Cancer Treatments: Side Effects Of Chemotherapy & Its Treatments

Cancer Treatments: Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Its Treatments

Effects of chemotherapy:

Cancer cells multiply and separate more rapidly than normal cells and so, they are destroyed by various anti-cancer drugs. But among those growing number of cells, certain normal, healthy cells also multiply quickly, and chemotherapy and other radiation therapies end up affecting them as well. This damage to normal cells causes the side effects. They are common yet they don¡¯t affect every cancer survivor. Depending upon the type of treatment a patient is receiving, there may or may not be any possible reactions. However, even if there are side effects occurring, one can get rid of them in a number of ways.

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Cancer Treatments: Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Its Treatments

Acute nausea and sickness through chemotherapy:

Though there are medications given to patients before chemotherapy to avoid nausea and vomiting, there are some who may experience persistent nausea. In such cases, behavioural treatment methods like distraction, relaxation and positive imagery are of great help and can help change the expectation and fear of nausea and vomiting. In addition, patients must avoid greasy, fried, salty or spicy food and take a balanced and light diet to recover from these side effects.

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Cancer Treatments: Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Its Treatments

Lethargic feeling or Fatigue:

Cancer-related lethargy is a sense of tiredness or exhaustion patients experience after receiving cancer treatment. To overcome this feeling of tiredness, a patient simply needs to rest. Furthermore, they must exercise regularly and combine yoga and meditation with healthy eating. Meanwhile, music therapies and sufficient amount of sleep also contributes to energy conservation.

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Cancer Treatments: Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Its Treatment

Hearing problems:

Hearing problems have become one of ?cancer therapy¡¯s most widespread
side-effects, which can be an outcome of radiation therapy or platinum-based chemotherapy drugs such as carboplatin and cisplatin. In such cases, cochlear implants may be the best possible remedy for people with profound hearing loss.

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Cancer Treatments: Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Its Treatment

Hair loss issues:

Cancer treatment methods like radiation therapy and chemotherapy cause intense loss or thinning of hair by damaging the cells that help in hair growth. It can cause hair loss throughout the body, including the head, face, arms, legs, underarms, and pubic area. Fortunately, at times, immediately after the chemotherapy gets over, hair starts re-growing. Therefore, during that time one must take proper care of themselves by washing their hair only twice a week and avoiding brushing, blow-drying and colouring of hair for at least a year after the treatment.

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Cancer Treatments: Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Its Treatment

Diarrhoea:

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and bone marrow stem cell transplant may result in diarrhoea, which is a common side-effect but can pose as a danger. Early treatment can help avoid dehydration or other problems. However, it is best to manage it at mild stages by avoiding intake of certain foods like caffeine, alcohol, dairy, fat, fibre and spicy foods, besides laxatives and stool softeners used to prevent constipation. Patients must eat small and frequent meals and consume foods that are easy on their digestive system.

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Cancer Treatments: Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Its Treatment

Weight issues:

Weight loss or gaining is a common side-effect, which a patient might experience after his/her cancer treatment, but they can tackle it with ease. Although, weight loss is quite regular among people with cancer, weight gain is an important health issue for women with breast cancer because of the steroid medications and hormone therapy. Therefore, patients must concentrate on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and in the meantime, they must limit their fat and sugar intake. Meanwhile, to manage weight loss it is also necessary to increase the amount of food intake by about 450 calories per day and eat lighter meals. Protein-rich foods must be avoided before cancer treatment to help prevent any aversions. Post cancer treatment, patients must ensure that they are drinking plenty of water and indulging in cardiovascular physical activities, meditation, yoga and strength building exercises, if muscle mass has been lost.

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