Getting diagnosed and undergoing treatments for oesophagus cancer is no easy experience. One has to expect various side effects and other challenges, which means we also have to be ready to cope with them.
Here is a guide to prepare ourselves if we get diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
What Side Effects Should You Expect?
Here are some complications you may experience before and during your oesophagus cancer treatments.
Difficulty Swallowing
If you feel as though food is always stuck in your throat or chest, that is likely because the cancer has grown enough to block part of your oesophagus. This makes it difficult for food to pass through.
This side effect can also happen due to treatments like radiation therapy, which can inflame the oesophagus.
Chest Pain
A pressing or burning pain in your chest is also another complication to expect with this type of cancer. You may feel something akin to heartburn when food goes down your partially blocked oesophagus.
Your chest may also feel sore due to the treatment. However, if you feel squeezing or tightness in that area, your heart may be responding poorly to the therapy. Do see your doctor immediately if this happens.
Coughing, Choking, and Vomiting
You may also be more prone to vomiting or choking on food as it gets stuck in your oesophagus. This is because your gag reflex can get triggered more often.
How to Manage Eating Difficulties
As we can infer from the side effects mentioned, eating properly is a significant challenge for people with oesophagus cancer and undergoing treatment.
Have Soft Diets
A soft diet is the norm for oesophageal cancer patients. Foods like soup, fruit smoothies, mashed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and custards are far easier to swallow.
Do avoid foods that are more likely to get stuck in your throat, such as bread or meat. If you do want to eat these, chop them into fine pieces and use sauces or creams to make them moist and more comfortable to eat.
Eat Smaller Meals
Besides eating a soft diet, you can also opt for smaller but more frequent meals instead of the conventional three big meals a day. Smaller meals can help you avoid the discomfort of eating more in one sitting. It also ensures that you get the nourishment needed for the day.
Drink Fluids Frequently
It is also important to stay hydrated to help boost saliva production. It is harder to chew food and swallow it comfortably if your mouth is dry. For more nutrition, you can have broth and tea between meals.
Consider Consulting a Dietitian
Your physician may also recommend a dietitian to help you plan a diet during treatment. You can consult this specialist so you can have healthy but palatable recipes to keep your energy levels up.
You May Require a Feeding Tube
Do be prepared that, in some cases, patients may need to have a feeding tube inserted into the stomach or intestines before they start their treatment for oesophageal cancer. This can happen to you if eating the normal way is too uncomfortable. With the tube, you can receive nutrients directly into your body.
But do not fret—this apparatus is typically removed when no longer needed.
Habits to Avoid So You Do Not Aggravate Your Condition
There are also a few habits to avoid if you do not want to experience worse side effects:
Avoid smoking tobacco products or getting exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoking can worsen your cancer and irritate your oesophagus.
Likewise, avoid drinking alcohol, as these can cause similar problems to your oesophagus.
Do opt for lukewarm or cool drinks instead of overly hot beverages. The latter can exacerbate the pain and discomfort in your throat and chest.
Work With Your Doctor for a Management Plan
Coping with your condition while getting treatments for oesophagus cancer requires several adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. This can be difficult to handle alone, so work with your oncologist and the rest of the healthcare team to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
There are resources and groups who can support you in your fight if you are open to their help.
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