Relieving the Side Effects of Chemo for Ovarian Cancer Patients

The type and extent of chemo-related side effects varies from person to person. Fortunately, providers are now able to reduce many of the side effects that affect most ovarian cancer patients so their treatment can go as smoothly as possible.

For instance, "we know chemotherapy associated fatigue is mitigated by physical activity," says Dr. Irina Dimitrova, gynecologic oncologist at Henry Ford Health System, in Detroit. "There have been studies comparing patients who maintained their usual physical activity with patients who were asked to walk at least a mile a day. And the severity of fatigue was significantly less in patients who were physically active. Physical exercise is the only solution."

It sounds counterintuitive, right? The more you rest, the worse the fatigue gets. "But it's not the same fatigue you get from running a marathon," Dimitrova says. "You can rest from the marathon, but if you rest from your chemo, the next day your fatigue is going to be even worse."

Two typical chemo side effects are nausea and vomiting, and Dimitrova says that they treat it in several ways. "Initially, prior to starting chemotherapy, we administer antiemetics (anti-nausea medicines) intravenously to the patient in the infusion center. The patient then goes home with prescriptions that they take around the clock for two to four days after chemotherapy." They also have additional medications that they’ll take as needed. "We give them instructions on when to take them, and how to take them safely throughout the entire cycle."

When it comes to hair loss, Dimitrova says, "people have studied some methods to prevent it, however according to the data, most have not proven effect. But there are programs like the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better that teach women how to apply makeup, how to manage scarves and wigs so they can look and feel their best.

If you're experiencing any side effects during your treatment, make sure to let your medical team know. It's a good idea to keep a detailed journal of your symptoms and bring it with you to medical appointments. Some of the things you may want to write down in your journal include:
• The date and time a side effect occurs
• How long it lasts
• How strong it isfor example, if you experience pain, how strong is it on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least amount of pain and 10 the most intense
• How your daily activities are affecteddid any side effect of your medication keep you from sleeping, eating, walking, working or exercising?
• Any other questions or concerns that come up between appointments

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