Treating Cancer Dr Prinitha Pillay Oncologist

12/08/2026

Understanding Pain During Cancer Treatment

Pain isn’t something you have to “just push through.” 💙

Pain can occur for many different reasons during cancer treatment, but you should never feel that you have to suffer in silence.

Pain during cancer treatment can have different causes.

It may be related to the cancer itself, treatment, inflammation, surgery or another condition.

Understanding where the pain is, when it happens, how severe it is and whether it is changing can help your healthcare team assess it properly.

When speaking to your healthcare team, try to describe:

📍 Where the pain is
⏰ When it started
📈 Whether it is getting better or worse
🔢 How severe it feels
💊 What makes it better or worse
🌙 Whether it affects your sleep or daily activities

Keeping a simple pain diary can sometimes help you identify patterns and communicate these changes more clearly.

And remember: effective pain management is an important part of cancer care.

If your pain is new, severe, rapidly worsening or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare team promptly.

💬 Do you find it easier to describe your symptoms when you’ve written them down beforehand?

📌 Save this post for your next appointment.



With Love and care, Always.
Dr. Prinitha Pillay

11/08/2026

Your Body, Your Questions

Understanding Symptoms, Changes & When to Speak Up

When a New Symptom Should Be Discussed

Your body is communicating with you. Are you listening?

During cancer treatment, new symptoms can sometimes be expected—but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them.

Your cancer treatment journey is unique to you, and so is the way your body responds.

Some changes may be expected side effects of treatment. Others may need to be assessed by your healthcare team.

That’s why it’s important to speak up when you notice something new, persistent, worsening or unusual for you.

This could include:

• New or worsening pain
• Changes in your appetite or weight
• Unusual bleeding
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• New swelling
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Changes in your breathing
• Significant changes in your energy levels
• Emotional or psychological distress

You don’t need to diagnose yourself.

You don’t need to decide whether something is “important enough.”

Your job is simply to tell your healthcare team what you’ve noticed.

Your oncology team can then determine whether the symptom is expected, needs monitoring, or requires further assessment.

💬 What’s one thing you wish every patient knew about speaking up during treatment?

📌 Save this post as a reminder: asking questions is part of taking care of yourself.



With Love and care, Always.
Dr. Prinitha Pillay

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

Celebrate Every Small Victory

🌅 Healing isn’t only measured by scans and blood tests.

Sometimes the greatest victories are the ones only you can see.

Perhaps today you:
✨ Got out of bed.
✨ Finished your treatment session.
✨ Went for a short walk.
✨ Ate a meal.
✨ Smiled again.
✨ Asked for help.
✨ Simply made it through another day.

Every one of these moments matters.

Cancer treatment is a journey, and progress isn’t always measured in big milestones.

Celebrate the quiet victories.

They are just as important.

Be proud of yourself.

💬 What’s one small victory you’re celebrating this week?

💛 As we end this week together, remember to celebrate how far you’ve come—not just how far you still have to go.

With love and care, Always.
Dr. Prinitha Pillay

09/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, compassion, and courage of women everywhere. Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of your families, your communities, and the world around you.

Happy Women’s Day. 💜

With love and care, Always,
Dr. Prinitha Pillay

08/08/2026

Gentle Movement Can Support Recovery

🚶 Sometimes the best medicine is simply taking one gentle step at a time.

Exercise during cancer treatment isn’t about pushing yourself—it’s about moving safely in ways that support your health and wellbeing.

When medically appropriate, gentle movement can help:
• Improve energy levels.
• Maintain muscle strength.
• Support emotional wellbeing.
• Reduce stiffness.
• Improve overall quality of life.

This doesn’t have to mean intense exercise.

A short walk, gentle stretching or light activity recommended by your healthcare team can make a meaningful difference.

Always check with your doctor before starting or changing an exercise routine.

💬 What gentle activity helps you feel your best?

🌼 Every small step forward is still progress.

With love and care, Always.
Dr. Prinitha Pillay

07/08/2026

Protecting Yourself From Infection

🦠 Small precautions can make a big difference during treatment.

Some cancer treatments can temporarily reduce the body’s ability to fight infection, making simple preventative measures even more important.

Protecting yourself doesn’t mean living in fear—it means making informed choices.

Simple steps include:
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean.
• Follow food safety recommendations.
• Report fever or signs of infection to your healthcare team immediately.

If you develop a fever or suddenly feel unwell during treatment, contact your healthcare team promptly.

Early assessment is important.

💬 Which healthy habit has become part of your daily routine?

❤️ Looking after yourself also protects those around you.

With love and care, Always.
Dr. Prinitha Pillay

06/08/2026

Looking After Your Emotional Wellbeing

💚 Looking after your emotional health is just as important as looking after your physical health.

Cancer treatment can bring many emotions—some expected, others unexpected. Whatever you’re feeling, know that your emotions are valid.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions throughout your cancer journey.

Some days may feel hopeful, while others may feel overwhelming.

Looking after your emotional wellbeing is an important part of your overall care.

Small daily practices that may help include:
• Spending time with loved ones.
• Taking a short walk if you’re able.
• Practising mindfulness or deep breathing.
• Journalling your thoughts and feelings.
• Speaking with a counsellor, psychologist or support group.
• Accepting help when it’s offered.

You don’t have to carry everything on your own.

Your healthcare team is there to support both your physical and emotional wellbeing.

💬 What helps you feel emotionally supported during difficult days?

💚 Taking care of your mind is part of taking care of your health.

With love and care, Always.
Dr. Prinitha Pillay

05/08/2026

Managing “Chemo Brain” & Changes in Concentration

🧠 Forgetting where you left your keys? Struggling to concentrate? You’re not imagining it.

Many people receiving cancer treatment notice changes in memory, concentration or mental clarity. This is commonly referred to as “chemo brain,” although it can occur with other cancer treatments too.

Some people experience difficulty concentrating, remembering appointments or finding the right words during or after cancer treatment.

These changes are common and can be frustrating, but there are ways to help manage them.

Try these practical tips:
• Keep a diary or planner for appointments and reminders.
• Make simple to-do lists.
• Focus on one task at a time.
• Allow yourself extra time to complete activities.
• Prioritise quality sleep and rest when possible.
• Speak to your healthcare team if these symptoms become concerning or begin affecting your daily life.

Remember, recovery looks different for everyone, and these changes often improve over time.

💬 What small habit has helped you stay organised or manage your day during treatment?

🧠 Small strategies can make everyday life feel a little easier.

With love and care, Always.
Dr. Prinitha Pillay

04/08/2026

Nourishing Your Body During Treatment

🍎 Some days eating feels easy. Other days, even one bite can feel like a challenge.

Cancer treatment can affect your appetite, taste and enjoyment of food—but nourishing your body remains an important part of your care.

Treatment can sometimes change your appetite, sense of taste or make eating uncomfortable.

On difficult days, try to:
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Choose nutrient-rich foods where possible.
• Include protein to support healing.
• Stay hydrated.
• Accept help with meal preparation when it’s offered.

If eating becomes difficult or you’re losing weight unintentionally, speak to your healthcare team. A registered dietitian can provide personalised nutritional guidance.

Remember, every small meal is a step towards supporting your body through treatment.

💬 Was there a meal or snack that became your go-to during treatment?

🥗 Your experience may help another patient who’s struggling with their appetite today.

With love and care, Always.
Dr. Prinitha Pillay