Ovarian Cancer (cont.)
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill
cancer cells. A large machine directs radiation at the body.
Radiation therapy is rarely used in the initial treatment of ovarian cancer,
but it may be used to relieve pain and other problems caused by the disease. The
treatment is given at a hospital or clinic. Each treatment takes only a few
minutes.
Side effects depend mainly on the amount of radiation given and the part of
your body that is treated. Radiation therapy to your abdomen and pelvis may
cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody stools. Also, your skin in the
treated area may become red, dry, and tender. Although the side effects can be
distressing, your doctor can usually treat or control them. Also, they gradually
go away after treatment ends.
NCI provides a booklet called Radiation Therapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help
During Cancer Treatment.
Supportive care
Ovarian cancer and its treatment can lead to other health problems. You
may receive supportive care to prevent or control these problems and to
improve your comfort and quality of life.
Your health care team can help you with the following problems:
- Pain: Your doctor or a specialist in pain control can suggest ways to
relieve or reduce pain. More information about pain control can be found in the
NCI booklets Pain Control: A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families,
Get Relief from Cancer Pain, and Understanding Cancer Pain.
- Swollen abdomen (from abnormal fluid buildup called ascites): The
swelling can be uncomfortable. Your health care team can remove the fluid
whenever it builds up.
- Blocked intestine: Cancer can block the intestine. Your doctor may be
able to open the blockage with surgery.
- Swollen legs (from lymphedema): Swollen legs can be uncomfortable and
hard to bend. You may find exercises, massages, or compression bandages helpful.
Physical therapists trained to manage lymphedema can also help.
- Shortness of breath: Advanced cancer can cause fluid to collect around
the lungs. The fluid can make it hard to breathe. Your health care team can
remove the fluid whenever it builds up.
- Sadness: It is normal to feel sad after a diagnosis of a serious
illness. Some people find it helpful to talk about their feelings. See the
"Sources of Support" section for more information.
You can get information about supportive care on NCI's Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping
and from NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or LiveHelp (http://www.cancer.gov/help).
Nutrition and physical activity
It's important for women with ovarian cancer to take care of themselves.
Taking care of yourself includes eating well and staying as active as you can.
You need the right amount of calories to maintain a good weight. You also
need enough protein to keep up your strength. Eating well may help you feel
better and have more energy.
Sometimes, especially during or soon after treatment, you may not feel like
eating. You may be uncomfortable or tired. You may find that foods do not taste
as good as they used to. In addition, the side effects of treatment (such as
poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores) can make it hard to eat well.
Your doctor, a registered dietitian, or another health care provider can suggest
ways to deal with these problems. Also, the NCI booklet Eating Hints for Cancer
Patients has many useful ideas and recipes.
Many women find they feel better when they stay active. Walking, yoga,
swimming, and other activities can keep you strong and increase your energy.
Whatever physical activity you choose, be sure to talk to your doctor before you
start. Also, if your activity causes you pain or other problems, be sure to let
your doctor or nurse know about it.
Next: What follow-up care is necessary? »
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