It is difficult to put into words the fear and shock we feel when we are diagnosed with breast cancer. But the most important thing we need to understand first is that with today's advanced treatments , this disease can be almost completely cured if detected early. Often, the treatment for it has a greater impact on our lives than the disease itself. But don't worry, let's talk about all this and educate ourselves.
Fatigue
This is a very common symptom of breast cancer and its treatment. Doctors call it ``fatigue.'' Simply put, this is not normal fatigue. It is a feeling of extreme tiredness that persists despite sleep and rest. Sometimes this fatigue can persist for months, even years, after treatment has ended.
But there are things you can do to reduce this fatigue:
- Eat a good , balanced diet .
- Try to maintain your ideal body weight .
- Sleep as well as possible.
- Engage in light exercise as much as possible. Even a short walk is very beneficial.
What happens to the hair and skin?
Chemotherapy is a major treatment for breast cancer. This treatment can cause hair loss not only on the head but also on other parts of the body. The skin can also become dry, itchy, and flaky. If you have radiation therapy, the skin around the treatment area may look like it has been sunburned.
These changes can make you feel disappointed and sad about yourself. This is very normal. Therefore, it is very important to talk about this with your family and close friends in advance. If necessary, talking to a mental health counselor will also be a great relief.
The good news is that once treatment is over, your skin will return to normal and your hair will grow back. The new hair may look a little different than before.
Swelling of the limbs (Lymphedema)
Sometimes, during surgery, the lymph nodes in the armpit on the side of the breast where the cancer is located have to be removed. This can cause the lymph fluid to flow more slowly, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain in the arms, chest, and abdomen. This condition is called lymphedema. These symptoms can be largely controlled with the help of a physiotherapist.
Also, some chemotherapy drugs can cause fluid retention in the body and swelling in the limbs. Physical therapy can help with this as well.
Pain in bones and joints
Some hormone treatments for breast cancer, especially those in the class of drugs called Aromatase Inhibitors (such as anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole), can weaken bones. This can cause pain in the bones and joints.
Additionally, some types of chemotherapy can cause bone thinning. If you haven't already gone through menopause, these treatments may cause it to happen earlier.
If the cancer spreads to the bones, it can also cause pain. In such cases, talk to your doctor about specific radiation treatments and pain medications.
| Treatment method | Possible effects on the body |
|---|---|
| Surgery | Scarring, changes in breast shape, swelling (Lymphedema). |
| Chemotherapy | Hair loss, skin changes, fatigue, nausea, bone weakness. |
| Radiation therapy | Burning sensation at the treatment site, fatigue. |
| Hormone Therapy | Bone weakness, joint pain, hot flashes. |
Post-surgical scars and sex life
After surgery, the tissue around the incisions can thicken and scar tissue can form. The shape of the breast can also change. Scars after surgeries like lumpectomy may fade over time, but they do not go away completely.
It takes time to come to terms with these changes. Talking openly with your partner about this, allowing them to look at and touch those scars, is very important for the relationship. If these physical changes are affecting your sex life, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor or mental health counselor about it.
It is common to experience a decrease in sexual desire due to the fatigue, pain, and stress of treatment. Chemo and hormone treatments can also reduce your ability to get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about this and get the necessary advice.
Cancer spread and other effects
Sometimes, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system. We call this ``metastasis.'' This can spread to organs like the brain, bones, liver, and lungs.
Less common side effects of treatment
- Radiation therapy: Very rarely, this can cause scarring of the lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis). Symptoms may include a dry cough and difficulty breathing.
- Chemotherapy: Some drugs can cause heart problems, especially if you have pre-existing heart disease. They can also cause hot flashes, irregular menstrual cycles, foggy thinking, nausea, diarrhea, numbness in the limbs, and weight gain.
- Hormone Therapy: These can cause osteoporosis. The drug tamoxifen can rarely increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and uterine cancer.
The important thing is that not everyone responds to treatment in the same way. It's important to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience, no matter how minor. They can help you manage your symptoms as quickly as possible.
Take-Home Message
- Early detection and proper treatment of breast cancer can yield very good results.
- Many of the changes and discomforts experienced by the body are caused by the treatment rather than the disease itself. Most of these are temporary.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any physical or mental discomfort you are experiencing. Don't hide anything.
- Mental health is as important as physical health on this journey. Seek counseling if necessary.
- You are not alone. Your family, friends, and medical team are there to help you.
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