Home Treatment

Home treatment can help you manage the side effects that may occur from your treatment. Some treatments for melanoma, such as taking interferon or having chemotherapy, can have serious side effects. If your doctor gives you instructions or medicines to treat these side effects, be sure to follow them. In general, healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise may help control your symptoms.

• Home treatment for nausea or vomiting includes watching for and treating early signs of dehydration, such as having a dry mouth or feeling lightheaded when you stand up. Eating smaller meals may help. So can a little bit of ginger candy or ginger tea.
• Home treatment for diarrhea includes resting your stomach and watching for signs of dehydration. Check with your doctor before using any nonprescription medicines for your diarrhea.
• Home treatment for constipation includes gentle exercise along with adequate intake of fluids and a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Check with your doctor before using a laxative for your constipation.
• Home treatment for fatigue includes making sure you get extra rest if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Let your symptoms be your guide. You may be able to stay with your usual routine and just get some extra sleep. Fatigue is often worse at the end of treatment or just after treatment is completed.

Other issues may include:

• Hair loss. This can be emotionally distressing. Not all chemotherapy medicines cause hair loss, and some people have only mild thinning that is noticeable only to them. Talk to your doctor about whether hair loss is an expected side effect with the medicines you will receive.
• Sleep problems. If you find you have trouble sleeping, you may sleep more easily if you have a regular bedtime, get some exercise during the day, avoid caffeine late in the day, and try other methods to relieve sleep problems.

Not all forms of cancer or cancer treatment cause pain. If pain occurs, many treatments are available to relieve it. If your doctor has given you instructions or medicines to treat pain, be sure to follow them. Home treatment may help to reduce pain and improve your physical and mental well-being. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any home treatment you use for pain.

The diagnosis of melanoma and the need for treatment can be very stressful. You may be able to reduce your stress by expressing your feelings to others. Learning relaxation techniques may also help you reduce your stress.

Your feelings about your body may change following a diagnosis of melanoma and the need for treatment. Adapting to your body image changes may involve talking openly about your concerns with your partner and discussing your feelings with your doctor. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to groups that can offer additional support and information.