Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to treat cancer. It is a systemic treatment; which means that the drugs travel through the bloodstream to all parts of the body. These medicines prevent and control rapidly growing cancer cells. Certain normal cells also grow rapidly, and are maybe temporarily affected by the drugs. This is the reason for the experience of side effects.
Chemotherapy drugs are given in cycles; that is, a combination of drugs may be given every 3 weeks or two weeks or once a month. Chemotherapy cycles are carefully scheduled to allow normal cells to recover and to allow reduced white blood cell count to rebound back to an acceptable range.
Chemotherapy is primarily given intravenously; thus there is a need to start an IV line. Some people have veins that are difficult to access. If this is the case , make sure to have plenty of fluids before having the IV placed. A warm towel around the arm will also help the veins relax and enlarge. Once the IV is placed, there is no pain. If you do feel any pain or notice leakage or swelling, inform the nurses immediately.
People react to treatment in different ways. Not everyone undergoing chemotherapy will experience all the side effects.
Different chemotherapy drugs have different side effects. It is helpful to ask your doctor about the specific side effects which may be caused by your own treatment. It is important to remember that you probably won't get every side effect that is listed. Each individual reacts differently. For some people, the side effects are minimal while others experience no side effects at all. Thus, everyone taking chemotherapy has:
Chemotherapy damages dividing cells, so the parts of your body where normal cells divide frequently are likely to be affected by chemotherapy. For instance, the hair is growing all the time. The skin and the lining of the mouth and digestive system are constantly renewing themselves. The blood cells also constantly replace themselves. To do this, the cells of all these body tissues must constantly divide to produce a steady supply of new cells. Thus, the parts of your body most affected are the:
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause following problems in your mouth:
These side effects are often referred to as mucositis and can happen about 5 to 10 days after you start taking the chemotherapy. They clear up in 3 to 4 weeks. Some chemotherapy drugs cause your taste to change. Food may taste
Your taste goes back to normal soon after the treatment is over.
Some chemotherapy drugs irritate the lining of the digestive system and can cause diarrhea. It usually happens in the first few days after your chemotherapy. Diarrhea, can easily dehydrate a person. It is important, therefore, to drink plenty of water. If you can't drink enough, or you think you are losing more fluid than you can replace by drinking, you must see your doctor. Diarrhea can also irritate the anus, cause soreness. You can apply a soothing cream to give relief.
Some chemotherapy drugs irritate the lining of the digestive system and can cause diarrhea. It usually happens in the first few days after your chemotherapy. Diarrhea, can easily dehydrate a person. It is important, therefore, to drink plenty of water. If you can't drink enough, or you think you are losing more fluid than you can replace by drinking, you must see your doctor. Diarrhea can also irritate the anus, cause soreness. You can apply a soothing cream to give relief.
When there is no more diarrhea you should be able to slowly start eating the food you have been avoiding
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause constipation. This can be because the drug affects the nerve supply to the bowel for a while. Mild laxatives during the chemotherapy can be beneficial. If you are constipated for more than 3 days, you should tell your doctor. To avoid constipation drink plenty of fluids and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you can't manage the food, don't worry too much, but make sure you substitute it with liquids.
Some chemotherapy drugs irritate the lining of the digestive system and can cause diarrhea. It usually happens in the first few days after your chemotherapy. Diarrhea, can easily dehydrate a person. It is important, therefore, to drink plenty of water. If you can't drink enough, or you think you are losing more fluid than you can replace by drinking, you must see your doctor. Diarrhea can also irritate the anus, cause soreness. You can apply a soothing cream to give relief.
If you are worried about the effects of chemotherapy on your digestive system, make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss any problems you have Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite could occur due to several reasons: nausea, fatigue, mouth sores, ulcers, or loss of taste. Loss of appetite could also be caused by depression. Talk to your doctor or nurse as they get you the appropriate help.
Nausea/Vomiting
Nausea/vomiting are common experience for patients with cancer. It depends on the type and dosage of the chemotherapy drug. There are ways in which this side effect can be managed. For example, anti-sickness treatments are a part of the kit to be taken post chemotherapy.
In case of persistent nausea please contact your doctor or nurse
Chemotherapy attacks rapidly growing cells, such as hair roots. The experience of hair loss depends on the drug that is advised. Hair loss can affect all areas of the body, such as the scalp, armpit, eyelashes and eyebrows. It is important to remember that hair loss is temporary. The color and texture of the hair may change and as witness always for the better. Hints on how to manage Hair loss:
Due to chemotherapy you may notice changes in your skin. It may lose elasticity or become dry and patchy. Patchiness and dark patches could also be caused due to low platelet count in the blood. Hints on how to manage Skin problems:
Low Blood Counts:
During chemotherapy, changes in the bone marrow cells must be carefully monitored. Bone marrow cells consist of red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets; which help blood to clot. As these are rapidly dividing cells, chemotherapy drugs may also attack them. Fortunately, time is all that is needed for the bone marrow to recover. Usually during chemotherapy, the white blood cell counts drop, causing susceptibility to infections. Before each chemotherapy cycle, blood count is monitored; if the blood count is low, treatment will be delayed in order to avoid serious complications.
Patients receiving chemotherapy often complain of fatigue. Fatigue can be a direct result of the cancer itself, pain, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, or hormonal changes. Low red blood cell count; as a result of chemotherapy, could be another reason for dizziness or fatigue. Hints on how to cope with Fatigue
Sexual functioning and fertility could be affected by the cancer itself or by the cancer treatment. One might experience reduced or no sexual desire; this could be due to factors such as fatigue, worry about cancer and its treatment, feelings of physical unattractiveness may be due to surgery or hair loss, or general physical discomfort.
Men
Chemotherapy can cause low sperm count or erectile problems in men. These changes can result in temporary or permanent infertility. However some men can remain fertile during early stages of treatment. It is important therefore to avoid pregnancy during this period.
Women
Women can experience a change in their menstrual cycle; they may become irregular or may stop during chemotherapy. However, some women do remain fertile. It is important to avoid pregnancy during chemotherapy, so it important to use some form of contraception. One can also experience symptoms of menopause like vaginal dryness and hot flushes.
It is safest to use a condom during sexual intercourse so to avoid any exposure to residues of chemotherapy that may be present. Old infections can also flare up (e.g., yeast infections).
"Chemo Brain"
Many patients experience some mild cognitive problems during chemotherapy. They may describe themselves as feeling “foggy”. They may have trouble remembering things, learning new things, finding the right words or completing certain tasks. Unfortunately, it is not yet known what triggers this; however, this could be caused by factors such as low blood counts, stress, hormonal changes, certain medications, depression or fatigue. This impairment is temporary and there are ways in which this can be managed.
References
Cukier, D., Gingerelli, F., Makari-Judson, G., & McCullough, V.E. (2004).
Coping with Chemotherapy and Radiation. McGraw-Hill: New York.