Carole Mark |
Audio |
|
Carole Mark |
Audio |
For many, the word "chemotherapy" conjures
up a frightening image. Wrenching nausea,
hair loss, debilitating fatigue, all impressions imprinted by
the reality of treatment in days past,
and reinforced by Hollywood and disease-of-the-week TV.
But life isn't like the movies,
and each year thousands discover that they can get through
cancer treatment, care for their families and be productive
on the job.
That's the message shared by Diane
Doan Noyes, a contributor to Working Your Way
Through Chemotherapy: Advice From a Good Friend. The educational
brochure is underwritten
by Hoechst Marion Roussel as part of the pharmaceutical company's
commitment to help
patients go beyond medicine to healthª, and offers tips
on everything from skin care to stress
relief to co-worker relationships, for cancer survivors who
stay on the job during treatment.
"Cancer is not necessarily a death
sentence, and many side effects of chemotherapy can
be effectively managed," says Noyes, a 12-year survivor of ovarian
cancer. "Nausea and
vomiting, for example, are two of the most-feared side effects
of chemotherapy, but need not be
difficult with the latest medications. And there are strategies
to deal with other side effects."
"I've been there, and I want to
help others make their way, too."
A fashion representative, Noyes
knows the importance of looking good on the job. "If you
feel good about yourself, others will too, and some of the fear
colleagues associate with cancer
may disappear," she says.
A few of Noyes' tips for those
who are managing work, life and chemotherapy:
