Chemotherapy kills fast growing cancer cells and it also can affect the healthy cells in your body. Chemotherapy targets healthy cells in the lining of your mouth and your intestines. Chemotherapy also interferes with your bone marrow that produces red and white blood cells. Chemotherapy also targets the cells that make your hair grow. There is a wide range of side effects when you are receiving chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Increasing your knowledge and understanding of these side effects will help you to remain strong and determined to fight the cancer that is present in your body.
Some individuals have a lot of side effects from chemotherapy and some have few or none at all.
Certain types of chemotherapy medications have more side effects than others. Side effects can go away as soon as the chemotherapy is over or it can last for months and sometimes even years.
Sometimes there are long term affects that can occur with chemotherapy that will never go away.
Damage can occur to your heart, lungs, kidneys and reproductive organs. There are some chemotherapy treatments that may be the reason a second cancer appears years later. Your physician and nurse can explain all potential side effects and chance of any problems in the future.
Examples of the some of the side effects:
FATIGUE - You may experience mild or extreme feelings of being tired. If you are receiving radiation along with chemotherapy treatments your fatigue may be more severe. Cancer patients are encouraged to exercise to help you sleep better at night. Make sure that you get enough rest and take short naps during the day when you can. Eating five to six small meals a day rather than the normal breakfast, lunch and dinner can help you to feel better. Your doctor or nurse may have you keep a journal of issues and side effects that happen while your are receiving chemotherapy. You can share the journal with your doctor or nurse and this may help to develop a plan of how to manage your fatigue and any other side effects.
HAIR LOSS -
It is also called alopecia, which is when some or all of your hair falls out. Some of the chemotherapy drugs can cause this side effect. This is the side effect that most individuals find the most difficult to deal with. Onset of hair loss is usually 2 to 3 weeks after chemotherapy has started. It usually grows back 2 to 3 months after chemotherapy is over. When it comes back your new hair may be totally different. You may have curls instead of straight hair or it may be light instead of dark. If you want to wear a wig you will be encouraged to choose a wig before you start chemotherapy. It is important that the wig is comfortable and does not hurt your scalp.
DIARRHEA -
You may experience frequent bowel movements that can be watery, loose or soft. This happens when chemotherapy harms the healthy cells that line your small and large intestine. You will be encouraged to eat foods that are high in sodium and potassium which are lost when you have frequent bouts of diarrhea. This includes bananas, oranges and boiled or mash potatoes. Fluids are very important and you will be told to drink 8 to 12 cups of clear liquids daily. This includes water, clear broth, ginger ale and Gatorade. If your diarrhea last for more than 24 hours you need to notify the doctor. He may prescribe medication to control the diarrhea. Sometimes you will need IV fluids to replace water and nutrients you have lost. Always ask your doctor before you take any medication for diarrhea.
ANEMIA -
This is when you have too few red blood cells which carry oxygen that your body needs. Anemia also contributes to fatigue symptoms and you can become short of breath, dizzy and feel like you are going to faint. Some chemotherapy causes anemia because it interferes with the bone marrow producing new red blood cells. The doctor or nurse will check your red blood count while you are receiving chemotherapy. Sometimes a blood transfusion may be necessary if your count falls too low.
INFECTION
Some chemotherapy makes it harder for bone marrow to produce new white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells that help your body to fight infection. You will be instructed on avoiding infections. Your doctor or nurse may tell you to check your temperature daily. Hand washing is a major prevention method to help avoid infections. You should keep a container of sanitizing wipes with you at all times. You will need to use the wipes on articles that you come in contact with like doorknobs, counter tops, telephones etc. Stay way from other people who are ill and stay away from crowds. Have someone else clean you cat's liter box or pick up your dog's waste. Always wash your hands after touching pets and other animals.
NAUSEA & VOMITING
Nausea is a feeling like you are going to throw up. Vomiting is when you actually throw up. Some individual's experience dry heaves which is when you are trying to vomit on an empty stomach. There are new medications on the market that are often given to chemotherapy patients. They are called anti emetic or anti nausea drugs. Stay away from foods that have strong odors like coffee, fish, and garlic. If the medication to treat the nausea is not working than you need to notify your doctor.
BLEEDING
You have cells that are know as platelets. Platelets are important because they cause your blood to clot when you bleed. Chemotherapy can decrease the number of platelets because it interferes with your bone marrow production of making platelets. A low platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia. You may notice that you bruise easily or have some bleeding from your nose or mouth. If you notice bruises and you have not bumped into anything, red or pink colored urine, bleeding from your gums or nose, a warm or hot feeling in your arm or leg you need to notify your doctor immediately.
MOUTH PROBLEMS
Chemotherapy harms fast growing cells like those in the lining of your mouth.
It also affects your teeth, gums and saliva glands. You may notice that your mouth is dry and experience changes in taste and smell. You may be prone to mouth sores which makes eating difficult. Sipping water frequently and sucking on ice chips or chewing sugar free gum may help. Eat foods that are room temperature or cool, warm or hot foods may hurt your mouth. If you are experiencing a sore mouth do not use alcohol or smoke cigarettes.
It is helpful to seek support from other individuals when you are fighting cancer. If you join a support group you can meet other people who have the same problems and can share how they are able to cope. It is always helpful to be able to talk about your feelings and listen to other people share what they are feeling. You are not alone when fighting cancer and your feelings are important. It is important to keep in touch with your family and friends and do not feel afraid to reach out when you need it the most.