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 world of modern medicine, innovative therapies continuously emerge, offering new opportunities for healing and wellness. One such up and coming approach is Cryotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the power of extreme cold to promote healing and reduce symptoms. In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of Cryotherapy, particularly in the context of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and arthritis, shedding light on its benefits and applications.
Understanding Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, derived from the Greek words "cryo" meaning cold and "therapy," involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures for therapeutic purposes. This can be achieved through various methods, including whole-body cryotherapy chambers, localised cryotherapy devices, or even ice-cold gloves and socks.
Cryotherapy in Cancer Care
For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, cryotherapy holds assurance as a supportive therapy. Cryotherapy may help alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a common side effect characterised by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. Ice-cold gloves and socks offer targeted relief by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation in the affected areas, providing much-needed comfort to cancer patients during treatment.
Managing Diabetes with Cryotherapy
Diabetes, a chronic condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, often leads to complications such as diabetic neuropathy and foot ulcers. Cryotherapy, particularly localised cryotherapy applications, has shown potential in managing diabetic neuropathy by numbing nerve endings and reducing pain perception. Additionally, cryotherapy may aid in wound healing, potentially minimising the risk of diabetic foot ulcers and related complications.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
Arthritis, a condition characterised by joint inflammation and pain, can significantly impact quality of life. Cryotherapy offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing arthritic symptoms. By applying cold therapy directly to inflamed joints, cryotherapy can help to reduce swelling, numb nerve endings, and alleviate pain. Ice-cold gloves and socks provide convenient and targeted relief, allowing individuals with arthritis to experience improved mobility and comfort.
The Science Behind Cryotherapy
The therapeutic effects of cryotherapy stem from its ability to induce vasoconstriction, decrease tissue metabolism, and modulate inflammatory responses. By exposing the body to extreme cold, cryotherapy triggers a cascade of physiological responses that promote healing, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being. Research continues to explore the potential applications of cryotherapy across various medical conditions, paving the way for new treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.
Embracing Cryotherapy for Wellness
Beyond medical applications, cryotherapy has gained popularity as a wellness treatment, offering benefits such as improved athletic performance, enhanced recovery, and stress reduction. Whole-body cryotherapy chambers provide a refreshing and invigorating experience, stimulating the release of endorphins and promoting a sense of well-being. Whether seeking relief from chronic pain or simply aiming to optimise health and vitality, cryotherapy offers a versatile and effective solution.
In the realm of modern medicine, cryotherapy presents as a powerful tool for promoting healing, managing symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being. From cancer care to diabetes management and arthritis relief, cryotherapy offers hope and relief to individuals facing various health challenges. As research continues to uncover its potential benefits, cryotherapy stands ready to revolutionise healthcare, offering new pathways to healing and wellness.
In the realm of modern medicine, cryotherapy emerges as a powerful tool for promoting healing, managing symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being. From cancer care to diabetes management and arthritis relief, cryotherapy offers hope and relief to individuals facing various health challenges.
Experience the Power of Cryotherapy with Aurora Direct
Discover the transformative benefits of cryotherapy with Aurora Direct's ice-cold therapy range. Crafted with quality materials, our products such as ice-cold gloves and socks, provide convenient and effective solutions for targeted relief and enhanced well-being.
Why Choose Aurora Direct?
At Aurora Direct, we prioritise your health and wellness journey. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalised care and innovative treatments to help you thrive.
Explore Our Ice-Cold Therapy Range Today
Visit our website to explore Aurora Direct's ice-cold therapy range and experience the transformative benefits of cryotherapy for yourself. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you with Aurora Direct.
To learn more about the benefits of cryotherapy, contact Aurora Direct today. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalised care and innovative treatments to help you thrive throughout your treatment journey.
We know that diet and digestion may not be at the forefront of your mind when you are navigating through the journey of cancer treatment. However, many patients and survivors experience digestive concerns during and after treatment of many different types of cancer.
Here we will offer nutrition and food advice and tips to manage digestive side effects relating to cancer or cancer treatment. These side effects will range from person to person but often include diarrhoea, bloating and constipation, ranging in degree from mild to severe.
During cancer treatments, radiation and/or chemotherapy are often used to decrease the size of a tumour and to reduce the spread of cancerous cells in the body. Unfortunately, these treatments can negatively impact on the body’s healthy cells. This includes cells that are in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and stomach. Harming these health cells in the digestive areas of the body can cause symptoms of dehydration, diarrhoea, and reduced absorption of nutrients.
When this occurs, it can be beneficial to consume amino acids to support your body in absorbing essential electrolytes and nutrients to protect your digestive health. Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to make proteins. These amino acids and proteins are building blocks of life as they help build and support the function of healthy cells in your body. Consuming amino acids during this time can support your gastrointestinal tract’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. enterade® Advanced Oncology Formula is the only amino acid based, glucose free medical food specially created for the dietary management of side effects of cancer treatment. This unique formula provides amino acids and electrolytes to restore and shield the gastrointestinal tract to keep your body hydrated during cancer treatment.
Many people experience constipation due to dehydration during cancer treatment. To combat constipation during this time, it is important to stick to 3 simple rules. Firstly, try to include 30 minutes of physical activity into each day. Second, drink 8 cups of water or fluids throughout the day. And lastly, increase your fibre intake to approximately 25-35 grams. However, it is not uncommon during this time to experience poor appetite and fatigue during your treatment. If it is difficult for you to eat and move your body during this time, try:
Taking a short 10-minute walk before eating
Sipping hot beverages like a decaffeinated tea around the time you would normally have a bowel movement
Increasing your consumption of fluids by eating frozen fruits, sucking on ice chips or by having soup with your meals
We understand that it may be uncomfortable to discuss your bowel movements and habits with your team of healthcare professionals. Although, it is common to experience diarrhoea during cancer treatment. Diarrhoea can deplete the body of important nutrients and fluids needed to maintain a healthy gut. The number one way to reduce diarrhoea during this time is by avoiding digestive stimulants like caffeine, peppermint, and ginger. Also, it can be helpful to increase your intake of low fibre foods like leafy greens, grains, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). It may also be beneficial to consume beverages between meals rather than with your meal.
There are many ways to give yourself the best fighting change of good gut health during and after cancer treatment. If you have not yet started on your cancer treatment journey, it can be valuable to start optimising your gut health now before cancer treatment begins. This can be accomplished through diet and exercise. Regular exercise can reduce inflammation and stress in the body whilst also keeping you fit and strong. While a balanced diet of whole foods, rich fibre and probiotics can promote good gut function.
If you would like more information on your gut health during and after cancer treatment, seek support from qualified dieticians and your healthcare team.
Link to enterade
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