Aftercare: re-energizing life
Treatment, as an important means of cancer treatment, plays a key role in the fight against tumours. However, while it kills cancer cells, it may have some adverse effects on the patient ‘ s body. Therefore, after-care care is essential not only to help people to ease their discomfort, but also to promote physical recovery and a better quality of life.
The possible side effects of the treatment include, inter alia, dermal reactions, fatigue, vomiting, eating disorders, and oral mucous membrane damage. Understanding the causes of these side effects will help us better to repair them. In the course of the treatment, radiation causes some damage to normal tissues such as skin cells, digestive mucous cells, etc. Skin reactions are typically red, itching, skin removal and even bursting; fatigue is due to the energy consumption of the body and the stress of the immune system; vomiting and appetite may be due to the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract by radiation; and oral mucous membrane damage can cause pain, ulcer, etc.
How, then, should it be repaired?
First, skin care is the key. It is essential to keep the skin clean and dry in the therapeutic area. Avoid the use of irritating soap and cosmetics, and refrain from squeezing or scratching skin. In the case of red skin and itching, mild cream or emulsion can be used to remove discomfort. In the event of a skin ulceration, medical treatment should be done in a timely manner, as recommended by the doctor. At the same time, the sun should be avoided and the skin of the therapeutic area should be fired directly, and loose clothing should be worn outside and protected by the use of an umbrella or a hat.
Second, nutritional support is also important for aftercare. Rehabilitation may result in an appetite for the patient, but adequate nutritional intake must be ensured for the recovery of the body. Patients should choose food that contains proteins, vitamins and minerals, such as skinny meat, fish, eggs, milk, fresh vegetables and fruit. If the appetite is poor, the diet can be reduced by increasing the number of meals and reducing the number of meals per meal. In addition, appropriate supplements to meet the nutritional needs of the body can be made on the advice of doctors.
Reducing fatigue is also an important part of aftercare. The release consumes the patient ‘ s physical strength and fatigue. As a result, the patient needs adequate rest and sleep, and reasonable time is allocated to avoid overwork. Easy activities, such as walking, yoga, etc., can be appropriately undertaken to promote blood circulation and body recovery. At the same time, maintaining a good mindset also helps to alleviate fatigue and the psychological stress of patients can be reduced by relaxing by listening to music, reading and communicating with family and friends.
For patients with oral mucous membrane injuries, care is taken for oral care. The mouth is kept clean and the mouth is cleaned up in time for the meal, with the use of physico-saline water or specialized oral care fluids. Avoid eating spicy, irritating foods and choose soft, digestable foods. In case of severe oral pain, painkillers or partial smears may be used as recommended by the doctor.
In addition, regular review is an important component of aftercare. Patients are required to conduct regular reviews at the request of a doctor to keep abreast of the recovery of the body and to detect problems in a timely manner. During the review, the doctor adjusts the care programme to the patient ‘ s specific circumstances and provides individualized treatment advice.
In short, after-care care is a systematic and long-term process. Patients and their families must be fully aware of the importance of care and actively cooperate with the doctor ‘ s treatment and advice in providing comprehensive care in the areas of skin care, nutritional support, reduction of fatigue and oral care. Only in this way can we help the patient recover, rejuvenate and better face the future.
