A cancer diagnosis is one that sends an emotional shockwave across the lives of both patients and their loved ones.However, early detection and advances in treatment can increase the potential of transforming cancer into a potentially manageable illness requiring regular monitoring.
Chemotherapy is a common form of treatment that involves use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. The treatment can be given orally, through a needle, direct introduction to the affected organ/tissue or as a cream. Chemotherapy is often given in courses or cycle with periods of rest in between, allowing cells to recover. Chemotherapy cycles can range from days, weeks, months or a longer-term basis and the treatment process should cause no discomfort.
Side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores or ulcers
- Hair loss
- Muscle weakness
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight
- Dry or tired eyes
- Loss of appetite
While chemotherapy drugs can have the potential to cause side effects such as those listed, most are often temporary and can be readily managed.
Feelings of anxiety are common when experiencing side effects that can be caused by chemotherapy drugs, but if a patient experiences any of these side effects it has no bearing on measuring the effectiveness of their treatment.
People will all react individually in relation to chemotherapy treatment and patients are encouraged to actively engage their doctor if they are feeling anxious or concerned in any way about their treatment journey.
29 October 2018