There are many reasons why you might consider plastic surgery. Perhaps you’ve been in an accident or suffered a burn, maybe you’d like a different shape for your nose, or maybe you’ve had a mastectomy and you’re interested in reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgery can solve these and myriad other problems.

We sat down with Dr. Shashidhar Kusuma of the Plastic Surgery Department at Westside Regional Medical Center (WRMC) to learn more about plastic surgery and what patients can expect.

Q: How long have you been associated with WRMC?

A: I had been a staff surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for the past four years. I recently relocated to South Florida and have been with WRMC since July of this year.

Q: Why did you choose to specialize in plastic surgery?

A: Plastic surgery is a unique specialty. It has no anatomical or pathologic boundaries. We work with all other specialties, which include but are not limited to neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, OB/GYN, general surgery, and orthopedic surgery. It is a specialty that allows a skilled surgeon to combine science with art, technology with technical ability, and creativity with passion. It deals with form and function and restoration of missing, deformed, or abnormal features. It is very gratifying to restore a patient and make him or her whole again.

Q: Who are your patients?

A: There is no age limit. We treat patients of all age groups.  My youngest patient was a week old and my oldest is a 105-year-old. We treat congenital problems, traumatic problems, oncologic problems, wound problems, problem cases of other surgeons. We also treat healthy patients with cosmetic surgery and treatments. It is a very fun specialty.

Q: Is most of your work cosmetic or reconstructive?

A: My work is divided equally between reconstructive and cosmetic work. My reconstructive practice deals with breast reconstruction, facial reconstruction after melanoma and skin cancers, nasal reconstruction, abdominal wall reconstruction, and traumatic or congenital reconstructions of other parts of the body. I also do a fair amount of cosmetic surgery to include, breast, body, and face. One of my real passions is rhinoplasty.  I do a lot of Botox, and other injectables and skin care as well.

Q: Are most patients apprehensive before undergoing surgery?

A: Surgery can be a very intimidating for patients. It often elicits anxiety, nervousness, unease, uncertainty, and many other emotions. Preparing patients for surgery is as important as doing the surgery itself. It requires input from my entire staff, starting with our receptionist and continuing with every other person the patients will interact with during the process. We spend a great deal of time during the post-operative period in follow-up to make sure that we are there for them when they need us.

Q: How do most patients react after the surgery?

A: We love seeing the smiles on patients’ faces after successful outcomes. This is what happens most of the time. There are situations when there may be issues or complications, but we always reassure them that we will work through any problems and we will be there for them throughout the process. So there is happiness, frustration, impatience, boredom, and other emotions after surgery.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone who is considering plastic surgery?

A: Your health and well-being are worth your time and energy. Please spend the time to research your doctor, and the particular problem you have, and educate yourself. Please don’t give into marketing gimmicks, unsubstantiated claims, hype, fads, and media blitzes that often confuse and disperse misinformation.

Make sure that your doctor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only accredited board approved through ABMS, the American Board of Medical Specialties.  
Remember that plastic surgery is real surgery with real consequences.

To learn more about plastic surgery and how it can benefit you, contact Westside Regional Medical Center. Visit us online or call 954-472-8355. You can also call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-866-442-2362.

As summer starts winding down, you may have wonderful memories of days out in the sun—beach trips and hours by the pool. While you probably had great fun, did you take care of your skin? If you have any worries, be sure to check yourself out.

What to Look For

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but when caught early, it’s very treatable. Take time to check the fronts and backs of your arms and legs, your face and neck, your chest, your back, and any areas exposed to the sun. If you have children, be sure to check them, too.

It’s important to notice changes on your skin. Anything that is new or suddenly has a different shape can be a cause for concern. Also, check for sores that don’t heal after a month or two. Here are some specifics.

• Squamous cell carcinomas. These growing spots can be flat, reddish patches or rough, scaly, crusted lumps.

• Basal cell carcinomas. These areas can be red and shiny or raised and pink. They may also bleed or ooze. They can be multicolored with black, blue, or brown parts, and they may have misshapen blood vessels.

• Actinic keratosis. This skin condition is marked by small, rough spots that can be pink or flesh colored. Often pre-cancerous, these spots can occur on the face, neck, arms, and hands—or anywhere that has been overexposed to the sun.

