Marys Medicine

Chapter 10: supportive care

Clubbing can be found alone or in combination with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA). In HOA, the outer layer of the long bones of the arms and/or legs is inflamed causing pain and swelling in the ankles, wrists, and knees. This inflammation can be seen on x-rays. Clubbing is more common than the combination of clubbing and HOA. Clubbing and HOA, both alone and in combination, can be seen with several conditions other than lung cancer. Figure 1: Digital Clubbing* Cancer-related clubbing and HOA may partially or complete resolve with successful treatment of the underlying lung cancer. Pain medications are used to control joint pain associated with HOA. Hypercalcemia
People with lung cancer can have high levels of blood calcium (hypercalcemia) because of
metastases to bones or a paraneoplastic syndrome. The paraneoplastic syndrome that leads to hypercalcemia is caused by production of a hormone-like substance by lung cancer cells. This paraneoplastic syndrome is most commonly seen with squamous cell carcinoma. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include thirst, dehydration, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, excessive urination, muscle weakness, fatigue, irritability, and confusion. Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia can be treated with medicines such as pamidronate (Aredia®), plicamycin (Mithracin®), calcitonin, and gallium nitrate. Treating the underlying cancer is the best way to resolve paraneoplastic hypercalcemia.
Neurologic Syndromes
There are several neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes, and any part of the nervous system can be affected. While these neurological syndromes are relatively rare, when they do occur, it is usually in conjunction with small cell lung cancer. PNP neurological syndromes are thought to be due to antibodies produced by the body against its own nerve tissues. These *Copyright 2005 Nucleus Medical Art (www.nucleusinc.com). All rights reserved. neurologic syndromes sometimes appear before the diagnosis of lung cancer is made. Symptoms include numbness, burning or prickly sensations in the hands and feet, weakness, muscle aches, muscle stiffness or cramps, dry mouth, constipation, inability to empty the bladder completely, impotence, loss of balance, light sensitivity, night blindness, personality changes, confusion, and memory loss. The primary treatment for PNP neurologic syndromes is treatment of the underlying cancer.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is normally released into the body by a small gland in the brain called the pituitary gland. ADH acts on the kidneys to control water balance in the body. Its production is normally tightly controlled. Paraneoplastic SIADH is caused when lung cancer cells produce ADH in an uncontrolled way. This syndrome is most commonly seen in people with small cell lung cancer. The abnormally high amount of ADH causes a low blood sodium level and excess water accumulation in the body. Symptoms of SIADH include weakness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, and nausea. If the sodium level is extremely low, there can be confusion, seizures, and coma. Mild SIADH can be treated by cutting back fluid intake. The medicine demeclocycline (Declomycin®) and intravenous salt solution may also be needed. Treatment of the underlying cancer usually results in rapid resolution of this paraneoplastic syndrome.
Other Manifestations of Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Several other uncommon paraneoplastic syndromes can accompany lung cancer. Following is a list of some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of a paraneoplastic syndrome.11
Hormonal Problems
breast enlargement (especially in men)
low blood sugar
high thyroid hormone
high female hormones
decreased urine production rashes itching hives Blood and Blood Vessel Problems inflamed blood vessels (vasculitis) high blood platelets (thrombocytosis) low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia purpura) red blood cells (anemia) high white blood cells (leukocytosis)
OTHER CANCER RELATED SYMPTOMS
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells circulating in the body is abnormally low. Lung cancer can cause anemia as part of the cancerous process. The mechanisms that cause anemia in people with cancer are complex. Lung cancer treatments can also lead to anemia. Anemia can cause many different symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, sleeplessness, and weakness. The treatments for cancer-related anemia and treatment-related anemia are generally the same. This information is discussed in the section on Treatment Related Symptoms. Blood Clots
People with lung cancer have an increased risk for developing blood clots in their veins.
This is particularly true for people with adenocarcinoma or large cell lung cancer. It is less common in people with squamous cell carcinoma or small cell lung cancer. Blood clots usually form in the veins of the legs. Unexplained swelling in your foot or lower leg may indicate the presence of a clot. Blood clots can also develop in the arms. This is especially a risk for people who have a long-term intravenous access device such as a central line (a Groshong® catheter or Hickman® line), a port (Portacath®), or a PICC line. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop unexplained swelling in one of your extremities, neck, or face. Blood clots are a potentially serious problem because pieces of the clot called emboli can break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, heart, or brain causing damage to these vital organs. All these situations are serious and can be life threatening if they are not treated immediately. A blood clot in a vital organ is often treated with a medicine that will dissolve the clot and restore normal blood flow. These drugs are called thrombolytics or clot busters. Examples of these drugs include reteplase (r-PA, Retavase®), alteplase (t-PA, Activase®), urokinase (Abbokinase®), streptokinase (Streptase®), and anisoylated purified streptokinase activator complex (APSAC, anistreplase, Eminase®). People who develop blood clots in the veins (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) are often treated with anti-clotting medicines called anticoagulants or blood thinners. These medicines do not dissolve the clot but keep it from getting larger. Blood thinners also help prevent new clots from forming elsewhere. Three anticoagulants are used to treat venous blood clots. Heparin (unfractionated) Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant. It is administered through an intravenous line (IV). People on heparin often have to be in the hospital. Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWH) This is a newer form of heparin therapy than unfractionated heparin. LMWH stays in the body for a longer period than standard heparin. This makes it possible to give LMWH in a shot under the skin once or twice per day rather than in a continuous IV. LMWH can often be administered at home rather than in a hospital. Warfarin (Coumadin®) Warfarin is taken by mouth but does not become effective until 4-5 days after beginning treatment. Treatment of a DVT usually begins with heparin therapy (either standard or LMWH). Warfarin is usually started at the same time. Heparin therapy is continued until the warfarin takes effect. Once the warfarin has taken effect, heparin therapy is stopped. Your health care providers must closely monitor your blood when you are on anticoagulant therapy. A PTT blood test (partial thromboplastin time) is used to monitor the effects of heparin. A PT test (prothrombin time) is used to monitor the effects of warfarin. Your blood will be tested frequently while you are on anticoagulant therapy to make sure you are getting enough medicine to prevent clots without putting you at risk for bleeding. People who have had a DVT typically stay on anticoagulant therapy for six months or longer. During this time, the body's normal mechanisms often partially or completely dissolve the original clot. Constipation
The weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite, and reduced activity that many people with lung
cancer experience can lead to constipation. Many pain medications also cause constipation. Increased activity can help relieve constipation. Walking is a relatively non-strenuous activity that can alleviate constipation. Abdominal breathing (described under Dyspnea in this section) can help improve bowel activity. Changes in diet may also be useful. Fruits, vegetables, and fiber often help improve bowel activity. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Low fluid intake can significantly worsen constipation. If needed, your health care provider can recommend medications or herbs that can alleviate constipation. Depression and Anxiety
Many people with lung cancer are depressed at some point in their illness. When most
people talk about being depressed, they are describing the experience of feeling very sad. People who are depressed often cry, lack interest in normal activities, and/or experience low energy or tiredness. Depression is a completely normal response to a sad, disappointing, unexpected, and/or stressful situation. Health care providers often use the term reactive depression to describe this normal response to any of a number of stressful life situations. Most people who experience reactive depression also have symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is described as a lingering feeling of uneasiness, worry, and/or being on edge. You may feel your mind is racing and have difficulty focusing. Anxiety can also be experienced as a sense of dread. Again, both anxiety and depression are normal responses to learning you have lung cancer. However, these normal responses have the potential to interfere with your life and health if they become prominent. Some symptoms you may experience with depression and anxiety are shown in the following lists.
Symptoms Associated with Depression12
• persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood • feelings of hopelessness or pessimism • feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness • loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed • decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down • difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much • appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating • thoughts of death or suicide • restlessness or irritability • persistent headaches that are not attributable to another cause and do not respond to treatment Symptoms Associated with Anxiety • sweating • dizziness • racing heart or irregular heart beat • shakiness • difficulty relaxing • headaches • irritability • upset stomach, nausea, and/or diarrhea • sleeping problems • difficulty concentrating • excessive watchfulness • being easily startled While depression and anxiety are normal reactions to stressful situations, they can become problems if they begin to interfere with your ability to function. If you or one of your loved ones notice one or more of these symptoms are disrupting your life, discuss the situation with your health care provider. He or she may recommend counseling, medication, or another form of therapy such as relaxation techniques to help relieve your symptoms. The important message is that you should not ignore these symptoms, nor should you suffer from them for a prolonged period. Talk to your doctor or nurse. Anxiety and depression are normal reactions. They do not mean you are losing control of your mind, and they are not signs of weakness. However, they do need to be controlled if they are interfering with your ability to function or your quality of life. Some symptoms of depression may be alleviated by talking through your feelings and concerns with others, whether it be in a support group, with family members, or in appointments with a counselor. Psycho-oncology is a field of psychology that focuses exclusively on people with living with cancer. Oncology social workers also specialize in working with and counseling people who have cancer. Chapter 9: Living with Lung Cancer has additional information on coping with lung cancer. For many people with lung cancer, counseling and self-help measures are not enough to adequately control depression. This is nothing to be ashamed of; it is not a sign of weakness. Discuss your feelings with your health care providers. Medication may be recommended to help control your depression and anxiety. Many medications are available for these purposes. Some people worry that medications used to control anxiety and/or depression will put them to sleep or make them feel otherwise not themselves. While many older medications had some of these unwanted side effects, newer medications are greatly improved. Commonly used antianxiety medications include lorazepam (Ativan®), alprazolam (Xanax®), diazepam (Valium®), and many others. Fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), bupropion (Wellbutrin®), zaleplon (Sonata®), paroxetine (Paxil®), citalopram (Celexa®), and venlafaxine (Effexor®) are just a few of the many medications available to control depression and its symptoms. If one medication does not work for you, you can try another. Many people who are not helped by the first medication they try are happily surprised when their symptoms are alleviated with another medication – so don't give up. Fatigue
Fatigue can be the most debilitating symptom associated with lung cancer and its treatment.
