So good nutrition is an important part of the treatment plan. Eating well means getting enough calories to prevent weight loss and having enough protein to build and repair muscles, organs, skin, and hair. Many patients find that eating several small meals and snacks during the day works better than trying to have three large meals. The side effects that patients have during cancer treatment vary for each person. They may even be different from one treatment to the next.
Doctors try to plan treatment to keep problems to a minimum.
Fortunately, most side effects are temporary, but for some patients the side effects can be permanent. Doctors, nurses, and dietitians can explain the side effects of cancer treatment and can suggest ways to deal with them. Helpful information about cancer treatment and coping with side effects is given in the NCI publications Radiation Therapy and You , Chemotherapy and You , and Eating Hints . Recover ing from Treatment Recovery from treatment is important for every breast cancer patient. Recovery will be different for each woman, depending on the extent of the disease and the treatment she receives.