• Melanomas. These areas are the most to worry about, and the warning signs include new spots or spots that have changed in color, size, or shape. Look for areas that include shades of black, brown, pink, or blue. Also take note if a spot has become itchy or sensitive.

What Next?

If you notice any suspicious areas, talk to a doctor right away. If he agrees that there could be a problem, he may do a skin biopsy. This will allow him to test a sample of your skin to determine if it is cancerous or pre-cancerous.

In the event that the doctor finds cancer, he will discuss treatment with you. It could involve surgery to remove the skin cancer. Or if the cancer has spread, you may need chemotherapy or radiation as well.

If no cancer is found, thank your lucky stars. And keep applying the sunscreen!

To learn more about skin cancer and how to prevent it, contact Westside Regional Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-866-442-2362. We’re here to help you guard your health.

SOURCES

American Cancer Society

Skin Cancer Foundation

Are you in a lot of pain? If you’ve been hurt or had recent surgery, you may have aches that you’ve never experienced before. But don’t worry—things can get better, and physical therapy can put you on the road to recovery.

How Does It Work?

During this process, you’ll work with physical therapists. They are health professionals who specialize in helping people regain movement. They teach you exercises and stretches that help you strengthen your muscles, heal from injury, and deal with certain medical conditions.

How Long Will It Take?

That depends on your situation. You may need just one or two sessions, or you may need many sessions over the course of weeks and months. Your physical therapist will consult with you and create a plan of treatment.

Is It for You?

If you have any of these symptoms or conditions, you could benefit from physical therapy:

• Back pain or a spine condition. If you suffer from back pain or your spine has been damaged, physical therapy can help. The stretches and adjustments will help take the pressure off your damaged nerves.

• Recent surgery. Depending on what procedure you’ve had done, you still may be in some physical pain. These sensations may not go away by themselves, and physical therapy can help alleviate the discomfort.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles that are injured by repetitive motions. People who suffer from carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and many other conditions may see relief.

• Injury. Whether you’ve been in an accident or taken a hit on the playing field, physical therapy can help you manage pain and regain mobility. It can treat all sorts of injuries, including broken bones after they’ve healed.

• Arthritis. Many people who suffer from arthritis might fear the movement of physical therapy, but stiff joints can really benefit. Well-trained therapists can help you learn to move those joints safely and strengthen the muscles around them. Therapists may also use hot and cold packs on the affected areas.

• Stroke. After a stroke, you’ll find that muscles don’t move as they once did. Physical therapy can help you increase your range of motion. It can also offer solutions and strategies for you to accomplish everyday tasks.

• Whiplash. If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be suffering from whiplash. Physical therapy can offer stretches and other exercises that help ease the pain of neck damage.

To learn more about physical therapy and its benefits, contact Westside Regional Medical Center at 954-476-3959. You can also talk to experts at Consult-A-Nurse®. We’re here to help you conquer the pain.

Reconstructive plastic surgery uses innovative and creative means to restore form and function to patients who have sustained injuries from trauma, surgical defects from cancer surgery, congenital defects or other causes. The benefits of surgery are immense. It not only attempts to restore the lost form and helps regain function, but it also emotionally and psychologically enables the patient to feel whole again. Reconstructive plastic surgery is distinctly different than cosmetic plastic surgery. Cosmetic plastic surgery is often performed to enhance one’s appearance, but reconstructive surgery is done, and most of the time needed, to restore, replace or reform something that is lost or abnormal. It is often done due to necessity. Many times it is covered by insurance.

To see the procedures in a slightly different light let’s ask one of Westside Regional Medical Center’s reconstructive surgeons what the process is all about. According to Dr. Shashidhar Kusuma “restoring ones form and function, and making an individual whole is a very powerful and gratifying experience. It combines science with art, and marries technology with skill, ability with innovation.  I love seeing the smile on a patient’s face after a successful outcome.” As you can see, reconstructive plastic surgery is more than a run of the mill medical procedure. It is a medical asset that can help all types of patients.

Some common reasons for reconstructive plastic surgery

• Wound Treatment- As the body is injured the wounds can deplete our ability to function, cause infections, and severely impair function. Reconstructive plastic surgery can repair and close wounds and attempt to restore deformed parts of the body.
• Cancer- Reconstructing defects after cancer surgery is a large part of reconstructive plastic surgery. Tumor removal can save lives and is often an effective cure for particular types of cancer. At Westside Regional Medical Center we use reconstructive plastic surgery to treat breast cancer and skin cancer (both melanoma and non-melanoma cases) patients among others. The process can not only remove tumors, it can reshape the body giving patients their lives back.
• Traumatic Injury- Events such as car accidents can leave patients badly injured. Reconstructive plastic surgery can repair the human body. For instance, broken bones in the skeletal structure of the face can impede the ability to speak. Reconstructive plastic surgery can restore such vital functions and even repair the body cosmetically.

The term reconstructive plastic surgery encompasses multiple different procedures that focus on repairing nearly every part of the body. Each procedure will likely come with different advice from doctors about what steps need to be taken to prepare the body for a procedure. There are some general medical and lifestyle preparations that anyone about to undergo reconstructive surgery should consider.

Tips to help prepare for reconstructive treatments

• Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. Not only will smoking ultimately bring a patient back to the hospital, it can make the recovery process take longer.
• Do not take certain medications for 2 weeks before surgery. Specifically: aspirin, ibuprofen or any medication that increases blood clotting. Keep in mind these are general tips. If you are going in for surgery, talk to your doctor about all medications and supplements you need to stop taking before the procedure.
• Work with your doctors. They may also need you take other medical tests to help them prepare for your surgery. This step will acclimate you with the process and make sure you get the best care available.
• Read up on the specific procedure you are undergoing. This will not only educate you, but let you know of what risks might be involved and ultimately relieve stress that may have built because of the procedure.
• Build a support group. Talk to family and friends to help you get by. Set up rides to and from the hospital as well as people to help you around the house when you get home as recovery may limit your mobility.
• Prepare your house. You will probably be immobile so plan to be comfortable. Have pillows, blankets, books and your favorite movies waiting for you when you get home. Also, purchase any medicines, moisturizers etc that the doctor says you will need. Last, try cooking several meals and freezing them. The less you have to do around the house when you get home, the more you can focus on recovering.

With some planning you can be fully prepared for reconstructive surgery. Remember, these procedures help your body out, so help them help you. If you have any questions about reconstructive plastic surgery visit us online or call our Consult-A-Nurse® program at 1-866-442-2362 for more information.

People often need help recovering after an accident or surgical procedure. Sometimes the body needs a little assistance in order to get back to normal. At Westside Regional Medical Center our Rehabilitative Services Department is staffed with experts from a variety of backgrounds who help patients get back on track. We focus on three major rehabilitative areas: physical therapy, speech pathology and lymphedema services. While you probably have heard of at least one of these fields of medicine, you might not know exactly what they are and what they can do to help patients return to their lives.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a treatment option for many types of medical issues and a wide variety of patients. Physical therapists can help anyone, at any age, improve their ability to function. The ability to move around freely is something that those of us who have it often take for granted. When the ability to function physically becomes a hardship, or even a disability, our physical therapists are there. Our specialists evaluate the situation, develop a treatment plan and work alongside patients on their road to recovery.

Some examples of the patients we can treat

· Athletes with severe sprains or other sports related injuries

· Stroke survivors who need help gaining back mobility

· People with severe back or neck pain

· Patients with wounds that need to heal (physical therapists can even help reduce scarring in some cases)

Our physical therapy staff has worked with many different patients with many different conditions. They have the ability to accurately diagnose a patient’s problem and devise a way to help their bodies maintain and regain function.

Speech/Language Pathology

Speech Pathology is a medical field dedicated to helping patients who are having trouble with their ability to speak and swallow. Sometimes these conditions develop naturally. Other times patients need speech pathologists to recover from bodily damage brought on by a car accident or a neurological condition. In general, our specialists can help anyone who needs to regain or improve their ability to speak or swallow. Speech Pathologists can provide medical diagnoses and treatment options. They can also give patients and their families advice on how to deal with the issues mentally, which can be a big help in the recovery process.

Some patients that can benefit from speech pathology

· People with severe speech impediments who want to be able to communicate more clearly

· Patients with degenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s,who want to regain and maintain their ability to communicate through speech.

· Patients who suffered through a severe accident that took away their ability to swallow correctly and eat the foods that they enjoy.

Our Speech Pathologists are available to assist patients with a multitude of speech related problems. We even offer technologically advanced Video Fluoroscopic Examinations. These examinations combine traditional X-Ray technology with video. They allow our specialists the ability to see how your throat and neck are working from the inside. By using this technology, we are able to provide our patients with the most accurate diagnoses possible today.