Fatigue associated with lung cancer is different from everyday tiredness. It is an overwhelming, sustained sense of exhaustion. It is often accompanied by a decreased capacity for physical and mental work. Fatigue can have a profound impact on your ability to carry out normal life activities. While lung cancer itself can cause fatigue, treatments for lung cancer can also cause fatigue. This can make fatigue temporarily worse during treatment. Fatigue varies in severity from one person to another, and often waxes and wanes over the course of the disease. At times, your fatigue may be mild and alleviated by simple measures such as napping during the day or cutting back on your most strenuous activities. At other times, fatigue can be severe and may force you to significantly alter your lifestyle and activities. Fatigue can be difficult to treat. Lung tumors can reduce your breathing capacity. Lung cancer surgery involves removal of both diseased and healthy lung tissue, which also reduces breathing capacity. Both of these situations can cause fatigue because reduced breathing capacity decreases the amount of oxygen taken in by the lungs with each breath. The reduced ability to deliver oxygen to body tissues results in becoming easily fatigued with exertion. Anemia can worsen this problem by reducing the blood's capacity to carry the oxygen taken in by the lungs. Your health care provider will monitor your blood regularly to check for anemia. Treating anemia often helps alleviate fatigue. Table 1, Suggestions for Energy Conservation, offers a number of simple, practical suggestions for how to conserve energy in your everyday life when you are experiencing fatigue. Table 1: Suggestions for Energy Conservation*
• Spread chores out over the week rather than trying to do them all in one day. • Do a little bit at a time; rest when you get tired. • Have someone help you with strenuous tasks and heavy lifting. • Use a cart or apron to carry your supplies. • Do whatever you can while sitting down. • Use long-handled dusters, mops, and dust pans to avoid a lot of stooping. SHOPPING
• Make a shopping list; organize it by the store aisles. • Combine errands to reduce the number of trips you need to make. • Use a scooter cart if available to allow you to sit while you shop. • Ask for assistance taking your purchases to and loading them into the car. • Shop when the store is not busy to limit the amount of time at the store. • Shop with a friend or ask a friend to shop for you. PREPARING MEALS
• Assemble your ingredients before you begin. • Use mixes and prepackaged, microwavable, heat-and-eat, ready-to-eat and other food products that reduce preparation and cooking time. • Use appliances to reduce work and preparation time such as electric mixers, blenders, food choppers, and food processors. • Use lightweight utensils. • Use a jar opener. • Use a rubber mat or wet towels to steady mixing bowls during stirring. • Transport large items on a rolling cart. • Serve food from the stove rather than carrying large serving dishes to the table. • Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places. • Line your oven and drip pans with aluminum foil for easy clean up. • Sit while preparing food. • Use a dishwasher. • Let the dishes soak instead of scrubbing. • Let dishes air dry. • Prepare double recipes and freeze half for later use. • Use placemats for easy clean up. • Use a wheeled garbage can. • Use a laundry cart with wheels to move clothes. • Sit while transferring clothes. • Have others carry their dirty clothes to the laundry area. • Ask others to put away clean clothes. • Use pre-treaters and stain removers to a avoid scrubbing stains. • Wash bras, pantyhose, and stockings in a lingerie bag to avoid tangling. • Drain hand-washables and press dry rather than wringing them out. • Sit while ironing. • Use a lightweight iron. • Hang clothes on a doorknob rather than at the top of the door. • Wear clothes that do not require ironing. Table 1: Suggestions for Energy Conservation, continued
CHILDCARE
• Plan activities such as doing puzzles, playing board games, coloring, reading, etc. that can be • Plan outings that will allow you to sit down such as going to a movie, storytelling, a play, etc. • Take a nap when your child naps. • Have ready-to-eat snacks available that don't require preparation. • Have your child crawl into your lap rather than picking him or her up. • Engage children in household chores by making them into a game. • Place toy containers at the children's level so they can pick up their own toys. • Take advantage of carpools to limit transporting the children to activities and school. • Utilize programs that give mothers time off during the day. • Delegate some childcare responsibilities among trusted family members and friends. WORKPLACE
• Plan your workload around the times when you have the most energy. • Arrange your workplace so that it's energy efficient; keep frequently used items within easy • Sit when you can. • Take regular rest breaks. • Use the telephone, intercom, e-mail, faxes and other telecommunications to limit unnecessary trips to other locations. • Discuss the possibility of working from home, if your job allows for this option. • Discuss the possibility of a flexible work schedule or a reduction in your work hours. ALLOWING OTHERS TO HELP
• Put someone else in charge of organizing the ‘To Do' list and assigning the tasks. • Do not forget to include the ‘little' things on the ‘To Do' list that others can do, for example: walk the dog, pick up the dry cleaning, weed the garden, do the mending, take the trash to the street, rake leaves, shovel snow, pick up or mail packages, etc. • Do not feel the need to entertain your helpers; they are there to help. • Try to get used to allowing others to help; you may actually be doing your loved ones a favor by allowing them to feel useful rather than helpless. • Make plans, but don't be afraid to change them. If you've made plans to do something but aren't up to it when the day arrives, let others know how you're feeling – they will • Do not worry about keeping up with thank you notes. Your loved ones are trying to reduce your workload not create more tasks for you to accomplish. Your family may want to post a general thank you in a church bulletin, local newspaper, or a group e-mail message. * Adapted in part from the ""Suggestions for Energy Conservation" Eileen Donovan, P.T. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Used with permission. Other tips to help manage fatigue include: • Avoid unneeded bed rest. While it is important to get the sleep you need, staying in bed when you do not need to can actually worsen fatigue. Inactivity leads to muscle weakness and decreased energy. We have all heard the phrase, "use it or lose it." This is very good advice. In general, the less you do, the less you will feel like doing.
• Try to get some form of exercise each day. On the surface, this advice may not seem to make sense. However, inactivity leads to muscle loss and weakness that contribute to fatigue. Continue whatever form of exercise you enjoyed before your diagnosis. You may need to reduce the time or intensity of your exercise program, but do not give it up altogether. If you were not getting exercise before your diagnosis, talk with your health care providers about beginning a gentle exercise program. Many people find walking is an enjoyable form of exercise that is not too strenuous. Exercise can help you in many ways. Regular exercise helps maintain your muscle mass and tone. It also helps keep your respiratory muscles in shape, which may help alleviate dyspnea. Exercise has also been shown to be useful in alleviating depression. Exercise can take a variety of forms including such things as gardening, bowling, biking, walking, golfing, weight lifting, dancing, and yoga. Anything that gets you up and moving is exercise. Be sure to discuss your activities and exercise plan with your health care providers to ensure that your program is safe and effective for you. • Take a break. Short rest periods and quiet times throughout your day can help you regain your strength and energy for the things you need and want to do. • Limit stress and emotionally draining situations. Stress and emotionally difficult situations can quickly drain your energy. Examine your personal situation and try to determine what causes you the most stress. Once you have identified these stressors, work with family, friends, support groups, or counselors to find ways to minimize these stressors. Refer to Chapter 9: Living with Lung Cancer for additional information about coping with the stresses of living with • Rest your mind. There are many things to think about and many decisions to be made when you have lung cancer. These demands can lead to mental fatigue, a feeling of being unable to think clearly. Mental fatigue can often be relieved by giving your mind a break, much as you give your body break when you are physically tired. Listening to music, reading, watching a movie, bird watching, meditation, visualization, a warm bath, getting a massage, or any other activity that allows you to mentally relax can give your mind the rest it needs. • Eat a well-balanced diet. The food you eat provides the nutrients and calories (energy) you need. Eating a well-balanced diet with an adequate number of calories can help reduce fatigue. See Chapter 12: Nutrition and Lung Cancer for information on eating a healthy, energy-rich diet. Discuss your fatigue with your health care providers and family. Your health care providers can make recommendations or provide treatments to help reduce your fatigue. You family and friends may be able to help by taking over some of your energy-draining chores.
