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

HEALTH MATTER

S

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.

N A U S E A

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.

H A I R L O S S

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.

S L E E P I N G D I S O R D E R S

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.

F R E Q U E N T I N F E C T I O N S

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.

B L E E D I N G O R B R U I S I N G

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.