Generic Zanaflex is used for treating muscle spasms. It may also be used to help in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. More info »
Generic Zantac reduces the production of stomach acid. It is also used to treat ulcers of the small intestine that have not responded to other treatment. More info »
Generic Zelnorm is used for short term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women who have constipation as their main symptom. It is also used for treating certain men and women who have a type of chronic constipation. More info »
Generic Zerit is used for treating HIV infection when used in combination with other medicines. Generic Zerit is a nucleoside analogue antiviral. It blocks the growth of HIV. More info »
Generic Zestoretic (Hydrochlorothiazide and Lisinopril) is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. Lisinopril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention. More info »
Generic Zetia is used for treating high blood cholesterol along with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It is also used to treat high blood sitosterol and campesterol along with diet therapy. More info »
Ziagen is used, in combination with other medicines, in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Abacavir will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. More info »
Generic Zithromax is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. In children, it is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat. More info »
Generic Zocor is used for lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to coronary heart disease. It is also used to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain caused by angina. More info »
Generic Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by surgery or by medicine to treat cancer (chemotherapy or radiation). Ondansetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and vomiting. More info »
Generic Zovirax is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection. Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox. More info »
Generic Zyloprim is used in the treatment of many symptoms of gout, including acute attacks, tophi (collection of uric acid crystals in the tissues, especially around joints), joint destruction, and uric acid stones. Allopurinol works by reducing uric acid production in the body, thus preventing crystals from forming. More info »
Generic Zyrtec is used to prevent or treat symptoms of hay fever and to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. It is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives). More info »
Generic Zyrtec-D Extended Release is an antihistamine and decongestant combination which provides relief of seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes, sneezing, and stuffy nose (nasal congestion). More info »
Generic Zyvox is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. It works by interfering with the production of proteins needed by bacteria to grow. More info »
Because of the ‘surprise’ element with cancer, it is not uncommon for the woman to ‘blame’ some aspect of her lifestyle for its cause – diet, stress, sexual history and other unproved ‘myths’. This ‘blame’ often contributes to the loss of self-esteem and diminished self-acceptance as a ‘total’ woman. Some suggest that the way we see ourselves after a cancer diagnosis, however, is linked to personality type and level of self-esteem prior to diagnosis. Dr. Wendy Schain, an American psychologist, suggests four frameworks of self-perception – physical, social, achieving and spiritual self. Despite the fact that cancer treatment can deplete and alter the sense of ‘physical and social self, women who are self-assured, who have a positive self-image and have balanced relationships, generally cope with the impact of physical change more readily. There is a quicker acceptance that the treatment is necessary to save her life, and that she will adapt to the physical changes in a short time.
Women who have lower self-esteem, for a variety of reasons, or are in unstable relationships often are slower in coming to terms with the impacts of treatment and may require professional intervention. They are also more likely to blame the cancer for the changes in their lifestyle.
I am feeling more comfortable about my scar than I did 12 months ago.
Both her own and her partner’s sense of loss may be quite profound in the early stages, and require open and honest communication to reestablish a feeling of connection with each other as soon as possible. For some, this may take years, if ever.
In some cases, insensitive remarks can unwittingly set back recovery and sense of self. Because the medical team has a vast amount of knowledge about cancer and its impact, many assume that the patient is more knowledgeable than they actually are about basic physiological changes. They forget the intense curiosity that some women have about the effect of treatment on their anatomy. Extra sensitivity is required when communicating to women about all aspects of the physical changes.
Top tip
Love who you are. Remember all the wonderful aspects of who you are and what you have achieved. Cancer does not take away your femininity – attitude does!
