tasks, enjoy activities, and maintain a sense of well-being.
Causes of Cancer-Related Fatigue
Several factors contribute to the development of cancer-related fatigue, including:
Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can deplete energy levels and disrupt normal bodily functions.
Anaemia: A frequent side effect of cancer treatment, anaemia, reduces the number of red blood cells, leading to decreased oxygen transport and increased fatigue.
Emotional stress: The emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and concerns about the future can significantly contribute to fatigue.
Nutritional deficiencies: Side effects from treatment, such as nausea and loss of appetite, can result in insufficient nutrition, which enhances fatigue.
Sleep disturbances: Pain, anxiety, and treatment schedules can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to persistent tiredness.
Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life
Cancer-related fatigue manifests in various ways, including:
Physical symptoms: Persistent tiredness, muscle weakness, and decreased physical stamina.
Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and impaired decision-making abilities.
Emotional symptoms: Increased irritability, mood swings, and feelings of hopelessness or depression.
The impact on daily life can be significant, affecting a patient’s ability to work, maintain social relationships, and engage in hobbies or physical activities. Understanding and addressing these symptoms is crucial for improving quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
Managing Energy Levels
Managing energy levels requires a multifaceted approach tailored to individual needs. Here are some strategies:
Balanced diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps maintain energy levels. Small, frequent meals can be easier to manage and help maintain steady energy.
Regular exercise: Gentle exercises such as walking, stretching, or yoga can boost energy levels and improve overall well-being. Exercise also releases endorphins, which can help reduce feelings of fatigue.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices like meditation and deep breathing can reduce stress and improve energy levels.
Prioritise activities: Focus on essential tasks and delegate or postpone non-essential activities. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also help conserve energy.
Supportive Care Products
At Aurora Direct, we offer a range of supportive care products designed to help manage cancer-related fatigue and enhance the quality of life during treatment. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Chemo Mouthpiece™: This innovative product helps soothe and protect the mouth during chemotherapy, reducing discomfort and promoting better nutrition intake.
Comfortable clothing: Soft, loose-fitting clothing can help reduce discomfort and make rest periods more effective.
Nutritional supplements: Products like protein shakes and meal replacement bars can help ensure adequate nutrition when appetite is low.
One highly recommended product is enterade®, a specially formulated drink that helps manage the side effects of cancer treatment by promoting hydration and supporting digestive health.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Tips for Better Sleep During Chemotherapy
Quality sleep is crucial for managing cancer-related fatigue. Here are some tips to help you sleep better during chemotherapy:
Establish a routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body’s internal clock.
Create a restful environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains or a white noise machine.
Limit screen time: Avoid screens (TV, phone, computer) at least an hour before bedtime as the blue light can interfere with sleep.
Relaxation techniques: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, listening to soft music, or taking a warm bath.
Comfortable bedding: Investing in a good-quality mattress and pillows can make a significant difference in sleep quality.
Role of Nutrition in Managing Fatigue
Nutrition plays a critical role in managing cancer-related fatigue. Here are some dietary tips to help fight fatigue:
Hydration: Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water and other healthy fluids such as enterade®. Dehydration can worsen fatigue.
Balanced meals: Incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet to ensure you get the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Small, frequent meals: Eating smaller meals more frequently can help maintain energy levels and prevent blood sugar dips.
Avoiding heavy meals: Large, heavy meals can cause sluggishness and exacerbate fatigue. Opt for lighter meals that are easier to digest.
Cancer-related fatigue is a challenging side effect, but with the right strategies and supportive care products, it can be managed effectively. At Aurora Direct, we are committed to providing products and resources that help improve the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.
For more information about our products and how they can help you or your loved ones, visit the Aurora Direct website and explore our extensive range of supportive care solutions.
In the battle against cancer, humour can be a powerful ally. Amidst the challenges and uncertainties, maintaining a sense of humour can offer significant benefits. Throughout this blog, we'll uncover why humour is crucial for individuals navigating cancer treatment, exploring its effects on the body and sharing practical ways to incorporate laughter into your treatment journey.
Why Humour Matters
Humour serves as a coping mechanism during the wild journey of cancer treatment. Research suggests that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, effectively alleviating stress and boosting one’s mood. Here are a few ways that humour impacts the body:
Lowering cortisol levels to reduce stress and anxiety.
