The goal of pain control is to prevent pain that can be prevented, and to treat pain that cannot be prevented. It is possible that you will not have pain from chemotherapy treatments. But if you do, you can take steps to relieve it.
When you have cancer, it's important to talk about pain management with your healthcare provider. Even if pain can't be prevented, it can often be reduced or controlled. Here's what you need to know.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine to control your symptoms. Or if symptoms persist, you may need fluid replacement intravenously (IV). It is possible to replace these fluids intravenously on an outpatient basis. When you are having chemotherapy, you should not take any over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea without first talking with your healthcare provider.
Imaging—X-rays, CT scans, MRIs—is used to find tumors and other abnormalities, to determine the extent of disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Learn about the different imaging tests used in cancer diagnostics.
The side effects of chemotherapy can include constipation. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help loosen the bowels. If you do not have mouth sores, try warm and hot fluids, including water, to help provide relief from constipation symptoms.
Helpful tips on clear liquids and full liquids that may help you deal with side effects during cancer treatment.
Testing methods vary from lab to lab and may affect the likelihood that the lab will identify a mutation in the gene if 1 is present. Different lab studies have the ability to find different types of mutations. Accuracy will vary, depending on the type of genetic testing method performed.
Detailed information on autosomal recessive genes.
Treatment for cancer, as well as the cancer itself, can affect your sense of taste or smell. You may find that many foods seem to have less taste. Other foods, especially meat or other high-protein foods, may taste bitter or metallic. Read on to learn what you can do about it.
Your backbone, also called the vertebral column, is made up of 33 vertebrae separated by spongy disks.