Hey beautiful souls,
We need to be real. And sometimes that’s the hardest part. There's a whole level of cancer treatment that doesn't make it into the inspirational Instagram posts. Many of us see women smiling through treatments, working out and seemingly fine. But there are so many moments that are truly unglamorous... the side effects that make you feel like your body is actively betraying you, the crying spells, the throwing up, and so much more.
Here's the truth: if you're dealing with uncomfortable and sometimes mortifying side effects right now, you are not alone. We are here for you because we’ve been there.
That's me, right smack in the middle of radiation treatment feeling lots of side effects...fatigue, burning, and so much more.
Your oncologist probably mentioned these in passing. Maybe they handed you a pamphlet. Except now you're living with:
- Mouth sores that make eating feel like chewing glass
- Food that tastes like metal (or cardboard, or nothing at all)
- Bathroom issues you even feel weird talking to your doctor about!
- Skin changes nobody prepared you for
- Fatigue that makes brushing your teeth feel like running a marathon
None of this is glamorous, fair or bearable. But all of it is real, and all of it deserves solutions. You are not alone.
Products That Actually Help
Granted, I faced cancer treatment in 2009, so there may be some additional and new remedies. But here’s what worked for me and other fighters in our community:
For mouth sores: Biotene mouthwash, extra-soft toothbrush (kids' toothbrushes work great), ice chips or popsicles and avoiding acidic/spicy foods
It sucks, but make sure you use Biotene mouthwash after you eat - everytime. Don’t skip! Getting mouth sores is the WORST, so trust me on this and gargle, gargle, gargle.
For weird tastes: Try using plastic utensils instead of metal, eat ginger candies or mints, try cold foods and marinate everything. Plus, stay hydrated with whatever you can tolerate!
Sometimes “metal mouth” happens and there’s nothing you can really do. But just remember it’s temporary.
For digestive issues: Definitely talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing issues going #1 or #2! But for me, Miralax or stool softeners were a game changer! Easy-to-digest foods are great (think bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). But talk with your doctor or nutritionist because even bananas can bind you! Be sure to use baby wipes instead of toilet paper (trust me) and you can even get witch hazel wipes that can offer some relief.
For skin changes: Again, talk with your doctor because certain treatments like radiation have some severe side effects that can be very sensitive to manage. But for overall skin care, use fragrance-free everything (CeraVe, Cetaphil, Vanicream), Aquaphor for dry spots. Use very soft cotton fabrics (even infant cloths) and take short lukewarm showers or baths. Be sure to wear sunscreen always!
Don’t be embarrassed. We all have bodies.
Your medical team has heard it all. There is nothing you can tell them that will shock them. And it’s their job to help you.
Some ways you can ask the hard questions:
- "I'm experiencing [symptom] and it's affecting my quality of life. What are my options?"
- "This is embarrassing to talk about, but [issue] is happening and I need help."
When to bring it up:
- Any time!!!!! You are going through a lot, so ask away!
- If it's affecting your ability to eat, sleep, or function: call your doctor now!
- If it's painful or getting worse: don't wait!
- If you're not sure if it's normal: ask anyway!
- If over-the-counter solutions aren't working: time to escalate!
- Your comfort matters. Don't minimize your symptoms because you think they're not "serious enough."
How to know when to ask or power through
First, when in any kind of pain, call your provider. Again, they are the expert, so ask for help! Plus:
- You're in significant pain
- The symptom is preventing basic functioning
- Home remedies aren't working
- Something feels wrong or different from what you expected
- Your mental health is suffering
You might power through when:
- The symptom is mild and manageable
- You have strategies that help
- It's temporary and will pass
When in doubt? Ask. There's no prize for suffering unnecessarily.
Some other Cancer Hacks:
- "Silk pillowcases saved my skin and what's left of my hair." - Jennifer
- "Frozen grapes for mouth sores. Game changer." - Aisha
- "Baby shampoo for my sensitive scalp. Gentle and cheap." - Maria
- "I batch-cook on good days so I have easy meals on bad days." - Kimberly
- “My friends did a meal train for me and it helped immensely!” - Lisa
Always Remember…
None of this makes you less beautiful. None of this makes you less strong.
Cancer treatment is brutal on your body. Side effects are not a reflection of your strength or your attitude. They're what happens when you're pumping your body full of drugs designed to kill cancer cells.
You can be a warrior and still have mouth sores. You can be brave and still need help opening a jar because your hands hurt.
The unglamorous stuff is part of the fight. And talking about it, finding solutions, and asking for help? That's not weakness. That's survival.
You're getting through all of it. The scary appointments AND the weird taste in your mouth. The infusion days AND the digestive issues. The emotional toll AND the physical discomfort.
And you're still here. Still showing up. And Fighting Pretty through it all!
Sending you so much love and strength always!!
Xoxo
Kara 💕
P.S. What products or Cancer Hacks have worked for you? Let's help each other out!
Kara Frazier is the founder and CEO of Fighting Pretty. Kara is a 17-year breast cancer survivor (Stage 3, Her2+. ER+, BRCA-) and underwent an explant surgery in 2020 after finding out her Allergan implants were recalled. She is a wife, new mom and stepmom. Kara is on a mission to help all women feel strong and beautiful - while battling cancer or not!
To learn more about Kara's story, click here.