Contents:
- Medical Video: Chemotherapy Side Effects
- What causes side effects from chemotherapy?
- How long does the effect of chemotherapy last until it really disappears?
- So, is there a way that can be done to prevent the side effects of chemotherapy?
Medical Video: Chemotherapy Side Effects
One method of treatment that is often done by cancer patients, namely chemotherapy. Of course, careful consideration is needed when a person with cancer decides to take chemotherapy. Because, it does not rule out the possibility of one or more side effects from this treatment that might make cancer sufferers uncomfortable. Actually, how long does the chemotherapy effect begin after treatment?
What causes side effects from chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is widely known as a cancer treatment method that uses special drugs to kill cancer cells lodged in the body. The use of these drugs which often causes side effects in sufferers includes nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, changes in the skin, decreased appetite, decreased memory, emotional changes, fertility problems, and so forth.
The side effects of chemotherapy are certainly not always the same for everyone. A person with cancer may experience tremendous pain after undergoing chemotherapy, while the side effects that appear in other patients may not be too severe.
Actually, the side effects of chemotherapy aren't always as bad as you might think. The process, the growth of cancer cells is relatively fast, so chemotherapy drugs also have to work extra to kill the development of cancer cells. However, because these drugs spread to all parts of the body, it can easily affect other normal and healthy organs and cells.
That is why, organs and other cells that are affected by chemotherapy will gradually weaken and become damaged and eventually cause side effects. Some normal cells that can be damaged by chemotherapy such as blood-forming cells in the spinal cord; hair follicles; and cells in the area of the mouth, digestive tract and reproductive system.
While in the organs, the effects of chemotherapy drugs can affect cells in the heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and nervous system. Therefore, complementary care is needed to alleviate side effects.
How long does the effect of chemotherapy last until it really disappears?
Generally, the duration of the effects of chemotherapy can immediately disappear after treatment ends. However, some of the other effects require a longer period of months or even years to completely eliminate the effect, reported the American Cancer Society.
For example, when chemotherapy treatment results in long-term damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys or reproductive organs. Certain types of chemotherapy can sometimes also cause delayed side effects, such as advanced cancer that only begins to appear years later.
The time needed to eliminate the effects of chemotherapy is not always the same for everyone with cancer. This depends on various factors, including overall health conditions and medications consumed.
Not a few people with cancer who become desperate to undergo cancer treatment, as well as receiving side effects from chemotherapy.
So, is there a way that can be done to prevent the side effects of chemotherapy?
Of course, there are still ways you can try to make cancer patients feel better by alleviating most of the effects of chemotherapy. Usually, the doctor will provide a treatment solution or companion treatment to reduce discomfort and pain due to the effects of chemotherapy.
The drugs used in chemotherapy treatments are not always the same for everyone. That is why, some chemotherapy drugs can further increase the risk of side effects compared to other drugs. In addition, your body's health and fitness can also influence the body's response to chemotherapy treatments.
Some cancer patients may be able to smoothly continue their lives even though they must be accompanied by routine chemotherapy. However, others may have to get hospital treatment while carrying out cancer treatment. So, the best solution is still to consult all health conditions with the doctor who handles you.
