Late Effects of Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy drugs are almost immediate but in some cases there have been reports of late effects of chemotherapy and in many instances these late effects are very severe and sometimes fatal. These side effects sometimes are seen much after the completion of the treatment cycle and can develop as late as 5-6 years after the treatment has been completed. The late effects of chemotherapy again vary from patient to patient and much care needs to be taken when late effects develop after the treatment has completed.
Most of the times the late side effects due to chemotherapy are permanent and are known to damage the internal organs of the body, some of the late effects of chemotherapy are :-
Lung Problems : Chemotherapy is often followed by radiation therapy which is known to damage the lungs. Certain drugs like blenoxane, carmubris, becenum, BiCNU etc. that are used to treat cancer are known to damage the lungs leading to lung related problems like breathlessness, inflammation of the lungs, thickening of the wall lining in the lungs, change in the functioning of the lungs, difficulty in breathing etc.
Hormone Problems : There is a remarked imbalance of the hormonal level in the body due to chemotherapy drugs leading to the loss of fertility in woman and impotency in the men. There is also sexual dysfunction, early menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, osteoporosis etc.
Nerve, brain and spine problems : High dosage of chemo drugs not only lead to hearing loss but also loss of memory. These side effects are mostly seen in children but in certain cases there have been complaints from adults too.
Bone and Joint pain and softening of body tissues : Osteoporosis is a common complaint which is one of the late side effects related to chemotherapy. Breast cancer and prostate cancer victims and children who have suffered from leukemia are all at a risk of osteoporosis. The side effects can be reduced by taking food that, are rich in calcium, a well-balanced nutritional diet, exercising regularly, limiting or avoiding alcohol and alcoholic drinks and quit smoking.
Dental Problems : Getting yourself regularly checked for dental problems as chemotherapy is known to harm your tooth enamel leading to long term dental side effects.
Digestive disorders : Many digestive related problems are known to crop up after the completion of chemotherapy and to prevent long term side effects, you need to follow a well-balanced nutritional diet to remain healthy and minimize the side effects of chemotherapy.
Sight problems : Eye related problems like cataracts, poor vision etc. are seen as these are caused due to the intake of steroids.
Liver related ailments : Thioguanine as well as methotrexate are known to damage the proper functioning of the liver.
Emotional difficulties : The worst part of being a victim of cancer is that you lose not only your memory but then there are a number of physical as well as emotional changes that you undergo as there are a number of uncertainties that you face due to depression, isolation, fear, anger, anxiety etc. You need to take up activities which will help keep your mind occupied and help overcome all the feeling of dejection and despair.