Tag Archives: Living With Cancer

Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

Managing Eating Issues from Cancer Treatment

Regardless of where a tumor is located, cancer treatment often interferes with a patient’s appetite and digestion to one degree or another. Here’s a look at the more common eating issues caused by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, along with tips for relieving them.

Loss of Appetite

At a time when your body needs nourishment more than ever, you may find that you lack the desire to eat. This can result from pain, nausea or loss of taste and smell.

*Instead of eating three conventional meals, try grazing on small amounts.

*Get the most nutritional bang for your buck by focusing on peanut butter, cheese, canned tuna and other high-calorie, high-protein items.

Nausea 

A queasy stomach, accompanied by vomiting, is a well-known side effect of cancer treatment. In addition to interfering with nutrition, frequent vomiting may lead to dehydration.

*Avoid foods that are spicy, excessively sweet, fried or high in fat content.

*Get in the habit of sipping liquids throughout the day. Good choices include clear liquids such as tea, broth and ginger ale.

*Talk to your medical team about anti-nausea medication options.

Constipation

Changes in diet, lack of fluids and reduced physical activity can make it difficult to have regular bowel movements. Due to the discomfort, you are even less likely to eat well or move around.

*Add high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads and fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, to your daily diet. Be sure to discuss this plan with your medical team.

*Drink more fluids. Don’t use straws, as this can exacerbate the problem by causing gas.

Non-Toxic Cancer Treatment from Issels®

Our personalized immunotherapy programs allow patients to avoid many of the side effects caused by conventional treatments, so all their energies can be directed toward fighting cancer. Contact us for more information.

 

Cancer Caregivers, Uncategorized

Four Real World Cancer Patient Support Tips

When a loved one is going through cancer treatment, they’ll need support from friends and family. Knowing how to help them can be tough to do, especially if you’ve never been in this situation before. The following tips can give you some ideas on how to support cancer patients.

Offer to Do Errands

Some types of treatments, such as chemotherapy, can take a toll on your loved one’s energy levels. They might find it difficult to take care of errands, especially if they involve leaving their home and going out and about. Offer to handle grocery shopping, do loads of laundry, or run other errands for your loved one. These simple gestures can go a long way toward easing their stress.

Go to Appointments with Your Loved One

Some treatment approaches can cause brain fog or other cognitive problems for your loved one. This can make it harder for them to process information and make decisions during cancer care appointments. Offer to go with your loved one to these appointments and take notes for them.

Prepare a Bunch of Meals

Eating well is important for people who are being treated for cancer. However, cooking can be difficult to do when they have low energy levels and a poor appetite. Prepare nutritious meals for your loved one ahead of time, so they’ll have plenty to eat without having to do any cooking.

Spend Quality Time with Your Loved One

Helping someone with cancer involves more than handling practical tasks. Spend time talking with your loved one, watching movies together, or doing other activities they enjoy.

If you’re exploring cancer treatment options with your loved one, please contact Issels® for more information on immunotherapy. We can give you more details on this type of treatment approach and our immunotherapy clinics.

Cancer Caregivers, Uncategorized

5 Tips on How to Offer Support to Someone With Cancer

When a friend or family member is coping with a serious illness, it can be difficult to find the right way to communicate. Members of our staff at Issels® share five simple and practical tips to express support for a loved one who is undergoing cancer treatment.

1. Schedule personal visits.

*Be considerate of your friend’s needs. Always call first and don’t take it personally if they can’t see you.

*Begin and end the visit with a hug, handshake or other warm physical contact.

*Visit during “off-hours,” such as weekday mornings, rather than weekends or holidays when others are likely to visit.

2. Call and send notes.

*Return any calls or messages from your friend as soon as possible.

*Frequency is more important than length.

3. Engage in conversation.

*Ask questions to keep the focus on your friend’s thoughts and feelings.

*Discuss sports, books or other topics that bring pleasure to your friend.

*Allow your loved one to express their feelings honestly, without trying to change the tone of the conversation.

4. Handle errands and projects.

*Offer to take over one or more regular errands, such as mowing the lawn, that will help ease the load.

*Don’t forget to ask the caregiver if you can run any errands for them as well.

5. Give gifts.

*Bigger isn’t always better. Choose small gifts that will be immediately useful, and give them often.

*A gift to the caretaker will be equally appreciated by the one who is undergoing cancer treatment.

*If your loved one has financial obstacles, consider seeking donations or organizing fundraisers.

Cancer Treatment for Therapy-Resistant Cases

Immunotherapy at Issels® has an outstanding record of success, even with patients in Stage IV. Contact us to learn more about our state-of-the-art programs that are tailored to a patient’s specific needs.

