ways to prioritize comfort during metastatic breast cancer treatment
Experiment with nutritious ways to boost appetite
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Make a plan to manage pain
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Lean on support networks
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Balance rest with movement
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Enlist help from palliative care
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Discuss side effects with
a treatment team
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A person may find it helpful to discuss plans for pain management shortly following diagnosis — especially if they already experience pain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a method known as “by the ladder.” This means starting with non-opioid analgesics and working up to opioids as necessary.
A person can inform the cancer team when their current medications no longer provide adequate pain relief. Many cancer centers have pain management specialists who can offer options for relief outside of medications, such as:
Make a plan to manage pain
A side effect of cancer treatment can include loss of appetite and a general desire not to eat if a person is nauseous or vomiting.
Lack of appetite can make it difficult to get the necessary calories and nutrients each day. An individual can try the following tips to eat a bit more:
Experiment with nutritious ways to boost appetite
Physical movement can help during metastatic breast cancer treatment. Treatment can take a toll on energy levels, making it more difficult to want to exercise or take part in physical activities.
Even physically fit people may find it helpful to start off slowly with activity. This may include light walks, light lifting, or other activities that get the body moving.
A person should rest when needed and try to avoid stressing if they do not complete an entire activity session. Planning to do small amounts throughout the day may help.
Balance rest with movement
Support networks can include anything that helps a person — or family — manage their personal care, stress, household chores, and other tasks. Anyone willing to help with chores, getting to appointments, or allowing a person undergoing care to vent their feelings or frustrations can be a part of a support network. That may include:
Lean on support networks
Palliative care can include a wide range of therapies, from emotional support to medical treatment. It typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, meaning many specialists and healthcare professionals may get involved.
Oncologists may provide cancer-related treatments, such as radiation or medications.
Therapists may help with mental health concerns. Physical therapists may provide some support with managing pain.
A person may also find it helpful to look into alternative treatment options, such as supplements or acupuncture.
Enlist help from palliative care
Healthcare professionals cannot predict how a medication will make a person feel. Individuals receiving care can communicate any side effects they experience from their current treatment.
Healthcare professionals may:
Discuss side effects with a treatment team
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nail thickening
nail discoloration
changes in the shape of the nail
separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
shallow or deep holes in the nail (pitting)
Nail psoriasis usually affects several fingers, toes, or both, but is more common on the fingernails than the toenails. Symptoms may include:
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Researchers estimate that 12–16% of people with psoriasis develop skin symptoms on their hands or feet. It may cause dry, discolored, and thickened patches, as well as deep cracks in the skin.
A doctor may prescribe a combination of topical therapies, oral or injected medication, or phototherapy to treat psoriasis on the hands or feet. OTC topical treatments and moisturizers
may also help relieve symptoms.
Hands and nails
Request new team members as necessary
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When undergoing breast cancer treatment, a person's care team can be flexible. If one or more of the care providers is not responsive to concerns or does not feel like a good fit, an individual can consider replacing them with another care provider.
Similarly, if the current team members cannot provide enough support, a person can request new members for their care team.
Request new team members as necessary
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an implantable pain pump
an epidural
changes in the shape of the nail
A person should discuss plans for pain management shortly following diagnosis — especially if they already experience pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends starting with non-opioid analgesics and working up to opioids as necessary.
A person can inform the cancer team when their current medications no longer alleviate pain. Many cancer centers have pain management specialists who can offer options outside of medications, such as a lumbar block, an epidural, or an implantable pain pump.
Along with medication, a multidisciplinary team may recommend complementary medicine (CAM), psychosocial interventions, or procedures to reduce pain. Palliative radiation therapy can also be an option to help manage pain if cancer has spread to areas such as the bones.
Palliative radiation therapy can also be an option to help manage pain if cancer has metastasized to areas such as the bones.
Along with medication, a multidisciplinary team may recommend complementary medicine (CAM), psychosocial interventions, or procedures to reduce pain. CAM can involve supplements, exercises, and other methods of care.
having several small meals and snacks throughout the day
eating preferred foods any time of day
making eating enjoyable by watching TV, eating with someone else, or listening to music
avoiding drinking with meals
focusing on foods high in protein
staying active with light exercise
friends
family
social workers
therapists
religious leaders
neighbors
adjust doses of medications
switch treatment approaches
recommend new medications to manage side effects
weigh side effects and benefits to make treatment decisions
