Ovarian Cancer

The side effects of ovarian cancer treatment can be serious. Your doctor may give you medicines to help you with certain side effects. Healthy habits—such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise—may help control your symptoms. You can try home treatments:

• For Reference nausea or vomiting, such as ginger or peppermint tea, gum, or candy.
• For Reference diarrhea, such as small, frequent sips of water and bites of salty crackers.
• For Reference constipation, such as plenty of water and fiber in your diet. Do not use a laxative without first talking to your doctor.

Other issues that can be treated at home include:

• Reference Sleep problems. If you have trouble sleeping, try having a regular bedtime and getting exercise daily.
• Reference Feeling very tired. If you lack energy or become weak easily, try to manage your energy and get extra rest.
• Reference Hair loss. Hair loss may be unavoidable. But using mild shampoos and avoiding damaging hair products will reduce irritation of your scalp.
• Reference Pain. Home treatment can help you manage pain. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any home treatment you use.

Handling the stress of having cancer

Having cancer can be very stressful, and it may feel overwhelming to face the challenges in front of you. Finding new ways of coping with the symptoms of stress may improve your overall quality of life.

These ideas may help:

• Get the support you need. Spend time with people who care about you, and let them help you.
• Take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, and Reference eat nourishing foods.
• Talk about your feelings. Find a support group where you can share your experience.
• Try new ways to relax. And do things each day that help you stay calm and relaxed. Reference Stress reduction techniques may help.

Having cancer can change your life in many ways. For support in managing these changes, see the topic Reference Getting Support When You Have Cancer.

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