Lymphedema Services

Lymphedema is a condition in which excess fluid builds up around tissue. It can be very painful and even make it hard for patients to move around. Several things can cause lymphedema. The condition can happen naturally within the body, but it’s usually a side effect of a surgery or treatment for other medical condition. Regardless of cause our rehabilitative experts are able to help.

Some patients who may need lymphedema service

· Women who experience onset or treatment of breast cancer and develop the condition.

· Cancer patients who undergo surgery and radiation therapy to treat their primary medical condition.

· Patients who have had a lymph node removed for medical reasons.

Our Rehabilitative Services Department can drain the excess fluid that is causing complications. We can also put together a plan to re-strengthen the affected area of a patient’s body and help them regain lost mobility.

Our Rehabilitative Services Department at Westside Regional Medical Center is here to help. . If you have any questions about rehabilitation visit us online or call our Consult-A-Nurse® program at 1-866-442-2362 for more information.

One of the unavoidable side effects of surgery is that there will be some level of pain experienced by the patient afterward. Depending upon the procedure, along with its intensity and invasiveness, different levels of pain will be experienced by different patients. Physicians discuss what a patient should expect from a pain standpoint with their patients before a procedure. They also discuss what measures will be taken to help reduce, if not eliminate, post-surgical pain. In general, there are two main ways to approach pain after surgery; management using drugs and pain management that does not use drugs. There are some factors about each that every patient should know before surgery.

Necessary information about managing pain with medications

Before surgery, patients should talk to their doctor about pain management. During the pre-operative visit, it helps to ask some specific questions about the type and duration of pain that may occur, in addition to pain management options. Patients should ask the following questions before the day of their surgery:

• How will I receive the drugs?-There are several ways that doctors will provide your body with relief through medications. The most common are:
  • Oral- Drugs administered orally are swallowed. Your medications can either come in pill or liquid form. Most patients will receive an oral medication at some point after surgery.
  • Injection-
    • In many cases, you will receive drugs intravenously after surgery. This method delivers medicine directly into your blood stream. You have probably seen and heard of an IV before and that is what we are talking about here. Sometimes the medicine in the IV will be administered by the doctor and sometimes the patient will have control over dosage. This of course depends on your procedure and level of pain.
    • Another way that patients receive injected medicine is through shots into the skin or a muscle. Shots begin to work quickly so they are often used. A third possibility is an epidural. These are common for back and abdominal surgeries. An epidural is administered through an IV directly into the spine.
• What pain management techniques don’t involve medication?- While medication will almost certainly be prescribed by your physician, there are other ways to manage pain including the following:
  • Massages- Massage is a good way to treat tense muscles and help your whole body relax. Massages can be administered at the hospital or at approved locations after you are discharged.
  • Cold or Hot Packs- Sometimes the presence of varying temperatures can relieve pain in aching parts of the body. Doctors and nurses will be able to place temperature packs in the right locations of the body to help with pain.
  • Elevation- If your arm or leg was operated on, it usually helps to raise the limb above the level of your heart. This changes blood flow patterns and is helpful in reducing pain.
  • Moderate Exercise- How much patients are allowed to move after surgery is at the discretion of medical professionals. In some instance basic movement will help relieve pain over time. The body needs exercise so if a doctor recommends moderate exercise after surgery it is important to listen.

Surgery becomes a necessary form of treatment for patients on a daily basis. In the end, surgery is often the best way to relieve a patient of a harmful condition. Learning as much as is possible about a surgery is the best way to prepare mentally for the procedure. Learning as much as you can about pain management will help you physically after surgery. If you have any questions about pain management visit us online or call our Consult-A-Nurse® program at 1-866-442-2362 for more information.

Though you were anxious about having surgery, the day finally arrived, and the next thing you knew, it was over. After you woke up from the anesthesia, your surgeon stopped by to check on you, and he or she told you that the procedure went as planned.

Now that the surgery is behind you, recovery is ahead of you. While no two people are exactly the same, the following is an idea of what to expect, depending on the type of operation you had.

Prepare mentally

You can actually lay the groundwork for your recovery before you are wheeled into surgery. A study suggests that patients who receive flowers or potted plants in the hospital recover more quickly than those who do not receive them. So if you know you are going to be admitted after your surgery, let a friend or family member know your preferences beforehand.

Reminding yourself before your surgery about the limitations you will have as you recover from it may help you keep your impatience and frustration in check. If you’ve had open heart surgery or your gallbladder removed, don’t expect to run or play sports for several weeks. On the other hand, if you have your tonsils taken out or wisdom teeth pulled, you’ll be able to return to your regular activities much more quickly.

Your physician will send you home with instructions on how to care for yourself, including how much exercise you should get; when any follow-up visits are scheduled; and if physical therapy is indicated.

Expect discomfort

Most people who undergo surgery have soreness at the site of the incision. The more involved the procedure, the longer it will take for your body to heal.

However, if the bruising and swelling where you had the surgery does not improve after a few days, or if it gets worse, this is not normal. Let your doctor know right away, because there could be complications that need to be addressed.

Pain after surgery is common. Your physician will prescribe pain medication based on your medical history and symptoms. It may be given as pills or injections, or administered intravenously. Let your nurse or physician know if your pain medication is not working well.

Use common sense

Most people feel some measure of discomfort after outpatient or inpatient surgery. But if you do what your doctor suggests in the days following your procedure, your recovery should be complete before you know it.

If you would like more information about recuperating after surgery, or would like a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-442-2362, or visit us online.

You’ve visited your physician, and he or she is recommending you have surgery to treat a medical condition.

Whether you will need a quick surgical procedure and will be going home the same day, or undergoing an operation that requires a hospital stay of a day or more, you will be asked to take some steps beforehand to help ensure the surgery goes smoothly, and to reduce the likelihood of complications.

Planning ahead

If your procedure involves an incision, there may be some blood loss. In this case, you may need a transfusion during the surgery. Some people give blood prior to their surgery for use during their procedure. This must be done several weeks in advance at your local blood bank, so you should inquire about this option well before your surgery.

Most people are asked to do the following in the days and weeks leading up to an outpatient or inpatient procedure:

• Stop smoking. This is recommended up to two weeks in advance, but even quitting one day before surgery will lower the risk of infection and help the lungs recover from general anesthesia.
• Stop taking aspirin or ibuprofen. These drugs thin the blood, and stopping them a week before surgery helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
• Get checked. Blood work, a urine sample and x-rays are among the pre-op procedures you could be asked to undergo.
• Understand what’s going to happen. You will meet with members of the surgical team to review the procedure and go over your health history. This is also the time to ask any questions you may have.
• Prepare yourself mentally. A positive attitude can favorably influence the outcome of your surgery.
• Bring someone. Normally a family member or a friend can stay with you prior to your surgery, and come see you once you are in recovery.
• Pack in advance. Have your bag ready for your hospital stay. If you do it a day or two ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to forget things you want to bring.

The night and morning before

Most patients will be asked to stop eating by 10 p.m. the night before a surgical procedure, and not to drink anything after midnight – not even water.

The instructions you received will indicate whether you should take some or all of your medications prior to surgery. If yes, sip only enough water to swallow them. Surgery is done on an empty stomach to lessen the possibility of nausea and vomiting from anesthesia or from tubes placed in the throat.

Most patients are taken to a pre-op area, where they disrobe, put on a hospital gown and receive a wristband. They may also receive a sedative to relax them. A family member of friend is normally allowed to stay with the patient while they wait to be taken to the operating room.

General anesthesia is usually given to the patient in the OR. It can be administered in a vein in the arm, or with a mask that also delivers oxygen. Sometimes, regional or local anesthesia is given, and while the patient won’t feel pain, he or she may feel pressure at the surgical site.

After the surgery

Once your procedure is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area and monitored as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. You may feel groggy and disoriented. If you have pain, let the attending nurse know promptly, so it can be managed.

If you are admitted, you will be transferred to a hospital room. If you have major surgery, you may be given intravenous fluids and pain medicine, and not be able to eat solid food for a time. It’s also possible you will have catheters to drain fluid from the incision site and to remove urine. And, you may receive assistance from a physical therapist to regain flexibility and help you walk.

If you have an outpatient procedure, your driver will be allowed to take you home in about an hour or two in recovery.

