The National Cancer Institute states, "Approximately 8 million Americans alive today have a history of cancer," with about 1,228,600 new cases every year. Although there is no definitive cure yet for this insidious disease, there are treatments. These include surgery, radiation and antineoplastic therapy--or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses a series of chemicals and medicines to stop cellular growth. While it is a powerful weapon in the battle against cancer, it also comes with several harsh side effects.
Nausea and Vomiting
The harsh chemicals chemotherapy uses to kill cancer cells can literally make you sick. Nausea and vomiting are two of the most common reactions to this treatment. None of these chemicals is natural to your body, and it will often reject the chemicals by attempting to purge them via nausea and vomiting. You can treat this side effect with any stomach-calming medicine, and your doctor may offer something in a prescription strength.
Cardiotoxicity
Some chemicals in chemotherapy can cause heart damage. This heart damage is called caridotoxicity, or heart damage caused by medicine. This damage is often minor, but major heart damage is possible that can cause murmurs or even heart failure. If you suffer from a heart condition, talk to your doctor before starting chemotherapy treatment.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition where your body has fewer red blood cells than it needs. Chemotherapy often can cause anemia, attacking healthy red blood cells along with its intended cancer-cell targets. Red blood cells are important, as they circulate oxygen throughout your body. Anemia can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and other symptoms, making day-to-day life challenging. However, it is rarely a serious condition.
Psychosocial Distress
Chemotherapy often can lead to psychological distress. People who suffer from cancer can be in a lot of pain and distress. And then the treatment brings about harsh side effects, which can make the pain and distress even worse. Depression, anxiety and stress are common psychological side effects of chemotherapy. Tell your doctor and seek psychological counseling if you suffer from these conditions.
Immunodeficiency
Chemotherapy is the most common cause of immunodeficiency in cancer patients. T-cells are the primary cells your body uses to defeat diseases. Cancer often affects these cells and, accordingly, chemotherapy will destroy these T-cells. It is important to treat this T-cell deficiency. It is a long, difficult process, which involves the reintroduction of T-cells into the body in a slow, steady flow. It can take months to return your T-cell count to normal. In the meantime, be extra careful to avoid infection risks (for example, wash your hands regularly, try to avoid exposing yourself to friends or family with colds or flu, and take good care of yourself).
Tags: heart damage, your body, blood cells, side effects, suffer from, your doctor