Although chemotherapy has life-saving potential as a cancer treatment, it is known for its notorious side effects too. Both cancer specialists and researchers are trying to come up with drugs that would cause minimum or no side effects at all.
2. Although chemotherapy has life-saving potential as a cancer
treatment, it is known for its notorious side effects too.
Both cancer specialists and researchers are trying to come up
with drugs that would cause minimum or no side effects at all.
3. There are dozens of
uncomfortable and
distressing side effects
of chemotherapy
drugs but
fatigue, hair loss and
nausea are very
common.
4. According to survey, fatigue affects more than 76
percent patients undergoing chemotherapy.
For some, the feeling of fatigue is persistent and
weakening. It causes severe exhaustion even without
working.
For some patients, the weakness and exhaustion makes
it even more difficult to carry out mundane activities.
5. Chemotherapy patients often report
reduced red blood cell count, which
causes anemia, and in turn leads to
fatigue.
The best way to fight fatigue is to
make sure that a patient does not
indulge in a lot of unnecessary and
unimportant activities.
Getting plenty of rest is the best self-
help method to follow. Following
some exercise program may help, but
only if recommended by the cancer
specialist.
6. Hair loss is a very common and
infamous complication
associated with chemotherapy.
It is a side effect that no cancer
patient will be spared of.
Although the core cancer drugs
used for chemotherapy may not
cause hair loss directly, a
combination of some other
drugs may lead to embarrassing
hair loss, usually baldness.
7. To prevent hair loss, patients should avoid using any
harsh chemical-based soaps or shampoos. Any type of
chemical, hair dryer or other heat processes should be
avoided.
The only way to manage hair loss is to wear hairpieces or
wigs.
8. There are more than 90
percent patients suffering
from Nausea, it is one of the
most dreaded side effects of
chemotherapy.
It is very difficult to deal with
this condition, which makes
a person weaker and more
uncomfortable.
9. Ginger is spicy and it often helps in managing the symptoms
like vomiting and nausea. Clinical trials have shown
promising results.
Another effective solution is Guided Imagery. It is a
meditative practice involving imagination of a pleasant and
relaxing environment in the mind. By concentrating on
things that give a feel-good factor, it is possible to block
negative physical senses.
10. Nausea undoubtedly ruins appetite. However, good
nutrition remains critical to fight cancer. When a
patient fails to manage heavy or big meals, nibbling
throughout the day and sipping healthy soups and
juices may help.
Coping with the side effects of chemotherapy can be
an extremely daunting task. However, with some
knowledge and experimentation, one can cope as
well as thrive.
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