How to Cope with Cold Sensitivity During Chemotherapy

01.25.2022
Woman Wearing Face Mask | Breast Cancer Car Donations

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How to Cope with Cold Sensitivity During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy has helped save the lives of countless cancer patients. However, as with any other treatment, it comes with numerous side effects. One of these is cold dysesthesia, which is sensitivity to cold.

When this happens, different areas of your body will be extra sensitive to cold. Consuming cold foods and iced beverages will bring an unpleasant sensation. Being in a room with the AC on will make you feel uncomfortable. Sometimes, it can get painful.

Once you’re exposed to cold, you may feel these sensations:

  • Difficulty swallowing due to tightness in your jaw or throat
  • Numbness, stiffness, tightness, or tingling in your hands and feet
  • Breathing problems such as chest pressure and inability to catch your breath
  • Abnormal sensation in your tongue

In most cases, cold sensitivity starts soon after a chemo infusion. Some patients may not feel it until a few days later. Severity varies from patient to patient, though it’s usually very manageable.

 

What Can You Do to Manage Cold Sensitivity?

The thing about cold sensitivity is that it typically gets better or goes away after the chemo treatments. The longer you’re on chemo, the longer it will disappear.

Unlike other side effects like nausea or diarrhea, where patients should take certain medications to treat them, combating cold dysesthesia can be achieved through the following:

  • Avoid cold temperatures as much as possible. If you have to go outside, make sure to wear a scarf and high-necked sweater to protect your face and mouth, as well as warm socks and mittens.
  • Use gloves when reaching into the freezer or fridge and when you’re touching cold metal surfaces.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when you’re in an air-conditioned room.
  • Choose foods and drinks that are warm or of room temperature. Avoid ice cream and other frozen treats.
  • Take shallow breaths when exposed to cold air.
  • Avoid direct contact with cold water.
  • Don’t walk barefoot.
  • Have someone warm up your car before you get in.
  • Try chewing ice chips during infusion.

 

Want to Be a Benefactor to Needy Breast Cancer Patients?

Do you know what’s worse than getting diagnosed with breast cancer? It’s not being able to afford the high cost of treatments. Sadly, this is the case for a lot of women across the country. All they can do is hope for a miracle and kind-hearted benefactors.

You can be one of those benefactors. All you have to do is donate an unwanted vehicle to us here at Breast Cancer Car Donations.

We’ll auction off your donated automobile, turning it into a fund-raising tool to support the life-saving programs of our breast cancer-focused charity partners. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the proceeds that we turn over to them to deliver a range of breast health services to uninsured and financially struggling breast cancer patients. The services include easy access to top medical facilities and financial assistance to cover the cost of their treatments, physician visits, medications, and follow-up care. Other beneficiaries get to receive free breast cancer screening and prevention and education services.

As a donor, you’ll get our fast and free towing service. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Best of all, you’ll get to experience the priceless satisfaction of doing a life-saving charitable act.

You can donate just about any type of vehicle, whether it’s still in good condition or not. You’re also free to make your donation from any place in the country since our vehicle donation program covers the entire United States.

Feel free to visit our FAQs page to learn more about our donation program, including our quick and hassle-free donation process.

If you have questions about the ins and outs of our vehicle donation program, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-540-5069. You may also leave us a message here.

 

Ready to Save Lives with Us?

You can provide lifelines to breast cancer sufferers in your community using your extra car that you no longer need. Your donation can mean the whole world to them and their loved ones. Call Breast Cancer Car Donations at 866-540-5069 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

 

Last Updated: August 9th, 2023