How to Relieve Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

When a woman is suffering from advanced-stage ovarian cancer, she can run the risk of facing a number of symptoms that are often hallmarks of the disease. These can include nausea and indigestion, pain and discomfort, loss of appetite, fatigue, urinary problems and depression. However, there are a number of things a woman can do to relieve or lessen the intensity of such symptoms. Most of these methods are fairly easy to accomplish, and require no fancy equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription medication
• Loose, comfortable clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your doctor. Many times, a person can become nauseous during advanced stages of ovarian cancer. A doctor can prescribe a type of medication--like Haldol, Compazine, Anzemet or Zofran--to reduce this symptom. The sufferer may also begin experience a certain amount of pain and discomfort. A doctor can prescribe a myriad of pain relievers to treat this particular symptom.

• 2

  Eat healthy, nutritious foods. While this may sound like a fairly minor and inconsequential method of treating symptoms of advanced-stage ovarian cancer, a well-balanced diet, according to the Mayo Clinic, can help boost your energy, lessen indigestion, combat fatigue, fight depression and actually make you feel better.

• 3

  Keep hydrated. Dehydration can take a toll on the body, and many women tend to suffer bouts of diarrhea during advanced-stage ovarian cancer (losing a great deal of water in the process). By making sure you're properly hydrated, you can reduce discomfort, keep yourself regular and help combat fatigue.

• 4

  Change the way you eat. To keep nausea or indigestion at bay, start eating smaller meals throughout the day. This will ensure that you always have some food in your stomach and lessen the severity of nausea.

• 5

  Keep exercising, if at all possible. A short, slow walk around the block or even the house can help maintain your strength, boost your immune system, ensure you get a good night's rest and combat depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• 6

  Establish some sort of routine for bedtime. Many women suffering from advanced-stage ovarian cancer often encounter problems with their sleep. By establishing a routine around bedtime--including warm baths, decaffeinated tea, reading and a consistent time for bed--you may find yourself relaxed and able to get a better night's sleep.

• 7

  Limit the amount of caffeine or alcohol you drink. This can lessen the intensity of hot flashes, a common symptom of advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

• 8

  Wear loose, light, comfortable clothing. This, too, can lessen the intensity of hot flashes, as well as ensure proper relaxation and rest.

• 9

  Reduce stress by using guided imagery, yoga, relaxation techniques or breathing exercises. Stress is terrible on the body, especially for a woman dealing with cancer. By reducing stress, you can keep your immune system healthy, fight depression and maintain a healthy outlook.