Guidelines for Coping with Secondary Effects of Endometrial Cancer Therapy
In the journey of living with endometrial cancer, it's crucial to have open and honest discussions with your care team about side effects, treatment options, and concerns. No question is a dumb question when it comes to your health.
Cancer fatigue is a common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiation, affecting up to 90% of people living with cancer. This exhaustion can be debilitating, but there are ways to manage it.
Chemotherapy medications like paclitaxel (Taxol®) can cause hair loss, while treatments such as brachytherapy may lead to vaginal stenosis, a condition where scar tissue makes the vagina narrower and shorter.
Immunotherapy, a treatment option for endometrial cancer, can cause a range of side effects, from mild (like skin rash and fatigue) to severe, affecting different parts of the body. However, these side effects can be managed with steroids and a pause in the immunotherapy.
After treatment, follow-up visits will cover topics related to life after treatment, including side effects experienced after completion and long-term side effects to look out for. Mental health is just as important as physical well-being during and after cancer treatment. It's essential to communicate with your care team about what you're experiencing during treatment to receive recommendations and adjustments to treatments as needed.
Mental health providers, social workers, community resources, support groups, and cancer survivorship support can help manage mental health during and after treatment. Be kind to yourself during cancer treatment, as you will have good and bad days, and it's important to give yourself grace and ask for help when needed.
Palliative care can provide support, comfort, and symptom relief to people living with chronic illnesses like cancer. Possible treatment support options for managing side effects in endometrial cancer patients include careful monitoring during hormone therapy, use of targeted therapies like immunotherapy (e.g., Lenvatinib-Pembrolizumab), chemotherapy to manage advanced stages, and symptomatic treatments tailored to side effects.
Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of all types of treatment for endometrial cancer, and can include vaginal scarring, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and low libido. Pelvic floor therapy, moisturizers, vaginal dilators, therapy, and sex therapy can help manage these issues.
If a hysterectomy is performed, a person will no longer have periods or be able to carry a pregnancy. In some cases, a person may not be able to have biological children without assistance. After a hysterectomy, premature menopause can cause traditional menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and skin and hair changes.
In recent years, chemotherapy side effects have improved with the use of IV and oral medications. Cold-capping may help a person keep more of their hair during chemotherapy.
Remember, communication with your care team is key. By working together, you can navigate the challenges of endometrial cancer and find the best path forward for your health and well-being.
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