How to Prepare for Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Angiogenesis is the normal formation of new blood vessels that occurs after an injury or during reproduction. However, when these blood vessels form too quickly, they can create tumors. Anti-angiogenesis therapy is a fairly new approach to cancer treatment wherein blood vessel growth is slowed down or halted by angiogenesis inhibitors.
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Instructions
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Prepare for Angiogenesis Inhibitors
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Learn what the typical prognosis is for people who receive angiogenesis inhibitors. Remember that your prognosis depends on your age, your physical fitness, the disease you have, the stage your disease is in and your mental state.
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Exercise regularly to get in shape before you receive angiogenesis inhibitors. Studies have shown that recovery is shorter and easier when you are physically and emotionally fit before undergoing treatment.
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Eat healthy foods high in calories and protein to prepare for angiogenesis inhibitors. Angiogenesis inhibitors may deplete your body of certain nutrients, so by storing up protein and calories, your body is able to heal itself more quickly. Consult your doctor or a dietician to determine which foods you may need to eat more of.
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Decide how to alter your work schedule. You may not know how you are going to feel until after you have started treatment, but it's best to notify your employer what you will be going through so that they can make arrangements.
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Notify your friends and family that you will be receiving angiogenesis inhibitors. You may need them to help you for a while with physical chores such as shopping, mowing the lawn and cleaning the house. This may be a big lifestyle change, but it is necessary to ask for help.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your physician what to expect during your recovery period. Find out if you will be able to recover at home so that you can make arrangements for care, if needed.
It is your right and responsibility to know as much as possible about the treatment you may experience. Ask questions of your medical staff and be as informed as possible.
A common side effect of receiving angiogenesis inhibitors is a feeling of helplessness, as you may not be able to perform all your routine tasks. Seek advice from a friend who has experienced cancer treatment or make a friend by joining a support group to find out ways to make your recovery as easy as possible.
