Despite all the awareness campaigns, cancer remains a sensitive subject that no one really wants to talk about. It is a disease that, without asking permission, arrives in your life when you least expect it. And when a loved one is going through it, it can be difficult to understand what is happening.
On the day of the diagnosis, fear sets in. Then, a feeling of uncertainty takes over after the announcement that chemotherapy will be necessary. While no advice or recommendation can fully prepare you for such an experience, it is important to know that chemo is a heavy treatment whose impact goes beyond simply destroying cancer cells.
In honour of these women survivors, my mother being one of them, I wanted to write a comprehensive guide on the holistic effects of chemo on the body, mind, and soul. My goal is to give you, as a caregiver, the tools to better support your loved ones through this difficult period. This guide has been written using reliable sources, but it is not a substitute for medical advice.
I: The Body - Understanding and Managing the Physical Toll
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. This systemic treatment works throughout the body, administered orally, by infusion, or by injection. While effective, it can cause side effects because it also affects healthy cells. These effects are usually temporary, but they can be challenging.
Side effects vary depending on the drugs, doses, and each patient, but they can include:
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Digestive Issues: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss are common, although antiemetic drugs can help control them.
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Fatigue: A general weakness, called asthenia, is one of the most common side effects and can be overwhelming.
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Skin and Hair Problems: Temporary hair loss (alopecia) is well-known, but the skin can also become dry, red, or prone to acne. Hair loss is often experienced as a shock, as it affects one's femininity and identity.
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Sensory Disturbances and Pain: Tingling, numbness, pain, or a loss of balance (neuropathy) can occur, particularly in the extremities.
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Risk of Infection: Chemotherapy can reduce the number of white blood cells, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
Practical Tips for the Body:
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For fatigue: Rest for short periods rather than taking long naps. Gentle physical activity, like walking or yoga, can also help improve your energy and blood circulation. Listen to your body and don't hesitate to ask loved ones for help.
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For nausea: Opt for cold or lukewarm foods, as they release fewer odours. Avoid greasy or overly spicy dishes. Drink water in small sips and use sour or mint-flavoured candies to mask unpleasant tastes.
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For oral health: Maintain good oral hygiene and consult your care team for advice. Using a baking soda mouthwash can help soothe inflammation.
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For hair loss: Inquire about cooling caps, which can reduce hair loss during treatment. Use gentle products and avoid heat styling. Wear a Malka Crown whenever you need to go outside. No need to use the matching band, the satin-lined bonnet will be soft for your scalp, and its full effects will not make you look like you are completely bald underneath.
II: The Mind - Managing "Chemo Brain" and the Emotional Rollercoaster
Cognitive function, which includes memory, attention, reasoning, and decision-making, can be affected by treatment. This phenomenon is often called "chemo brain" or "chemo fog." It can make daily life difficult and harm your emotional well-being.
Beyond cognitive issues, chemotherapy can have a significant impact on mental and emotional health. Anxiety, depression, frustration, and insomnia are common and normal reactions to such an ordeal.
Strategies for the Mind:
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Relaxation techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help you manage stress and anxiety.
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Gentle activities: Light physical exercise, creative hobbies, and reading can improve your mood and help distract you from your worries.
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Social support: Connect with others through support groups, friends, or family. Sharing your feelings can provide relief.
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Health professionals: Never hesitate to discuss feelings of anxiety or depression with your medical team. They can refer you to professional support, such as a psychologist or therapist.
III: The Soul - Reconnecting with Your Inner Self
Facing illness, the body and mind are put to the test, but the soul, too, searches for its way. For many women, chemotherapy is an opportunity to reconnect with their spirituality and to find an unsuspected inner strength. It becomes a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and resilience.
This part of the journey is about more than just fighting the disease; it's about nurturing your spirit. Self-care becomes a powerful tool in this process—not just as a way to cope, but as a way to heal from the inside out.
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Practising Radical Self-Compassion: Chemo is an exhausting process. It’s vital to be gentle with yourself. This means letting go of the guilt of not being "strong enough" or "productive enough." Take the time you need to rest, to grieve, and to just be. Your only job is to get through the day, and that is more than enough.
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Reclaiming Your Identity: The physical changes of chemo can make you feel like a different person. Self-care is a way to reclaim your identity and remind yourself who you are beyond the diagnosis. It can be as simple as putting on a favourite lipstick, wearing a beautiful scarf, or using a special lotion that makes you feel good. These small acts can be profound.
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Finding Meaning and Purpose: Whether through faith, meditation, or a deep connection with nature, many women find solace in a renewed sense of purpose. This spiritual journey is unique to each person. For some, it might be through prayer or reading sacred texts. For others, it’s about reconnecting with the world and prioritising relationships, creativity, or simply enjoying a quiet moment. As some women have shared, this experience forces them to "re-evaluate their priorities" and live with a deeper sense of presence and gratitude.
This period becomes a path of transformation, a reminder that life has a deeper meaning.
The Queen's Strength
Cancer is a battle that transforms us deeply. Navigating through chemotherapy is an act of courage that requires caring for your body, mind, and soul. The process is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to discover a resilience that reminds us we are survivors—we are queens.
It is this very strength that inspired the creation of Malka London and its Headwrap Crowns. More than just an accessory, our headwrap Crowns are designed to offer comfort and dignity to every woman facing hair loss, even during chemotherapy. Each Crown is a symbol of resilience, a way to reclaim your beauty and wear your Crown with pride. They are a tangible reminder that you are a Queen, no matter what challenges you face.
We believe that self-care is the first step toward healing. That's why, by wearing our Headwrap Crowns, you affirm your inner strength and beauty at every step of your journey.
Find the crown that tells your story of resilience. Discover our Malka London collection.