 

 

Cancer Care Tips, Uncategorized

Clinical Depression – More Serious Than Simple Sadness

Issels® Center for Immuno-Oncology provides state-of-the-art techniques to support and encourage a patient’s immune system to defend against cancer cells. Often times, even though treatment is progressing, cancer patients may experience a feeling of sadness.

The question is if the patient is having random moments of sadness or is clinically depressed. Knowing the difference is important.

Random Moments of Sadness

When you’re feeling sad, it can be for any number of reasons from worry about a health condition to stress of paying medical bills. Being sad doesn’t encompass your feelings for the majority of the time. You’re sad; you work through the issue, find a resolution, talk with friends or family, and continue your normal daily routine. Depression is the exact opposite and a much more serious condition.

Clinical Depression

Studies show that between 15-25 percent of the people who’ve been diagnosed as having cancer are candidates for depression. Some of the signs of depression may seem like sadness but there are differences.

  • Depression is long-term unhappiness
  • Experience excessive tiredness
  • Lack of interest in hobbies and activities
  • Eating routine changes
  • Restless and nervous feelings
  • An obvious change in sleeping habits
  • Lack of concentration
  • Significant change in mental and physical reactions
  • Feeling as if you no longer matter
  • Continued thoughts of the possibility of death
  • Thoughts of suicide

Anti-depressants, exercise, counseling, established routines, and psychotherapy are all ways to deal with depression. If you suffer from any of the listed symptoms, contact your physician to determine a plan of action.

If you need information about the services available at Issels® Center for Immuno-Oncology, contact us by phone or use the online form to submit your request.

Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

Five Diet Tips to Avoid Issues During Conventional Cancer Treatment

When you’re undergoing conventional cancer treatment, your dietary habits and choices can play a significant role in successful therapy. Here are five valuable tips on using your diet to manage side effects and boost your immune system.

5 Tips for Eating During Cancer Treatment

1.  Radiation and chemotherapy often cause loss of appetite and taste. If you find that you’re rarely hungry, try grazing on several small snacks or meals throughout the day. Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create strong flavors.

2. Do you find yourself suffering from nausea? Citrus, ginger and peppermint oil fight digestive queasiness. Ginger tea and ginger chews will settle your stomach without filling you up. Many people find it helpful to suck on a lemon wedge.

3. Bowel habits can cover the spectrum from diarrhea to constipation. Avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water and adding fiber to your diet, whether it’s from supplements or foods like beans and fresh vegetables. Choose beverages like sports drinks, broth and fruit juices that are high in sodium and potassium to combat effects of diarrhea.

4. Vitamins and minerals are natural allies of the immune system. Cancer patients are most commonly deficient in Vitamin D, which also reduces fatigue and supports bone health. Look for milk, yogurt, cereals and other foods fortified with Vitamin D.

5. When your immune system is compromised, it’s important to avoid foods that carry a risk of illness, including sushi and lightly-cooked fish, soft-cooked eggs, unpasteurized dairy products and unwashed produce. You should also stay away from processed and fried foods, which contain high levels of hydrogenated oils that can increase inflammation.

State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment from Issels®

Our immunotherapy treatment programs focus on the body’s internal environment as well as the tumor itself. Contact us to learn more.

 

Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

Can Work and Cancer Treatment Coexist?

If you’re diagnosed with cancer, one of your immediate concerns is how it will affect your everyday life, including your job. Can you continue to work while in treatment, or will you even be able to keep your position?

Can Work and Cancer Treatment Co-Exist?

No matter what form of cancer you have, your particular case is unique so there are no hard and fast rules concerning your job performance. Answers will depend on factors such as your overall health, stage of cancer, and your duties.

Go At Your Own Pace

You may find that you’re able to continue with your regular work schedule during immunotherapy for cancer or other treatments. If your job becomes too much of a strain or your doctor recommends that you cut back, here are some tips to help you manage:

• Change to a part-time schedule

• Work from home either full- or part-time

• Modify your working conditions, such as having a desk closer to the restroom

• Enlist help from your family with household chores so you have more energy for your work responsibilities

You’ll need to coordinate any modifications with your supervisor, so be sure to communicate with him/her regularly. As for co-workers, it’s your choice whom you tell and how much you tell them. You may want to discuss your illness only with your closest and most trusted co-workers.

Immunotherapy for Cancer: Individually Tailored for Your Specific Case

Immunotherapy for cancer includes personalized non-toxic therapies that can reduce the number and severity of side effects. Contact us to learn why Issels® is the leader in comprehensive immunotherapy for cancer protocols.