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Managing the Visible Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatments

Visible side effects from breast cancer treatment range from skin changes to hair loss. Although these may take a toll -- both physically and emotionally -- there is a lot you can do to make yourself look and feel better. The following tips can help you start managing some of the physical side effects of breast cancer treatment you may experience.s

Visible side effects of breast cancer treatments: Breast changes

If you've had a mastectomy, you may choose to use an external prosthesis. You tuck it into a bra or attach it to your skin with double-sided tape. Or, you may elect to have reconstructive surgery, which involves having a surgeon rebuild the breast. Whether you have surgery to remove a breast or to remove lymph nodes, your range of motion may be affected.

Tips for handling breast changes

If you're considering reconstruction, consult with a plastic surgeon who is an expert in this type of surgery. After any type of surgery, you may find that loose-fitting tops that open down the front look and feel best. A soft camisole can also add comfort. Here are some other tips for handling breast changes:

Ask your oncologist for referral to a specialized store that sells external prostheses. You can also find them in some lingerie departments.
Get a prescription for an external prosthesis; then it can be covered by insurance.
Make an appointment with a breast prosthesis consultant and allow about an hour to get fitted.
Try a variety of prostheses to see which feels and looks the best for you.

Visible side effects of breast cancer treatments: Hair loss

Why do so many people lose their hair when they begin chemotherapy? It's because chemo kills fast-growing cells, whether they're cancer or normal cells. Hair follicles are fast-growing cells. Hair loss varies from person to person and depends on the type of chemo you're taking. Radiation and hormonal treatments may also cause hair loss.

What to expect with hair loss

If you lose hair, it is likely to start dropping out within 1 to 2 weeks of starting chemotherapy. It may thin or fall out almost all at once. It's common to lose hair over your whole body, not just on your head. This means you may lose eyelashes and eyebrows, as well as arm, leg, and pubic hair.

You can't prevent hair loss with ice caps or other measures. But using a mild shampoo, soft hairbrush, or cool blow-drying may slightly reduce your hair loss.

Sometimes hair begins to grow back even before treatment is completed. When it does grow back, it may be thinner or a different color or texture.

Tips for handling hair loss

Hair loss can be difficult, especially for women. But there are many things you can do to prepare and make the process easier. For example, many women find it helpful to cut their hair short before too much hair comes out. This is less disturbing than having huge clumps come out in the shower or waking to large amounts on the pillow. Here are some other tips that may help:

Ask your oncologist for a "cranial prosthesis" prescription to ensure insurance coverage.
Check with wig retailers and makers, your hair stylist, or the American Cancer Society for wigs and other hair products.
Before you begin chemotherapy and lose your hair, match your hair texture or color to wigs. This is also a good time to have the wig styled, if needed. If you get fitted with a wig early, know that it may fit slightly differently once you lose your hair.
Consider purchasing scarves, turbans, caps, or hats ahead of time.
If you choose to, try going bald at times. Just be sure to use sunscreen in the sun and to keep your head warm in cold climates.
Prepare loved ones, especially children, for how you will look with your hair gone. Reassure children that your hair will grow back. It may help to involve them in choosing scarves and other hair products.