CANCER PATIENT And Chemotherapy Side Effects
The onset of chemotherapy marks the beginning of another
distressing episode in the life of cancer patients. It is really difficult to understand when and how the symptoms will manifest. Cancer treatment centers suggest that patients should learn all about chemotherapy and its effects so that
they can prepare themselves.
In addition, these
preparatory steps would also help in learning ways to overcome the symptoms and
side effects and live a better and comfortable life.
When chemotherapy is concerned, there are only a few patients who don’t experience any side effects. However, in most cases of
chemotherapy, patients normally experience severe symptoms, hair loss and nausea being the most common of all. Patients who have conquered cancer have also learnt how to live with the side effects of chemotherapy, which gradually subsides
over time.
Whereas the chemotherapy side effects are really uncomfortable
and distressing, patients are not at any serious threat to their health.
Nevertheless, occasionally there are certain side effects that can be extremely serious. For instance, if the level of red blood cells falls dramatically, it could lead to vulnerable or serious infection.
Some of the signs of serious health complications from
chemotherapy include: High fever or temperature over 100.4 F Shivers or tremors Breathing difficulties Chest tightness and pain
Flu like symptoms
Muscle pain Bleeding nose or gums Continuous vomiting Excess bowel movements
In case of one or more of these symptoms, it is best to contact the
cancer treatment center immediately.
NAUSEA Nausea is the feeling of sickness and so is vomiting. These are the common symptoms of chemotherapy. However, the affect may be different for different patients. Normally, anti-emetics are
recommended to patients with these symptoms so that their condition is on control. However, if it does not work, the condition should be reported to the team of doctors immediately.
HAIR LOSS Hair loss remains one of the common of all side effects of
chemotherapy. It normally starts within 1 to 3 weeks following the first therapy session and most
patients are likely to lose significant hair after 1 to 2 months.
Although the scalp is most frequently affected, hair loss may occur on the legs, face and arms as well.
Hair loss becomes the most psychologically traumatic experience, especially for women.
SLEEPING DISORDERS Sleep problems commonly occur as the side effect of cancer
treatment, chemotherapy. Sleep problems affect more than half of all cancer patients treated with this therapy. Problem in falling asleep or insomnia, and suddenly waking up at night are some of the common signs.
FREQUENT INFECTIONS Chemotherapy reduces the ability of the body to ward off infections. So, a patient may be given antibiotics for reducing the risks of developing infections.
It is also important to take care of personal hygiene, avoid people having any infection, wash hands and legs properly with hot water and soap, and be protective about the skin.
BLEEDING OR BRUISING Chemotherapy makes a person more vulnerable to excess bruising and bleeding. The skin becomes bruised very easily, the nose may
bleed, and the gums may bleed too. Either one or all of these symptoms may affect a patient undergoing chemotherapy.
To avoid the risks of side effects, patients undergoing chemotherapy should learn all the ways to protect themselves during the course of treatment.