Weakness
Weakness (asthenia) is a common symptom of lung cancer. It is often associated with dyspnea, fatigue, anemia, and/or weight loss. Activity is generally the best way to counteract weakness. Even mild exercise can help rebuild lost muscle tone and increase strength. Discuss any weakness you experience with your health care provider. He or she will take into account other signs and symptoms you may be experiencing and make recommendations about how best to rebuild your strength. Several different treatment approaches may be recommended including such things as mild exercise, dietary changes, supplemental oxygen, anemia treatments, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy. TREATMENT RELATED SYMPTOMS
Lung cancer and its treatments can cause anemia, a reduced number of red blood cells circulating in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body. A shortage of red blood cells can deprive the body of needed oxygen, resulting in a variety of symptoms. Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and feet, rapid heartbeat, sleeplessness, and inability to concentrate are some of the symptoms associated with anemia. Lung cancer treatments can cause anemia or worsen existing anemia. Lung cancer surgery can cause significant blood loss. Chemotherapy can cause anemia by destroying cells in the bone marrow that produce red blood cells. Certain chemotherapy drugs can also cause circulating red blood cells to die or be prematurely destroyed. If areas of the body that produce red blood cells are radiated, this can also contribute to anemia. Your health care providers will monitor your blood counts throughout the course of your illness, but will monitor you mostly closely when you are on treatment. It is important to treat anemia not only to alleviate symptoms but also to reduce the effects of low tissue oxygen on the body. Low tissue oxygen can reduce the effectiveness of radiation therapy.13
Anemia is treated in a variety of ways. Iron-rich foods can help replenish body iron if you have a deficiency. Blood transfusions are used if your red blood cell count is extremely low. Transfusions provide temporary relief of symptoms while other measures are used to promote red blood cell production by your body. Your doctor may recommend treatment with a man-made (synthetic) form of erythropoietin (Procrit®, Epogen®). Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production. The synthetic form of this hormone stimulates the same response in the body. Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®) is very similar to erythropoietin but is not taken as often as other synthetic erythropoietins. Cognitive Problems
People undergoing treatment for lung cancer can experience cognitive problems. Cognitive functioning refers to the brain's ability to focus attention, and process, store, and retrieve information. The most common cognitive problems encountered by people with cancer during treatment are: • short-term memory difficulties • easy distractibility • trouble performing arithmetic • difficulty focusing attention • difficulty performing more than one task at a time One study found approximately 20% of people undergoing chemotherapy experienced some form of cognitive side effects.14 These problems are sometimes referred to as chemo-brain,
chemofuzzies, or mental fatigue. Radiation therapy to the brain can also cause cognitive side
effects similar to those seen with chemotherapy. Symptoms of mental fatigue include: • difficulty maintaining the attention necessary to read • problems with everyday arithmetic such as balancing a checkbook or calculating a tip • forgetting what you were talking about • losing track of things such as your keys, purse, wallet, etc. • repeating yourself Discuss any cognitive problems you are experiencing with your health care providers. While cognitive problems can be understandably distressing, they are rarely permanent. Following are some suggestions that may help you minimize the effects of mental fatigue while you are receiving lung cancer treatment. • Take mental breaks such as listening to calming music, relaxing in your favorite armchair, taking a bath, etc. • Plan ahead whenever possible. • Make lists to help you stay organized. • Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Consider taking short naps during the day if • Try not to get upset over forgetfulness or other lapses in mental clarity. Anxiety can worsen mental fatigue. • Take things one step at a time. • Keep your brain active by participating in mentally challenging activities such as solving puzzles, playing a musical instrument, doing crafts, writing letters or journal entries, playing board or computer games, playing cards, etc. • Try to reduce unnecessary stress, which can worsen mental fatigue. • Stay physically active. Physical activity encourages mental clarity. Constipation
Lung cancer treatments can directly or indirectly cause constipation. Decreased appetite,
nausea, inactivity, fatigue, surgery, and pain medications contribute to constipation. A variety of measures can be taken to alleviate or avoid constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids is a simple measure many people overlook. Your diet can also affect constipation. Large quantities of dairy products such as milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt can contribute to constipation. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, nuts, and juices help prevent constipation by keeping the bowels active. Regular exercise also helps keep the bowels Your doctor may prescribe a stool softener and/or a mild laxative especially if you are taking pain medication. Talk with your health care provider if you have not had a bowel movement in two or more days. You may need a higher dose of laxative or an enema. Hair Loss
Hair loss (alopecia) can be one of the most traumatic side effects of cancer treatment for
some people. From a medical standpoint, this side effect is considered minor since it does not cause any physical problems. However, it can be emotionally difficult to handle. Hair loss may be a constant reminder of your illness. It also makes it apparent to the people you encounter every day that something is amiss. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss by weakening the hair follicles. This causes the hair to fall out at a much higher rate than normal. However, not all chemotherapy drugs used to treat lung cancer cause hair loss. Your health care provider can tell you if the drugs you are taking are likely to cause hair loss. Whole brain radiation treatments can also cause hair loss. Hair loss associated with cancer therapy varies. Some people experience only thinning of the hair on their heads. Others lose all the hair on their heads along with their eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. Hair loss from chemotherapy is not immediate. Most often, hair loss begins 2-6 weeks after chemotherapy has begun. Treatment-related hair loss is usually not permanent. Hair lost during chemotherapy usually grows back. However, it may grow back with a slightly different texture or color than the hair you lost. Hair lost because of radiation therapy also usually grows back, but it may not grow back as thick as it was before your treatment. Hair regrowth after cancer treatment usually takes from 6 to 12 months. While some people are not bothered by temporary hair loss, it is very upsetting to others. Some people use a wig or hairpiece during treatment. Having a hairpiece or wig available before treatment begins may make it less traumatic when your hair begins to fall out. Select local offices of the American Cancer Society have wigs available to loan. Hats and scarves are also options you may want to consider.