Increasing pain tolerance and providing temporary relief from discomfort.
Enhancing self-esteem and fostering a positive outlook.
Reducing inflammation and supporting overall well-being.
Promoting heart health and strengthening immunity.
Finding Laughter in the Face of Adversity
Discovering what makes you laugh is key to integrating humour into your cancer journey. Whether it's watching comedy films, reading humorous books, or enjoying light-hearted content, laughter can serve as a beacon of hope in dark times. Some feelgood recommendations include:
"50/50": A comedy film centred around Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who, up to the discovery that he has a tumour growing on his spine, leads the ideal existence. Although Adam, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has a 50% chance of survival, he humorously tries to live a regular life. This movie doesn't sugar-coat having cancer.
"Funny People": A comedy featuring Adam Sandler, who chooses to try his hand at stand-up comedy after receiving a leukaemia diagnosis.
"It's Probably Nothing...": The autobiography of Miki Myers details her battle with breast cancer. She writes from a clever and novel viewpoint about the highs and lows of living with cancer.
"Cancer On $5 A Day": As Robert Schimmel, a rising star in the stand-up comedy scene, learns that he has stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, his entire life falls apart. His memoir of his experience fighting cancer never shows too much of his humorous side.
Embracing Laughter's Healing Touch
Experiment with different forms of humour to find what resonates with you. Whether it's a funny meme, an old joke, or a classic comedy, the impact of laughter on your well-being can be significant. Try and notice how laughter can transform your physical and mental state, providing moments of relief and rejuvenation during the challenges of treatment.
Fostering Connection Through Humour
Share moments of laughter with loved ones, caregivers, or support groups. Humour can strengthen bonds, foster empathy, and create a sense of connection during difficult times. By embracing laughter together, you can navigate the ups and downs of the cancer journey with resilience and hope.
In the face of adversity, humour emerges as a symbol of strength. Embracing laughter not only eases the burden of cancer treatment but can also foster a sense of hope and empowerment. Never forget that a little humour can light up the way ahead during hard times.
For personalised support and compassionate care during your cancer journey, consider reaching out to Aurora Direct. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and assistance to help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and resilience.
A cancer diagnosis can trigger a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from fear and sadness to anger and uncertainty. It is crucial to acknowledge and address these emotional challenges head-on, as they play a significant role in the overall well-being and healing process. At Aurora Direct, we understand the importance of providing support beyond just products. We explore the emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis and offer practical tips, as well as suggest helpful resources and products available at Aurora Direct and elsewhere.
The first step in navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a cancer diagnosis is to acknowledge your feelings. It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, and anxiety. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions and understand that they are a natural response to a challenging situation.
Don't face the emotional challenges alone. Seek emotional support and reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide a listening ear, empathy, and understanding. Professional counselling or therapy can also be beneficial in providing guidance and coping strategies. Aurora Direct offers a range of support books, meditation CDs, and relaxation aids that can help individuals find solace and emotional support.
Practicing self-care is crucial during this emotionally challenging time. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as taking walks in nature, doing yoga or meditation, or indulging in a warm bath with aromatic oils. Use products like scented candles, essential oils, and relaxation aids to promote self-care and provide moments of calm and tranquillity.
Finding healthy outlets for expressing yourself and your emotions can be immensely helpful. Consider writing in a journal or starting a blog to document your thoughts and feelings. Purchase yourself a beautiful journal that can serve as a safe space for reflection and self-expression.
During this difficult journey, finding inspiration and hope can make a significant difference. Surround yourself with positive and uplifting resources, such as inspirational books, motivational quotes, or podcasts. Aurora Direct offers a selection of inspirational books that can provide moments of encouragement and strength. Find a safe space to read and be at peace.
It is also imperative you ‘take a break’ from cancer! While it is essential to address and process your emotions, it is equally important to take breaks from cancer-related thoughts and activities. Engage in hobbies, activities, or entertainment that bring you joy and distract your mind from the challenges at hand. Engage yourself in a range of products that can provide moments of distraction and entertainment, such as puzzles, colouring books, and games.
And finally, you don’t have to go it alone. Connecting with others who have gone through a similar experience can provide a sense of community and understanding. Look for local support groups, online forums, or social media communities where you can share your journey, seek advice, and gain support from individuals who have walked a similar path.
