91) The Poison That Could be Saving Your Life!

When we hear chemo, we automatically think of hair loss, unfortunately there are many more serious side effects to the chemical nightmare that has proven so effective in fighting many types of cancers. Even though it’s important to know what kinds of side

effects to expect, it is equally important to remember that, no matter how devastating this all is, chemotherapy is still one of the most effective lines of cancer treatment to date.

Upset Stomach and Vomiting
One of the most common drawbacks of chemotherapy. Many of the drugs used in treatment sessions actually stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain - an area that controls the vomiting reflex. However, this can usually be controlled by taking anti-nausea drugs, drinking enough fluids, and avoiding spicy foods.

Diarrhoea or Loose Stools
It occurs during chemotherapy because the drugs affect the lining of the 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 such as irritation and dryness in the mouth and throat. Good oral hygiene is important during chemo. Rinse the mouth with saline, eat softer foods at or below room temperature and avoid hot and spicy foods.

Hair Loss
Not every chemotherapy program causes the patient to lose their hair. 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 usually temporary.

Anaemia and Fatigue
Low blood cell counts caused by the effect of chemotherapy on the bone marrow can lead to anaemia, infections, and easy bleeding and bruising. Patients with anaemia have too few red blood cells to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. Anaemic patients feel tired and weak. If red blood cell levels fall too low, a blood transfusion may be given.

Infections
Patients receiving chemotherapy are more likely to get infections. This happens because their infection fighting white blood cells are reduced. As a result their immunity becomes compromised and they become susceptible to infections. A doctor may prescribe medication to help white blood cells grow if the count drops too low.

Easy Bleeding and Bruising
Platelets are blood cells that make the blood clot. When patients do not have enough platelets, they may bleed or bruise easily, even from small injuries. Patients with low blood platelets should take precautions to avoid injuries.

Neuropathy and Damage to the Nervous System
Cancer patients may develop neurological problems due to the cancer itself or caused by the chemotherapy. A variety of problems can develop, including altered mental alertness, changes in taste and smell, seizures, and peripheral neuropathy (tingling and burning sensations and/or weakness or numbness in the hands and/or feet). Patients should discuss neurological symptoms with their doctor.

Heart Damage
Some drugs that are used to fight cancer, may cause serious damage to the heart. In these cases, the dosage is closely monitored in an attempt to avoid heart damage. Patients experiencing chest pain or any cardiac symptoms should seek immediate medical help.

Kidney Damage
A number of anticancer drugs can also cause damage to the kidneys. Some kidney problems can be lessened by having adequate amounts of fluids. A secondary danger of kidney damage is that a less functional kidney can be more susceptible to further toxicity caused by other anticancer drugs that the patient is taking.

Respiratory Problems
Cancer patients who have had radiation in the chest area are more susceptible to respiratory complications. Patients should get immediate medical assistance if they have difficulty breathing.

Sexual Function
Some drugs can lead to impaired sexual function and may result in the absence of sperm in a man and the lack of menstruation in a woman. Patients of child-bearing age are usually told to refrain from conceiving while undergoing chemotherapy because of the defects it can cause in the foetus.

Vision Problems
Some anticancer drugs can impact a person’s vision. Some can cause blurred vision in children, while others can cause cataracts. For example, Tamoxifen may be damaging to the retina, and cisplatin can damage the optic nerve. Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is a treatable problem that occurs with many anticancer drugs.

Source: Vive Magazine.