Mouth Sores and Other Oral Problems
Some chemotherapy drugs and whole brain radiation treatments for lung cancer cause mouth sores and other problems with your gums and teeth. The lining of the mouth is normally replaced every 10-14 days. Therefore, the cells that make up the lining of the mouth must replace themselves rapidly. When certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation treatments to the head are given, the division of these cells is slowed. When the lining of the mouth is shed, the slowed cell division makes it difficult to grow new tissue to replace it. As a result, sores or ulcers can develop in the mouth. This condition is called mucositis or stomatitis. Mucositis usually begins approximately two weeks after treatment begins. It can be very painful. The sores often heal slowly because cell production is decreased. Open sores in the mouth can cause infections because the mouth is normally home to many microscopic organisms. These tiny organisms do not usually cause problems because the lining of the mouth serves as a barrier, keeping them from invading the body. However, open sores in the mouth can provide an entry point into the body for these organisms to invade and cause infection. This is particularly problematic for people receiving cancer therapy because treatments can reduce your ability to fight infections. Dry mouth is another common symptom in people being treated for lung cancer. This occurs when the salivary glands do not produce a normal amount of saliva (spit). Dry mouth can cause any of the following symptoms. • bleeding gums • a sore tongue • cracked lips and/or sores at the corners of the mouth • difficulty wearing dentures • altered sense of taste • difficulty swallowing • tooth decay You can help avoid problems associated with cancer treatment by having your teeth cleaned before beginning therapy. It is best to have this done a month before beginning chemotherapy or radiation treatments, if you have the time. This will give your mouth time to heal before treatment begins. During treatment, the following practices can help you avoid or reduce mouth problems. • Brush your teeth at least four times per day. Floss at least twice per day. • If possible, use toothpaste with fluoride to protect your teeth. If commercial toothpaste burns your mouth, use a solution of ½ teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water instead of toothpaste. • Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush to avoid small abrasions of the mouth and gums. Children's toothbrushes are usually extra-soft. • Apply fluoride gel to your teeth at bedtime. • Rinse your mouth with a solution of ½ teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water at least 4-6 times per day. Follow the solution with a clear water rinse. • Sip water or suck on ice chips throughout the day to reduce dryness. Adding a few drops of food grade glycerin (glycerin USP) to your water will help the water lubricate your mouth. You can also use glycerin swabs or a saliva substitute. Your health care provider can advise you about getting these items. • Keep a spray bottle of water or water/glycerin solution nearby. Spray your mouth whenever it feels dry. • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to keep your mouth wet by stimulating saliva production. • Keep your lips moist with lip balm or petroleum jelly. Do not share these items with other people as they can spread infections. • Avoid spicy foods that may increase the burning sensation in your mouth. • Avoid carbonated beverages, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, vinegar, pickled foods, and ketchup. • Avoid salty foods that can dry your mouth and lips. • Avoid very hot liquids or foods that could burn your mouth or tongue. • Avoid alcohol in beverages, foods, or other products such as mouthwash or fluoride rinses. Alcohol will cause burning and may increase the severity of mouth sores. • Avoid eating foods with sharp edges that may scratch your mouth such as potato chips, hard breads, and some crackers. • Avoid smoking and/or chewing tobacco. • Eat foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew. Yogurt, cooked cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes, applesauce, pudding, cooked carrots, peas, cheeses, eggs, soups, and casseroles are a few examples. • Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after eating foods or liquids with high sugar People on chemotherapy whose white blood cell counts drop substantially may experience an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth and/or throat. This is condition is called thrush. The yeast often causes a white, beige, or yellowish coating on the tongue and/or gums. Eating active-culture yogurt or rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide (3%) may help control the growth and spread of thrush. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal solution to gargle with, or antifungal medication to take by mouth.