Going home

Regardless if your procedure is outpatient or inpatient, you will receive discharge papers and instructions to follow when you leave. This can include limitations for various periods of time on things like:

• Driving
• Bathing
• Exercise
• Sexual activity
• Medications

By preparing physically and mentally for surgery, from minor procedures to major operations, you will make the experience easier and your recovery speedier. If you have questions about surgery here at Westside, or would like a referral for a physician, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Westside Regional Medical Center online.

Your physician has just told you that you will need to have surgery. You may be feeling anxious about the need for surgery, or about your upcoming procedure, and you’re probably wondering what exactly will happen.

Though the term general surgery may sound vague, “it is frequently performed to alleviate suffering when a cure is unlikely through medication alone,” explains Jeffrey P. Larson, RPT, on Healthline.com.

“Areas of the body treated by general surgery include the stomach, liver, intestines, appendix, breasts, thyroid gland, salivary glands, some arteries and veins, and the skin,” Larson says.

General surgery is performed at Westside Regional Medical Center, in addition to specialized procedures, on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Risks of surgery

While today’s surgeries are generally safe, certain people are more at risk to develop complications during and after their procedure. This includes patients who are:

• Obese
• Smokers
• Prone to bleeding
• Over 60 years of age

The surgery process

Over 25 million elective surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. When elective surgery is scheduled for a patient, as opposed to emergency surgery, the sequence of events is normally as follows:

• Office visit/consultation. The patient learns at this time that surgery is recommended and why. Dates for tests and surgery are set at this time.
• Pre-surgical tests. This includes meeting with the anesthesiologist, who will ask questions about your health to determine what kind of anesthesia is best for you. It’s also a chance for you to ask any questions you may have.
• Surgery. The patient undergoes the procedure using local or general anesthesia. If general anesthesia, they will be monitored until they awaken. They will be moved to a room or issued discharge papers and allowed to leave if they had an outpatient procedure.
• Post-surgical follow up. Stitches and staples can be checked/removed, medications adjusted, additional procedures discussed and scheduled, etc.

Westside can help

Here at Westside Regional Medical Center, we have the most up-to-date equipment and highly-trained surgeons and specialists. If you have been recommended for elective surgery and need, or would like, a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Westside Regional Medical Center online.

Men, women and children all get cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are the three most common ways to fight the disease; depending on the type of cancer and its severity, one or more of these options – and possibly others – will be employed.

There are a number of methods and medications used to combat the side effects of cancer treatment. Like cancer itself, side effects vary from person to person. Some people have virtually no symptoms, while others are affected more profoundly.

Common side effects

Here are some of the frequent reactions people have to cancer treatment, from the American Cancer Society:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Appetite changes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased risk of infection
• Anemia
• Depression

Cancer treatment produces both physical and emotional changes in the patient. Caregivers also are affected, because caring for a friend or loved one with cancer is often stressful and time-consuming.

Common remedies

Traditional ways to cope with cancer treatment side effects are:

• Get extra rest. Fatigue strikes many people a day or two after chemotherapy. Plan accordingly by having items you need in easy reach and asking for help.
• Use gentle hair-care products. This will help reduce hair loss, including when it grows back. If you know you will be losing your hair, cutting it short will reduce the amount that falls out.
• Eat small meals. Also, eat cold foods where possible to reduce nausea created by food aromas.
• Take anti-nausea medication. There are several drugs that can reduce or eliminate nausea and vomiting, especially during chemotherapy. They can be administered orally, by injection or intravenously.
• Practice good hygiene. For example, after a bowel movement, wipe carefully to reduce the risk of bacteria causing infection in cancer patients with low white blood counts.
• Avoid crowds. This is especially important for patients with suppressed immune systems, who are more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flu.
• Avoid or limit alcohol. Consuming beer, wine and liquor can minimize the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. It can also cause dehydration.

Alternative options

The National Institutes of Health website lists the following as some alternative treatments for cancer or cancer side effects:

• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Dietary supplements
• Aromatherapy

For info on cancer side effects and how to treat them, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Westside Regional Medical Center online.

Sources:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/mbc/mbc_2_Side_Effects.asp

http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Alternative_Treatments_to_Ease_Cancer_Treatment_Side_Effects_a896.html

http://www.westsideregional.com/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=CE7D2D9A-E432-494A-A4DE-30CD5347DF39

http://www.westsideregional.com/healthcontent.asp?page=/hic/cancer/index

http://www.westsideregional.com/