The time between being diagnosed with cancer to the day treatments begin is sometimes rapid. While we are fortunate in this high-tech age to have many new and effective treatments, they don't come without side effects.

While each of us will have a different experience with side effects, many of us will cope with some degree of pain, have mood swings, and experience physical changes from treatments. Many side effects are normal for people receiving cancer treatments and will pass with time.

Remember, you are not alone. We are in this together. Share your story to encourage someone else and lean on a support system when you need strength.

Emotional impacts

It's not uncommon to feel depressed, anxious, fearful, or panicky during our treatment. Cancer is a scary thing! We're surrounded by unfamiliar doctors in an unfamiliar place and receiving treatment that can make us feel sicker than we felt to begin with.

Remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel -- we are fighting our cancer. We are strong and we will get through this. Common emotions to feel during our treatment include:

• Anger
• Loss of control
• Sadness
• Fear
• Frustration
• A change in self-image

Mental effects

Cancer treatments can affect our mental abilities. One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, for example, is short- and long-term memory loss.

This can be particularly frustrating when, for example, we found the energy to make it to the grocery store and can't remember what we need.

It can be extremely helpful to start writing a list of tasks at the beginning of each day.

Another mental effect of treatments is the struggle to stay on top of bills. Although we once may have been incredibly organized, it may not be so easy to maintain that kind of mental clarity after chemo. That's why we shouldn't hesitate to ask for help from loved ones or community organizations.

Physical changes

Some of the most disconcerting side effects of cancer treatment are the physical changes our bodies undergo. If we are being treated with chemotherapy, chances are our hair will fall out. We may lose weight, our skin may become pallid, or we may have surgery scars. Remember that most of these side effects are only temporary and our cancer is being destroyed.

Coping with pain

Causes of pain can be anything from a tumor pressing on a nerve to the side effects of chemotherapy. The severity of pain depends on the type of cancer, the extent of the disease, and our own individual ability to cope with pain.

Not all of us will feel pain as a result of our cancer treatment, and those of us who do may only feel it some of the time. No matter what the cause or how long the duration, pain can be relieved.

Treating cancer pain

Treating cancer with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation are effective ways to permanently address pain. Doctors also can prescribe medications and over-the-counter drugs, such as anti-inflammatory products, antihistamines, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Pain prevention techniques that are less invasive and more natural include physical therapy, meditation, and certain complementary therapies.

As we all experience pain differently, no one treatment works for everyone. Talk to people on your healthcare team to work out a pain-treatment program that works for you. You have the right to live without pain.

See also

• Living with cancer
• Adapting to life with cancer
• Coping with fear
• Staying positive