Living with: therapies phase

Every cancer journey is unique, and so is every treatment plan. Doctors select the best approach (or combination of approaches) based on many factors: the type and stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Understanding these therapies can help you feel more in control as you face treatment with clarity and courage.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the most common cancer treatments and is often the first step in removing a tumor from the body.

• How it works: The goal is to physically remove the cancerous tissue. In some cases, surgery also includes nearby lymph nodes or other tissues that might be affected.
• When it’s used: Often used for early-stage cancers or when tumors are localized and operable.
• Side effects: Pain, fatigue, risk of infection, and emotional stress during recovery.

💬 Tip: Ask your surgeon what to expect during recovery and how to prepare your body and mind for the post-operative phase.

Radiation Therapy

This therapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays or protons) to destroy cancer cells.

• How it works: Damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing or dividing.
• Types:
  • External Beam Radiation: Delivered from outside the body.
  • Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): Radioactive material is placed directly inside or near the tumor.
• When it’s used: Before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to destroy remaining cells, or as the main treatment when surgery isn’t possible.
• Side effects: Fatigue, skin irritation, localized pain, changes in appetite.

💬 Tip: Radiation is localized, so keeping the surrounding area clean and hydrated can help reduce side effects.

Chemotherapy

One of the most well-known therapies, chemotherapy uses drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.

• How it works: Delivered intravenously, orally, or by injection, chemo drugs circulate through the body, attacking cancer cells.
• When it’s used: As a primary treatment, before/after surgery, or to treat metastasized cancer.
• Side effects: Fatigue, hair loss, nausea, increased risk of infection, memory issues (“chemo brain”).

💬 Tip: Talk to your care team about anti-nausea medications, and don’t hesitate to ask for psychological support during this intensive treatment.

Targeted Therapy

This approach focuses on specific genes, proteins, or environments that contribute to cancer growth.

• How it works: Blocks the action of cancer-driving molecules (e.g., HER2 in breast cancer).
• When it’s used: Mostly for cancers with known mutations or molecular markers.
• Side effects: Diarrhea, liver problems, skin issues, fatigue, often milder than chemotherapy.

💬 Tip: Genetic testing of your tumor can help determine if targeted therapy is right for you.

Immunotherapy

A cutting-edge treatment that activates the body’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively.

• How it works: Medications like checkpoint inhibitors “unblock” the immune system, helping it recognize and attack cancer cells.
• When it’s used: Often for advanced or metastatic cancers (e.g., melanoma, lung cancer).
• Side effects: Inflammation (autoimmune-like responses), fatigue, fever, rash.

💬 Tip: Because it boosts your immune system, immunotherapy may cause it to attack healthy tissue report new symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Hormone Therapy

Some cancers grow in response to hormones like estrogen or testosterone.

• How it works: Slows or stops cancer growth by blocking the body’s hormone production or the receptors cancer cells use.
• Used for: Breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer.
• Side effects: Hot flashes, mood swings, sexual dysfunction, bone thinning.

💬 Tip: Bone density scans may be needed during treatment. Ask about diet and supplements that support bone health.

Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant

Used mostly for blood cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma).

• How it works: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells that regenerate blood cells.
• Types:
  • Autologous: Using your own stem cells
  • Allogeneic: Using donor cells
• Side effects: Risk of infection, fatigue, graft-versus-host disease (in allogeneic transplants).

💬 Tip: You may need to stay in a protective, sterile environment for weeks. Emotional support is vital during this isolating period.

Palliative Care

This isn’t about curing the disease, but about improving quality of life and it’s for any stage of cancer.

• How it works: Addresses pain, emotional distress, fatigue, and other symptoms.
• When it’s used: Alongside active treatment or when treatments are no longer effective.
• Services include: Pain management, psychological support, family counseling, spiritual care.

💬 Tip: Don’t wait to ask for palliative care earlier integration often improves not just comfort, but also treatment outcomes.

Emotional and Mental Support

Cancer therapies can affect mood, cognition, and emotional well-being. Here are key strategies supported by psychologists and oncological psychiatrists:

• Prepare mentally before each therapy cycle: Knowing what to expect reduces fear.
• Accept help: Emotional fatigue is real lean on family, friends, or volunteers.
• Engage in activities that give you joy or peace: Reading, light walking, spiritual rituals.
• Stay connected: Even a short call or text exchange can lift your mood.
• Seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed, depressed, or unable to cope.

Where to Find Help in the U.S.

• Oncology Social Workers through CancerCare
• National Cancer Institute’s Support Services: cancer.gov
• Cancer Support Helpline (CSC): 1-888-793-9355
• Psychology Today Therapist Directory: www.psychologytoday.com