Conventional Side Effects Springing Out Of Chemotherapy Therapy

When observing personal symptoms that may conceivably lead to a diagnosis of cancer, it is difficult to keep one’s mind from imagining the worst of scenarios. And it doesn’t help that some of the treatments associated with different forms of cancer have their own sets of risks and consequences. Chemotherapy is among them.

Chemotherapy effects can be intense depending on the types of drugs being administered, the dose and the general vitality of the patient. Healthy cells that reproduce rapidly, like the cells in the bone marrow, stomach, mouth, hair and intestines, are very susceptible to the damage caused by chemotherapy. This is why so many of the side effects of chemotherapy impact these areas of the body.

Of course, no two people experience chemotherapy or its subsequent consequences the same way. This is partly because everyone is different, but also because each chemotherapy treatment is individual. One patient may receive more of a particular drug that induces nausea, while another is administered a drug that causes dramatic hair loss. The side effects may also change as treatment progresses.

So, while the chemotherapy effects listed here are common - they’re not automatic, nor are they standard. Remember, each person has differing experiences.

Upset Stomach and Vomiting

An upset stomach, feelings of nausea or vomiting are some of the most common drawbacks associated with chemotherapy treatments. Many of the drugs used in various treatments sessions actually stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain - an area that controls the vomiting reflex.

If nausea or vomiting are going to occur, it typically starts just a few hours after the treatment is completed and lasts for a short period.

Diarrhea or Loose Stools

Diarrhea means having watery or loose stools three or more times in a day. It occurs during chemotherapy because the drugs are affecting the lining of your intestines. This chemotherapy reaction can last for a short period or intermittently throughout the duration of the treatment, depending on the drugs given and the dosage.

Mouth Sores

Because cells on the inside of the mouth are some of the fastest to regenerate in the body, they are the ones most susceptible to damage from chemotherapy. As a result, sores can develop, leading to possible infection and other problems. The esophagus is also vulnerable. A good defense is persistent oral hygiene.

Milk of magnesia can help to both soothe and dry out mouth soft sores. Doctors also recommend gargling with salt water and eating softer foods at or below room temperature. Avoid hot and spicy foods.

Hair Loss

Not every chemotherapy program causes the patient to lose their hair. Some drugs lead to hair loss, other’s only cause a minimal amount and some don’t result in it at all. Certain people lose only their head hair, and others lose hair from all over their bodies. Like every other symptom, the visible results depend on the patient, the drug and the dosage.

Hair loss won’t happen immediately and typically starts gradually, eventually escalating to hair coming out in larger clumps. It is one of the most dreaded chemotherapy effects, but it’s also temporary.

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