Managing Chemo Side Effects: Temperature Regulation

I’ve been on chemotherapy in one form or another for almost 8 years straight now. Anyone living with cancer has undoubtedly heard people say how terrible chemo is, that it’s poison to our bodies, and that it’s worse than the cancer itself.

I’m no medical expert, but I know this for sure: chemo has saved my life. Had I not started and continued with chemotherapy, I would have died years ago. Initially, I was given just months to live. Chemotherapy (and radiation) has defeated nearly all my cancer and pushed me into a near-complete remission.

Yet this is a far cry from a picture of rainbows and roses. Chemo takes a toll on you, especially when you’re on it for years. I think I’ve experienced almost every side effect known to chemo patients. My husband and I are always trying to find new ways to alleviate those negative side effects.

In this article, I want to touch on two of those sucky side effects and then share some ways I’ve found relief.

Navigating sudden internal heat and early menopause

Chemo can wreak havoc on your body's ability to regulate temperature. Some treatments can also lead to menopause with hot flashes.¹

Since my type of breast cancer loves estrogen, the treatments I've done (and still do) have pushed me into menopause. I went into menopause at the ripe age of 23! While that has some pros, it has far more cons — especially at such a young age. One of those cons has been hot flashes and night sweats.

I know hot flashes are different for every woman. For some, they are not that bad or don't happen at all. For others, like me, they were terrible. I'd wake up drenched in sweat, or I'd be out somewhere and start burning up from the inside out. This process also caused me to gain weight, and it created mood swings and angry or sad emotions.

Tips that help me manage hot flashes

Thankfully, I'm past all this now. But it was terrible at the time, so I feel for you if you’re there now.

• Portable fan: I always carried a small folding fan or a battery-powered fan in my bag.
• Bedding: I made sure my bed sheets were light and airy. No heavy cotton fabrics.
• Wearing layers: I tried to dress in layers I could quickly remove when needed.

Battling the chills and temperature regulation

Several cancer therapies interfere with how the body regulates its temperature. It’s often due to dehydration.²

This is another big one for me. I've had a lot of treatments and medications over the years, so I'm not sure what or why it happens to me, but my body often has trouble regulating its temperature. Joel says my thermostat is broken!

Usually, I feel cold to the point of freezing. Joel can be in shorts and a t-shirt, and I'm on the couch curled in a blanket. "How are you not freezing?" I say!

I’m also sensitive to cold touches. When Joel puts my fentanyl patch on my back and his finger touches me, I jump from the cold sting. On the other hand, when I get out of the shower, I feel like I’m melting and usually need to lie down for a while. Showers heat me up and zap my energy. But most of the time, I’m just cold.

Tips that help me with the cold

• Water bottle: I carry a large water bottle with me to ensure I stay hydrated.
• Blankets: I own many cozy blankets and fuzzy socks. My heated blanket in bed is really helpful.
• Hats: I wear soft beanies and hats.
• Space heater: I have a portable space heater that I move around the house with me.
• Beverages: Hot coffee or tea can warm me.

Join the conversation: share your tips

I’d love to hear from you if you know of any other helpful remedies for night sweats or temperature regulation issues. I can use the help!