A cancer diagnosis brings forth a whirlwind of emotions that can be challenging to navigate. It is essential to acknowledge these feelings, seek support, and practice self-care throughout the journey.
Aurora Direct is committed to providing not only products but also emotional support and resources to those facing a cancer diagnosis. By offering gut health, cold and heat therapy, skin and hair care, inspirational books and gifts, we aim to empower individuals to cope with the physical and emotional rollercoaster and find moments of solace and inspiration.
Remember, there is support available to help you navigate the emotional challenges and find strength in the face of adversity.
Visit www.auroradirect.com.au to find out more.
Since the early 1900s and for as long as patients have been undergoing chemotherapy, the side effects of this treatment for cancer has been a major concern over the years. While cancer cells are often fast-growing, so are the cells in hair follicles, bone marrow and the digestive system. Chemotherapy targets and kills these fast-growing cells, which in turn cause side effects including hair loss, nausea and vomiting being the most common, along with other more debilitating outcomes.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea is a common side effect and is caused by the drugs used in chemotherapy, which can damage the cells in the body, including the cells in the stomach and intestines. This in turn can lead to inflammation, causing nausea and vomiting. Oncology nurses play a crucial role in helping patients manage their nausea during chemotherapy treatment, by offering various therapeutic alternatives to minimise the symptoms.
Nausea is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, including the type and dose of chemotherapy drugs, the patient's individual sensitivity to the drugs, and the patient's overall health. Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely to cause nausea than others, and certain patients may be more susceptible to the side effects.
One of the most effective ways to relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea is to use anti-nausea medications, also known as antiemetics. These medications work by blocking the action of the chemicals in the brain that cause nausea and vomiting. Oncology nurses who are responsible for administering these medications and ensuring that they are taken correctly, also monitor the patient's response to the medication and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Another way to relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea is to use complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy; and to consume fresh ginger. Working with patients to develop an individualised treatment plan that incorporates these therapies in addition to their traditional treatment, is often an effective solution.
Paying careful attention to your diet during chemotherapy is key and eating small, frequent meals while avoiding foods that are high in fat or spices, can help to significantly reduce nausea. Drinking clear fluids such as water, broths and eating ice chips, can also help to keep you hydrated and prevent nausea.
enterade® is the first plant-based medical food that is clinically proven to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation treatment.
It works with the body’s natural healing systems, using a unique blend of plant based amino acids, to not only repair the damage to those good cells caused by chemotherapy and radiation, but to help protect against any additional damage. Patients using enterade® saw a 91% improvement in nausea, 88% improvement in dehydration and 74% improvement in diarrhoea.*
Constant vomiting can take its toll. It's important to pay attention to your body's needs during chemotherapy and if at any point you start to feel tired or weak, it's important to rest and conserve your energy. If you're feeling anxious or stressed, find ways to relax and reduce stress using techniques such as deep breathing and visualisation.
Talk to your medical team today to find the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs when it comes to helping manage your symptoms. At Aurora Direct, we have a range of supportive care products to help you on your journey, including enterade® for gut health, Follact Restore Healthy Hair for hair growth and our Ice Cold range for peripheral neuropathy.
With the right treatment plan, you can manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life during and after chemotherapy.
*Luque L, Cheuvront SN, Mantz C, Finkelstein SE (2020) Alleviation of Cancer Therapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity using an Amino Acid Medical Food. Food Nutr J 5: 216. DOI: 10.29011/2575-7091.100116
Cancer is a life-altering disease that affects not only the person diagnosed but also their loved ones. Family and friends play a crucial role in providing support and care for a loved one with cancer. Let’s explore some ways you can support a family member or friend after they have been diagnosed with cancer, drawing on tips from oncologists and nurses.
The first and most important thing you can do is to be there for your loved one. This means simply being present and available to listen, talk, and provide emotional support. Showing up and being there, whether it be in person or through phone calls, text messages, or video chats, can make a huge difference. According to an oncologist, the emotional support of loved ones is crucial for the patient's mental well-being and can greatly improve the outcome of treatment.
Another way to support a loved one with cancer is to help them navigate the healthcare system. Cancer treatment can be complex and confusing, and it is common for patients and their families to feel overwhelmed. Offer to help your loved one schedule appointments, fill out paperwork, and understand the treatment options available to them. A nurse recommends keeping a journal or calendar to keep track of appointments, medications, and other important information to make the process less overwhelming.
Another way to support a loved one with cancer is to help them maintain their daily routine. Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally draining, and it is important for patients to maintain a sense of normalcy. Offer to help with household chores, run errands, or even just spend time with them doing something they enjoy. According to an oncologist, maintaining a sense of normalcy can greatly improve the patient's quality of life during treatment.
It is also important to be mindful of the emotional and psychological toll that cancer can take on a person. Cancer patients may experience a wide range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and depression. Be there to listen and provide support, but also know when to seek out professional help if necessary. Encouraging your loved one to talk to a therapist or counsellor, especially if they are experiencing severe emotional distress can also be helpful.
Educate yourself about the disease and treatment options. This will not only help you understand what your loved one is going through but also make you more equipped to provide them with accurate information, resources, and support. I found these two websites very informative; Cancer Council and Cancer Australia.
Cancer can be financially draining, so it's a good idea to offer help in that regard if you can. From offering to pay for treatment, to helping with bills and groceries, or even finding alternative healthcare support or rebates.
It is a heavy load to carry so remember that you also need to take care of yourself. Supporting a loved one with cancer can be emotionally and physically taxing, Self care and setting boundaries to avoid burnout is essential.
So, although your role in supporting your loved one with cancer is a challenging one, it is a rewarding one too.
View Aurora Direct’s Supportive care range, the products provide nutritional support, gut health, wound care and hair care which can improve the recently diagnosed, quality of life.
Visit www.auroradirect.com.au
Chemotherapy is the most common cancer treatment utilised in Australia that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cancer cells in your body. Although chemotherapy is an effective method to treat many different types of cancer, it does carry its own risks and side effects. One of these risks that can occur with cancer or cancer treatment is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). For those who experience CIPN due to chemotherapy drugs, 7 out of 10 people will experience some symptoms one month after treatment while 3 out of 10 people will have ongoing symptoms six months after their treatment commences.*
CIPN can negatively impact or cause damage to the body’s peripheral nerves. These peripheral nerves are located away from the centre of the body, and they are important in carrying sensations or neurological messages to and from the spine and the brain. These messages allow you to control movements and have feeling in different parts of the body such as the feet, hands, arms, and legs. Often when this occurs, a person may experience weakness, numbness, tingling sensations like pins and needles, discomfort and burning. However, peripheral neuropathy can affect people in different ways and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Additionally, these symptoms may start during therapy or after therapy and they may be temporary or permanent. Symptoms often differ depending on the type of chemotherapy drug used.
Research has found that not managing CIPN can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. So, what can you be doing to help prevent and reduce your risk of the cell damage that causes peripheral neuropathy?
Studies suggest that cooling and compression can have a preventative effect on CIPN. A recent study by Michael and his colleagues (2022) (# insert study reference) found that cooling through frozen gloves was highly effective in preventing grade 2 or more CIPN for patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. This study showed that ice gloves and socks during chemotherapy almost halved the risk of grade 2 or higher CIPN. These clinical studies are playing an important role in the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors and helping patients manage this common side effect of Chemotherapy.
Aurora Direct now offers Ice Cold Socks and Gloves for a convenient way to apply icy cool temperatures to your fingers, hands, wrists, ankles, feet, heels, and nail beds for those affected by neuropathy, arthritis, inflammation, localised injury, swelling or soreness. This means that you can conveniently apply cold or if needed heat to peripheral areas of the body that are experiencing these uncomfortable sensations. These products also provide you with a convenient, reusable, flexible gel ice packs that can be fastened to your wrists or worn on the feet before, during or after chemotherapy treatment.
Whether you are just starting or are well into your treatment journey, do not wait until the side effects of chemo become an issue, interrupt your treatment, or become a long-term problem needing ongoing management. These Ice Cold treatment options are an excellent solution to apply icy cold in order to help patients try to address neuropathy symptoms. These Ice Cold Gloves and Socks with bag can be easily taken with you to chemotherapy appointments. Click here to shop the Ice Cold Gloves and Socks today.
Link: https://auroradirect.com.au/collections/ice-cold
