Diagnostics

What Is Chemotherapy? What Are The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy?

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a drug that makes the body produce more red blood cells. The following foods are rich in iron, which helps red blood cells carry more oxygen. Dark green leafy vegetables, beans, meat, nuts, prunes, raisins, and apricots. Scientists from The Medical University of Vienna, Austria found that patients with breast cancer who developed anemia during chemotherapy had nearly three times the risk of local recurrence as those who did not. Mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membrane) Chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells, such as blood cells, bone marrow cells, and cells of the mucous membranes that line the digestive system - this includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and the rectum to the anus. Chemotherapy may damage and even destroy some of those mucous membrane cells. Oral Mucositis (in the mouth) - patients more commonly experience symptoms in their mouth. If symptoms do appear, they will usually do so about 7 to 10 days after treatment starts. The inside of the mouth may feel like sunburn; some people say it feels as if the area had been scalded. Ulcers often appear on the lining of the mouth, the tongue, and sometimes around the lips. The severity of symptoms is closely linked to the strength of the chemotherapy dose. Some may find it painful when they eat, drink, or even talk. If the ulcers bleed there is a risk of infection. Caphosol is often prescribed for mucositis. A clinical trial showed that out of 100 cancer patients that were treated with DAVANAT® and chemotherapy that included 5-FU, none developed mucositis. As better drugs are appearing, mucositis is becoming less common. Symptoms clear up a few weeks after treatment is completed. Loss of appetite Loss of appetite is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It is possible that the chemotherapy, or the cancer itself, affects the body"s metabolism. If the loss of appetite is just due to the chemotherapy it will come back when the treatment is finished - although this may sometimes take a few weeks. The severity of appetite and consequent weight loss depends on the type of cancer and chemotherapy treatment. Although this is sometimes easier said than done, it is important to keep trying to eat well and take in plenty of fluids. Many patients find that smaller and more frequent meals are easier to get down than the typical three meal-a-day regime. Also, drinking liquids through a straw may result in a better fluid intake. Patients who become seriously affected by lack of food and liquid intake may need to be hospitalized and fed through a nasogastric tube. The tube goes into the patient"s nose and down to his/her stomach. Nails and skin Chemotherapy can sometimes cause dry and sore skin. Nails may also become flaky and brittle. The skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. It is important to protect yourself from too much sunlight exposure. This includes staying out of the sun during peak times of the day, using sun blocks, and wearing clothes that provide maximum protection. Surprisingly, scientists at Michigan University, USA, reported that the chemotherapy drug fluorouracil appeared to reduce the appearance of sun-damaged and aging skin as well as the number of potentially pre-cancerous skin patches. Cognitive problems About one fifth of patients undergoing chemotherapy report some kind of cognitive problem, including attention, thinking and memory. This can sometimes have an impact on daily tasks. Patients who do experience these symptoms should talk to their doctor, and social worker. Symptoms may include: *Shorter attention span; concentration, focus and attention problems *Memory problems; especially the short-term memory *Comprehension and understand problems *Judgment and reasoning problems *Organizational skills may be affected *Multitasking problems (performing/thinking about several things at the same time) *Mood swings Experts are unsure how much is due to the chemotherapy, and how much is due to fatigue, stress and anxiety that comes with having cancer. Libido (sex drive) and fertility For a significant proportion of patients, chemotherapy may result in a lower sex drive (less interest in sex). This is temporary and usually returns after treatment is completed. Depending on the type of medication administered, chemotherapy may also damage men"s sperm. Some women may become infertile. In most cases - though not all - fertility returns after treatment is over. Men who wish to father children and women who plan to become pregnant one day should discuss possible options with their doctors before starting treatment. It is possible to freeze sperm and embryos. Bowel movement problems (diarrhea or constipation) Sometimes when damaged cells in the intestinal tract are rapidly expelled from the body there is a risk of diarrhea. Constipation is also a possible risk for chemotherapy patients. You should talk to your doctor if you experience any unpleasant change in your bowel movements. Symptoms, if they do occur, will do so a few days after chemotherapy begins. Depression The risk of developing depression is already higher for patients with cancer. It is normal to feel distressed, anxious, sad and stressed - especially if you are concerned about what the future holds and whether treatment is going to be effective. It is important that you talk to a member of the medical team if you feel it is all getting to be too much, or if you no longer get pleasure out of the things that you used to like. Joining a support group and talking to people who are going through the same as you and understand how you feel has helped many people with cancer. Written by Christian Nordqvist Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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