Chemo Cancer
As with most drugs, chemotherapy drugs do have side effects. Side effects of chemotherapy are unwanted things that happen as a direct result of taking a drug. It is easy to confuse drug side effects with symptoms of cancer. Symptoms are the things that happen as a direct result of the cancer and have nothing to do with the drug. Different chemotherapy drugs have different short term and long term side effects and certainly not all chemotherapy drugs cause every side effect. In general, chemotherapy damages cells that are dividing, so the parts of the body where normal cells divide frequently are likely to be affected by chemotherapy. The mouth, intestines, skin, hair, bone marrow (the spongy material that fills your bones and produces new blood cells) are commonly affected by chemotherapy. Hair is growing all the time. The skin is constantly renewing itself. So are the lining of the mouth and digestive system. To do this, the cells of all these body tissues must constantly divide to produce a steady supply of new cells. And when cells are dividing, chemotherapy drugs can attack them. Although most anti-cancer drugs have side effects, not everyone will get these effects. A person may experience no side effects of chemotherapy, some side effects, or all of them. Whether or not a person will experience a particular side effect, when it will start and stop or how bad it will be depends on many factors. Some of these factors are, how long a person has been taking the drug, a person's general health, the dose or amount of the drug, the way the drug is given, other drugs that may be given in combination. For people diagnosed with cancer, chemotherapy can be seen as a lifesaver. This is because it destroys cancer cells by stopping them from growing and multiplying. Unfortunately, chemotherapy often has side effects. One of them is chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, otherwise referred to as CINV CINV – Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting. Chemotherapy can bring on nausea and vomiting by injuring the stomach cells that start the process of nausea and vomiting. Some chemotherapies can directly activate the area of the brain responsible for producing nausea and vomiting. And several chemotherapies can cause nausea and vomiting in both ways. The amount and timing of CINV can vary. Some chemotherapies cause nausea and vomiting mostly within the first few hours of getting your treatment (acute nausea and vomiting). Others cause acute nausea and vomiting followed by another period of nausea and vomiting a day or more after chemotherapy has been given (delayed nausea and vomiting).
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Chemo Cancer Effects
Chemo Cancer Effects
Prepare For Chemotheropy
Things you can do to prepare for chemotherapy treatments: Go to the dentist. This is especially true if you know you need dental work. Chemotherapy medications can cause you to be at risk for infection and dental work should not be done during this time. Also, your dentist may be able to offer suggestions to manage chemotherapy induced mouth problems. Get a PAP smear. If you are female and preparing for chemotherapy, it may be wise to get your annual PAP smear before chemotherapy begins, to avoid false abnormal results. Sometimes chemotherapy can affect the cells on the cervix for 6 months to a year after chemotherapy. Get a wig if you will need one. If you are likely to lose your hair due to chemotherapy, plan to purchase your wig before you are likely to lose it - it can be easier before you start therapy. A stylist will have a much easier time matching your hair to a wig if you have your hair when you shop. Some insurance companies will pay for a wig. In this case you will need a prescription from your doctor or health care provider for a "cranial prosthesis." Your cancer care center may have lists of recommended wig retailers. Ask your health care provider or the nurse. Arrange for transportation from the physician office. Many chemotherapy regimens are accompanied by pre-medications that could make you feel sleepy. Also, since everyone reacts to chemotherapy differently, you will not know how you might feel. It's best, at least for the first treatment, to have a ride that can bring you and take you home. Many times it's nice to have a support person with you during treatment as well. Wear comfortable clothing. If you will be getting chemotherapy, it is best to wear comfortable clothing. If you will be receiving your chemotherapy through a vein in your arm, make sure your sleeves will allow good access past your elbow. Talk with your boss at work. Depending on your work situation, it may be wise to discuss your chemotherapy situation with your boss. Ask if there is any flexibility in scheduling. If you are likely not to be able to work, consider speaking with human resources about The Family Medical Leave Act. Don't just quit your job, you may need the insurance benefits to help pay for chemotherapy. Discuss this with a social worker, first. A social worker is often able to help you navigate through these situations. Arrange child care. You may need to arrange for child care both during treatment and afterwards. In most cases, you will be unable to watch young children while you are receiving your chemotherapy. Once you are at home, you may or may not feel up to the challenge. Other chemotherapy considerations: Prepare meals ahead. If you are the person responsible for meals, consider making some meals before you begin chemotherapy and freeze them in containers that offer the correct portions. Be mindful of dishes that may be spicy or difficult to tolerate if you are not feeling up to par. Plan some "easy" menus so that you don't have to use a lot of energy on meal preparation. Consider help at home. Many times, your friends and family members want to know what they can do to help you during your chemotherapy. Give them a job - it will help both of you. Some ideas include: Helping with meals Helping with child care Helping with house cleaning Helping with transportation Running errands Keeping you company Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice