COMPLETE Guide For Chemotherapy Effects and It's Treatment

Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy is a mode of treating various kinds of cancer and that includes breast cancer too. The drugs used to treat breast cancer are methotrexate, mitomycin, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, 5-FU, mitozantrone, taxotere and doxorubicin. These drugs are known to attack those rapidly dividing cancerous cells and destroy them. But then these drugs are also known to damage the normal cells that surround these cancerous cells. Due to this there are some side effects like the skin, nails, hair and the lining of the digestive system are all affected.

Side effects that are associated with chemotherapy differ from patient to patient; some patients suffer more according to the stage of cancer and overall health. Most of the patients lead a normal life even while undergoing chemotherapy but then you need to consult your doctor before you go in for chemotherapy so that you are fully aware of the side effects that are associated with this mode of treatment.

Vomiting and Nausea and their association with chemotherapy:

Almost all patients suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy irrespective of what kind of cancer they are suffering from have shown vomiting and nausea as one of the main side effects either immediately after chemotherapy is administered or within a few hours. Though the feeling of nausea can last for a few days doctors usually prescribe anti nauseating drugs so that they find some relief. Some patients prefer other therapies like hypnosis, relaxation therapy or even aromatherapy.

Hair loss yet another side effect associated with chemotherapy and this can be rather depressing as this loss though slow initially will make you bald within a few weeks of undergoing this treatment. The loss of hair is not only visible due to your baldness but then you tend to lose hair from your body along with eyelashes and eyebrows too. This hair loss is temporary and grows back after the completion of the treatment.

Mouth sores causing ulcers of the mouth and gums. The need here is to develop a good hygiene and a regular visit to the dentist also helps in getting yourself cured without facing many problems.

Fatigue and tiredness are also felt due to chemotherapy and this is known to last for a few months even after the completion of chemotherapy. The ability to think clearly and concentrate is lost.

As there is a low count of blood cells this can affect the bone marrow and thus the body becomes susceptible to infections. The doctors ask the patient to undergo blood tests before starting each cycle so that they can postpone the treatment in case the count is less than the required amount.

Fertility is another permanent damage caused due to chemotherapy. Women undergoing chemotherapy may complaint about irregular menstrual cycle where they flow may be either heavy or light, sometimes chemotherapy may stop the menstrual cycle completely which could lead to infertility. This factor again depends upon age factor. The need to consult your doctor before undergoing treatment becomes utmost important.

Other side effects that are associated with chemotherapy especially those suffering from breast cancer are loss of appetite, urinary tract problems, sore eyes, diarrhoea and running nose. These side effects are temporary and disappear after the completion of treatment.