Low Blood Counts (Myelosuppression)
Blood cells in the circulation come from the bone marrow, the soft center of the large bones in the body. Immature blood cells in the bone marrow produce red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets when they are needed in the circulation. Many chemotherapy drugs that kill cancer cells also interfere with the production of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. Reduced production of these cells is called myelosuppression. Low RBCs is called anemia. Low WBCs is called leukopenia or neutropenia. Low platelets is called thrombocytopenia. Myelosuppression can be caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Radiation treatments for lung cancer usually cause only mild myelosuppression because the bones in the treatment fields are responsible for only a small amount of the body's blood cell production. Myelosuppression associated with chemotherapy for lung cancer is often more severe than that seen with radiation therapy. Myelosuppression is one of the major causes of reducing the dose of chemotherapy, altering the chemotherapy treatment schedule, or stopping treatment altogether. Health care providers take myelosuppression very seriously because it can be life threatening. However, reducing the dose of chemotherapy drugs or prolonging the interval between treatment cycles to allow the blood cell levels to return toward normal gives cancer cells time to grow and multiply. Hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) stimulate the bone marrow to increase production of blood cells. Therefore, HGFs are often given along with chemotherapy to maintain the optimal dose and timing of chemotherapy. The three forms of myelosuppression are discussed on the following pages along with specific HGFs. While anemia is one component of myelosuppression, there are other mechanisms for anemia related to lung cancer and its treatments. Please see the listing Anemia in this section for a detailed discussion of this common cancer-related problem. Leukopenia/Neutropenia/Granulocytopenia Leukopenia is an abnormally low number of WBCs in the blood. Neutrophils are a specific type of WBC in a group of blood cells called granulocytes. Neutrophils play an important role in fighting bacterial infections. An abnormally low number of neutrophils in the blood is called neutropenia. The term granulocytopenia is often used interchangeably with neutropenia. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, Neulasta®, Neupogen®) stimulates the bone marrow to increase its production of granulocytes. This stimulation can help counteract the myelosuppressive effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, allowing the full dose to be given according to schedule. Anyone on chemotherapy is at increased risk for infections regardless of whether G- CSF is also being taken. Therefore, you need to be aware of possible signs and symptoms of infection such as: • fever greater than 100º F • chills or sweats • cough or sore throat • redness or swelling around skin sores or at injection sites • loose bowels or diarrhea • burning sensation during urination • unusual vaginal discharge or itching • feeling not quite "right" Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs or symptoms. If you cannot reach your doctor, go to your nearest emergency room. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection while on chemotherapy. A list of precautionary measures includes: • Avoid crowds and people with the flu or colds during the time your WBCs are at their lowest. Ask your doctor or nurse when this is most likely to occur with your treatment. • Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. • Eat fully cooked foods. Wash fresh fruits or vegetables well before eating them. Peeling fruits can also reduce your risk. • Use the hottest water cycle in your dishwasher. • Do not share towels, drinking glasses, or dishes with others. Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia is an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are one of the elements necessary for blood clotting. Drugs that cause myelosuppression can cause thrombocytopenia. A mild drop in your platelet count does not usually cause symptoms. Severely depressed platelet counts can cause easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or scrapes, and/or a pinpoint rash of tiny purplish spots called petechiae. Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience any of these signs or symptoms. A transfusion of platelets may be needed if your platelet count drops significantly. This will provide short-term relief of symptoms. The platelet growth factor oprelvekin (Neumega®) stimulates the production of platelets. It is usually given only to people who have experienced dangerously low platelet levels in response to therapy.
Nausea and Vomiting
Many people have the idea that all chemotherapy causes severe nausea and vomiting. This is simply untrue. Not all chemotherapy drugs cause nausea and/or vomiting. Further, several highly effective drugs are available to prevent and control nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Fortunately, the days of uncontrollable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy are long gone. Health care providers refer to the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy as CINV (chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting). Different chemotherapy drugs have different levels of risk for CINV. In general, a combination of drugs is more likely to cause CINV than is a single agent. CINV can be acute (occurring within the first 24 hours of treatment) or delayed (occurring several days after treatment). The risk of CINV is predictable based on the drugs you are taking. Your health care provider will recommend treatment that matches the risk profile of the drugs you are taking. Table 2 shows the risk of CINV associated with chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat lung cancer. Drugs that are FDA-approved for the treatment of small cell or non-small cell lung cancer appear in italics. However, your doctor may prescribe other drugs on the list. The choice of chemotherapy drugs is individualized to meet your specific circumstances and needs. Table 2: Risk of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea & Vomiting (CINV)
Associated with Common Lung Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs
Generic Name
Trade Name
Risk of CINV
(without
medication)
carboplatin Paraplatin® cisplatin Platinol® moderate to high doxorubicin Adriamycin® moderate to high fluorouracil 5-FU mild ifosfamide Ifex® irinotecan Camptosar® methotrexate Mexate® mitomycin Mutamycin® vinblastine Velban® vincristine Oncovin® If there is a risk of CINV associated with your chemotherapy regimen, you will be pre- medicated with drugs to prevent these side effects before chemotherapy is administered. It is much easier to prevent nausea and vomiting than it is to get it under control once it starts. Often, a combination of drugs is used because combined treatment has been found to be more effective than use of any single drug. Drugs currently used to control CINV are shown in the following list. The choice of drugs used and their dosing will depend on your chemotherapy regimen. alprazolam (Xanax®) aprepitant (Emend®) dexamethasone (Decadron®) diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) methylprednisolone (Medrol®) dolasetron (Anzemet®) dronabinol (Marinol®) droperidol (Inapsine®) prochlorperazine In addition to medications, self-help techniques can be useful in controlling nausea and/or • Eat small amounts throughout the day rather than three large meals. Filling your stomach increases the likelihood of nausea and vomiting. • Eat slowly and chew your food well. • Be sure you drink enough fluids. Dehydration can cause nausea and vomiting. • Avoid spicy and greasy foods. Greasy foods are hard to digest and stay in the stomach for extended periods, sometimes up to 12 hours. • If cooking odors bother you, eat cold meals or ask someone else to prepare your meals and bring them to you on difficult days. Avoid foods with strong odors. • If you feel nauseous, get some fresh air and take deep breaths. • Rinse your mouth often if it is dry or has a bad taste. • Suck on ice chips or hard candy. Talk with your health care providers if you are having problems with nausea and/or vomiting. Many options are available to control these symptoms effectively. There is no reason to suffer. If you are taking medication but are still experiencing breakthrough nausea or vomiting, your treatment can be changed to another regimen that works better for you. Peripheral Neuropathy
Some chemotherapy drugs can injure the peripheral nerves of the body, that is, those outside
the brain and spinal cord. The condition that results from damage to peripheral nerves is called peripheral neuropathy. While peripheral nerves are located throughout the body, peripheral neuropathy usually affects only the hands and/or feet. There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy other than chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is usually experienced as: • tingling, burning, or pain in the affected areas • loss of sensation (numbness) • loss of balance (if the feet are affected) Peripheral neuropathy can cause clumsiness. Normal coordination depends on the peripheral nerve messages to the brain telling it the position of your arms, legs, hands, and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can interrupt these messages. The result is clumsiness or loss of coordination. Loss of information about the position of the limbs is called loss of position sense. You may have trouble buttoning your shirt without looking. You may also trip more than usual or have a tendency to drop things. Peripheral neuropathy is not a side effect of all chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy agents commonly used to treat lung cancer that can cause peripheral neuropathy include carboplatin (Paraplatin®), cisplatin (Platinol®), paclitaxel (Taxol®), docetaxel (Taxotere®), etoposide (VePesid®), topotecan (Hycamtin®), vinblastine (Velban®), vincristine (Oncovin®), vinorelbine (Navelbine®), and gemcitabine (Gemzar®). Of these drugs, peripheral neuropathy occurs most commonly with paclitaxel, docetaxel, cisplatin, and vincristine. Peripheral neuropathy can occur at different times during the course of therapy depending on the drug(s) being used. The toxic effects of chemotherapy on peripheral nerves are cumulative. This means once symptoms occur, they tend to get worse as additional treatments are administered. In cases of severe peripheral neuropathy, the dosage of the chemotherapy drugs may have to be decreased. In rare instances, treatment with the offending drug must be stopped. In most instances, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy gradually goes resolves after treatment has been completed. In some cases, symptoms only partially resolve. There can be residual symptoms. There is some evidence that peripheral neuropathy may be at least partially preventable.
Studies using the supplements glutamate15 and glutathione16 have shown some promise in
preventing or reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The drugs amifostine (Ethyol®) and carbamazepine (Tegretol®) have also shown promise in protecting against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.17, 18 However, no agents are currently in routine
use to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Loss of position sense can make you prone to injuries. Some simple measures can help reduce the risk of injuries. • Keep the rooms in your home well lit. When you have lost some position sense, the brain automatically begins to rely on your other senses to help coordinate movements. Good lighting helps give your brain good visual information. • Keep a nightlight on to light your way should you need to get up during the night. • Wear shoes that tie, buckle, or have Velcro® fasteners instead of slip-on shoes. It is easy to slip out of a shoe that is not firmly adhered to your foot. This can lead to falls and potential injuries. High heels should be avoided. • Consider lowering the temperature on your hot water heater to avoid accidentally burning yourself. Test bath water with your elbow before getting in the tub. • Watch your hands when you are working with a sharp object. In this way, you are using your eyes to provide information to your brain for what you may be lacking due to peripheral neuropathy. • Consider having someone else drive for you if you experience numbness in your • Use potholders or hot mitts if you are uncertain of the temperature of something • Wear mittens or gloves to prevent frostbite in cold weather. Early symptoms of frostbite are very similar to the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and can be easily missed. Keep your feet warm and dry for the same reason. • Use the railing when walking up or down stairs. Watch your feet. Prescription medications are available that may help control the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. You may need to try more than one of these medications to find one that works for you. Options include topical lidocaine, gabapentin (Neurontin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), lamotrigine (Lamictal®), amitriptyline (Elavil®), and others. Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers can also be used. The drug causing the problem may need to be discontinued if your symptoms become severe. Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common side effect of lung cancer treatments including surgery,
chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The key factors in cancer treatment-related weight loss are: • loss of appetite • nausea and/or vomiting • diarrhea • taste changes and/or sensitivity to odors • fatigue Weight loss is discussed in detail in Symptoms Associated With Primary Lung Tumors in this chapter. There are also suggestions for managing weight loss associated with lung cancer treatments included in Chapter 12: Nutrition and Lung Cancer. PAIN CONTROL
Pain is one of the most feared symptoms of cancer. Chronic pain can significantly reduce your quality of life and make even simple tasks seem overwhelming. Pain can be caused by the effects of cancer in your body or may be a side effect of treatment. Regardless of the cause, good pain control is possible in nearly every situation. Many effective treatment options are available to control pain. Cancer pain has been well researched. Pain control has become a sophisticated science. Many advances have been made in the field of pain management in recent years. Oncology doctors and nurses are well trained in the both the assessment and treatment of pain. The first step toward effective pain control is telling your doctor or nurse about your pain. Although this may seem obvious, many people do not tell their providers about their pain until it becomes intolerable. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that telling your provider about your pain is a sign of weakness. Your health care team wants you to live your life as fully and normally as possible. While pain is an important way for the body to let you know something is wrong, chronic pain serves no useful purpose and can significantly disrupt your life. There is no reason to tolerate chronic pain in silence. Be sure to tell your health care provider about any new or changing pain you experience. Pain often changes over time. The location and severity of pain can be highly variable. Different types of pain require different treatments. In general, it is easier to achieve good pain control if the pain can be addressed early in its course rather than later when the pain becomes severe. The treatments, drugs, and dosages of drugs used to control pain are individualized to your specific symptoms. The goals of pain management are to minimize the experience of pain while limiting unwanted side effects from pain control treatments. When you talk with your health care provider about your pain, you will need to describe your pain. This helps your provider decide how best to treat you. Consider keeping a log of your pain, especially if your pain comes and goes. Important aspects of your pain should be recorded.

• Where is the pain located? • What does the pain feel like? (sharp, dull, achy, stabbing, burning, etc.) • What, if anything, brings on the pain? • What, if anything, alleviates the pain? • How long does the pain last? • On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the worst pain you've ever experienced), how would you rate the pain? The World Health Organization (WHO) developed a pain control model called the Analgesic Ladder19, 20 (see Figure 2). Analgesic is another word for a pain relieving medicine.
The model helps providers rate pain and use appropriate medicines to control it. The WHO
approach instructs health care providers to match the intensity of pain with the potency of the drug: the more severe the pain, the stronger the pain reliever. Treatment of severe pain does not begin at the bottom of the ladder. Strong pain relievers are given immediately. Combining low potency pain relievers with stronger pain relievers often increases pain control. The goal is to maintain a constant level of pain relievers in the body so that pain cannot ‘break through.' In other words, pain medications are taken on a regular schedule rather than only in response to pain. The three levels of the WHO Analgesic Ladder are summarized on the following pages.
Mild to Moderate Pain: 1-3 on a scale of 10
Non-opioids (drugs not related to morphine) are used. Examples include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), and others. Drugs such as corticosteroids that are not pain relievers themselves are added if they help treat the underlying cause of the pain. These drugs are referred to as adjuvants. Figure 2: WHO Analgesic Ladder for Pain Control Copyright 2005 Nucleus Medical Art (www.nucleusinc.com). All rights reserved. Moderate to Severe Pain: 4-6 on a scale of 10
People reporting moderate pain or people whose pain was not controlled using the measures from the lower step on the ladder should be treated with an opioid (a drug related to morphine) for moderate pain. Drugs that may be used include codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Lortab®), dihydrocodeine (DHC), oxycodone (Percodan®, Percocet®, Tylox®, Roxiprin®), propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®), and tramadol (Ultram®). Acetaminophen is often used with these drugs. Adjuvants are used to enhance pain control. Severe Pain: 7-10 on a scale of 10
People who report severe pain or have not gotten sufficient pain relief from less potent medicines are treated with strong opioids. Morphine (MSIR, MS-Contin®, Roxanal®, Oramorph-SR®), oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Roxicodone®), hydromorphone (Dilaudid®, Hydrostat®), levophanol (Levo-Dromoran®), methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®), and fentanyl (Duragesic®, Fentanyl Oralet®, Sublimase®, Innovar®) are examples of strong opioids. Non-opioid drugs and adjuvant drugs are also used to enhance pain control. Pain control medications come in many forms including tablets, liquids, patches, suppositories, and solutions for injection. Your health care provider will work with you to determine what form of pain medication works best for you. Barriers to Pain Control
Misunderstandings and other factors can stand in the way of good pain control. Some
barriers to good pain control are related to concerns people with cancer have about pain medicines. "I don't want to complain."
People are sometimes hesitant to tell their health care providers about their pain. You may be concerned about your doctor thinking you are a ‘complainer.' You may worry that talking about your pain will make your providers think less of you. These concerns are understandable but misplaced. Keep in mind that one of your doctor's jobs is to make you as comfortable as possible. Your health care providers cannot help you with your pain if they are not aware of it. You did not ask for your pain, and you do not need to suffer in silence. Be open and honest with your doctors and nurses when discussing your pain. "I'm afraid I'll get addicted."
Many people worry about becoming addicted to pain medications. While people
who abuse pain relievers for recreational purposes may become addicted to them, people who use pain relievers to control pain rarely become addicted. This fact has been proven in scientific studies.21-25 The dose needed to control your pain may need
to be gradually increases if you are on pain medicine for a prolonged period. This is
not an indication that you have become addicted to your pain medication. It is a normal body response called tolerance, which means your body requires more medication to produce the same effect. "I don't want to sleep all the time or feel doped-up."
Opioid pain medicines cause sleepiness when you first start taking them, but this side
effect only lasts a few days. Opioids can also cause you to feel somewhat odd, a feeling many people describe as being similar to being slightly intoxicated. However, this side effect also diminishes over a few days. People who are in chronic pain usually find the side effects from opioid pain medicines are much less disruptive to their lives than chronic pain is. "If I start taking pain medicine now, there won't be anything left to treat my
pain if it gets worse later."
Opioid pain medicines do not lose their effectiveness over time. Your dose can be increased if your pain becomes more severe over time. There are always options available for pain control regardless of how long you have been on pain medication. "I don't want to give in to the cancer."
You may feel that admitting you are in pain is somehow giving in to your cancer.
This is not the case. Pain can interfere with your ability to sleep and eat normally. Sleep deprivation and poor nutrition can interfere with your quality of life and your body's ability to respond to cancer treatment. Controlling pain improves your quality of life and puts you in a better position to tolerate and respond to treatment. Most health care providers working with people who have cancer are comfortable with assessing and treating pain. However, some are less adept at this aspect of cancer care than others are. If your oncologist seems hesitant to prescribe pain medicines, ask him or her for a referral to someone who is more comfortable with this aspect of cancer care. Alternative, talk with your oncology nurse or social worker about resources in your community. Many cities have pain management centers that specialize in the treatment of chronic pain. Pain control is a very important part of cancer care, and should never be overlooked. Non-Pharmacologic Pain Control Measures
There are pain control measures other than drugs that many people with cancer have found
helpful. Surgery may be used if a tumor is pressing on an organ or nerve causing pain. Radiation therapy can be highly effective for controlling bone pain. Several self-help techniques may also be useful to you. Biofeedback is a technique where a technician helps you learn to voluntarily relax your muscles. Pain often causes people to tense their muscles, which can worsen pain. Biofeedback helps people take voluntary control over this response. Biofeedback is often used along with pain medications. Visualization and imagery are techniques to help take your mind off your pain by focusing on a pleasant mental picture. This distraction can cause relaxation, which may decrease the intensity of your pain. Less formal means of distraction such as watching a movie or television or listening to music can be used to accomplish the same goal of taking the focus off the pain. Visualization and other distraction measures are often most effective when used along with pain medicines. Regular massages may help control your pain. Massage helps many people relax, which can reduce the intensity of their pain. No scientific studies have proven that massage is effective for pain control, but many people find it helpful. Chapter 11: Complementary Healing has additional information about these techniques. There are many possible symptoms and side effects associated with lung cancer. Left untreated, these symptoms can rob you of your quality of life and ability to function. Supportive care can have a very positive impact on your quality of life while living with lung You are encouraged to discuss your symptoms with your health care providers as soon as they appear. Working together with your providers, you can eliminate or control nearly every symptom caused by your lung cancer or its treatment. New supportive care treatment options are emerging every day. I hope you will benefit from these advances and enjoy your life as symptom-free as possible.

Source: http://www.lungcancerguidebook.org/lcguidebook_aug05/ch10_0605.pdf