Chemotherapy Treatments and Side Effects
Chemotherapy or so-called chemo is known as a cancer treatment. K emoterapi has a variety of benefits in the fight against cancer cells. However, this treatment method also has the side effect is not small.Chemotherapy may be given during inpatient in a hospital or clinic as part of outpatient treatment, while chemotherapy can also be done at home. However, the chemotherapy treatment should still be supervised by doctors and nurses to examine the possibility of side effects or the need for replacement decisions with drugs.
Chemotherapy Treatment and Side Effects
Combating Harmful Cells
Chemotherapy is one type of treatment is used to destroy cancer cells that are harmful to the body. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells to grow and divide rapidly. Depending upon the type of cancer and the stage. chemotherapy can be useful for:- Relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy can shrink tumors resulting in pain.
- Control. Chemotherapy can prevent the spread, slowing growth, and destroy cancer cells that develop into other parts of the body.
- Cure. Chemotherapy can destroy all the cancer cells until it was perfect, and this prevents the development of cancer in the body longer.
Only chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells that normally divide rapidly, such as those located around the mouth, intestines, as well as hair. Damage to healthy cells that can result in side effects. But generally will soon disappear once the chemotherapy treatment is completed.
When to Do Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is sometimes done as the only effort to cure cancer. However, chemotherapy often done together with surgery, radiation therapy for cancer, or other biological therapy. Chemotherapy is generally carried out at the time:
- Prior to surgery or radiation therapy, so that the size of the tumor becomes smaller.
- After surgery or radiation therapy, to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- We conducted radiation therapy and biological therapy, to maximize the effect.
- Prevent the return of cancer cell growth or spread to other body parts.
The way the chemotherapy treatment is done depends on the type of cancer, comprising:
- Topical. Used via a cream applied to the skin.
- Oral. Chemotherapy in the form of pills, capsules, or liquid you drink.
- Syringe. Given by injection in the muscle or fat layer for example in the arm or abdomen.
- Intraperitoneal (IP). Chemotherapy is given directly into the abdominal cavity contained the intestine, liver, and stomach in it.
- Intra-arterial (IA). Chemotherapy is directly inserted into arteries that distribute blood to the cancer.
- Intravenous (IV). Chemotherapy is directly inserted into the veins.
There was a possibility of Side Effects
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that is effective. Proven to have saved millions of lives. However, chemotherapy side effects are not small.
It is difficult to predict how severe a person will experience side effects from chemotherapy because each person has a different reaction to the treatment.
Chemotherapy side effects arise because these drugs do not have the ability to distinguish rapidly growing cancer cells with healthy cells that normally also have a rapid development. For example, blood cells, skin cells, and the cells in the stomach so that chemotherapy had a negative effect. Here are the symptoms of side effects that can result from chemotherapy:
It is difficult to predict how severe a person will experience side effects from chemotherapy because each person has a different reaction to the treatment.
Chemotherapy side effects arise because these drugs do not have the ability to distinguish rapidly growing cancer cells with healthy cells that normally also have a rapid development. For example, blood cells, skin cells, and the cells in the stomach so that chemotherapy had a negative effect. Here are the symptoms of side effects that can result from chemotherapy:
- Hair loss.
- Loss of appetite.
- Shortness of breath and heart rate are not unusual due to anemia.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Nosebleed.
- Dry skin and sore
- Easy bruising.
- Bleeding gums.
- Hard to sleep.
- Decreased sexual desire.
- Feeling tired and weak all day.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
The important thing is known, the side effects of chemotherapy will soon disappear after treatment is completed.
In addition, the effects of chemotherapy will not cause harmful effects to health. Although in some cases, the side effects of chemotherapy can be more serious than others. For example, white blood cell levels decreased rapidly, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Wherever possible avoid yourself from people who are sick or exposed to infection during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy for cancer of the blood cells or bone marrow are most at risk of infection because this type of cancer has led to a reduced number of white blood cells. If you experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, chest pain or bleeding, see your doctor.
In addition, the effects of chemotherapy will not cause harmful effects to health. Although in some cases, the side effects of chemotherapy can be more serious than others. For example, white blood cell levels decreased rapidly, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Wherever possible avoid yourself from people who are sick or exposed to infection during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy for cancer of the blood cells or bone marrow are most at risk of infection because this type of cancer has led to a reduced number of white blood cells. If you experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, chest pain or bleeding, see your doctor.
Things that need to be considered before taking Chemotherapy
Most of the chemotherapy given to patients without a hospital stay. Although each person has a different reaction after chemotherapy, but most feel tired and exhausted. Avoid driving their own vehicles or activities that require energy or a high concentration after chemotherapy sessions. Invite a family member or friend to accompany you home after chemotherapy.
Many people who are still able to work while undergoing chemotherapy, depending on the type of work and endurance respectively. However, if possible, you can work from home or part-time. Talk about these possibilities at your work or take time off.
Especially those of you with small children at home, prepare and plan assistance at home before undergoing chemotherapy.
During chemotherapy treatment, you should always consult a doctor when they want to consume other drugs, including allergy medicines, herbs, pain, and others. Avoid consumption of liquor at least during chemotherapy.
Treating dangerous diseases such as cancer is not easy, including saat undergoing chemotherapy sessions. As far as possible follow the doctor's orders and avoid things that could risk disturbing the treatment process running optimally.
Many people who are still able to work while undergoing chemotherapy, depending on the type of work and endurance respectively. However, if possible, you can work from home or part-time. Talk about these possibilities at your work or take time off.
Especially those of you with small children at home, prepare and plan assistance at home before undergoing chemotherapy.
During chemotherapy treatment, you should always consult a doctor when they want to consume other drugs, including allergy medicines, herbs, pain, and others. Avoid consumption of liquor at least during chemotherapy.
Treating dangerous diseases such as cancer is not easy, including saat undergoing chemotherapy sessions. As far as possible follow the doctor's orders and avoid things that could risk disturbing the treatment process running optimally.