Chemotherapy is a form of treatment that uses drugs that can eliminate or block the growth of cancer cells.These medications, which can be taken orally or injectablely, are transported through the bloodstream to all parts of the body and eventually reach not only cancer cells.but also healthy cells in the body, especially those that multiply most often, such as those in the digestive tract, hair follicles and blood.
Thus, side effects are common in people undergoing such treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, weakness, anemia, constipation, diarrhea or mouth injuries, for example, which usually last several days, weeks, or months.However, not all chemotherapy is the same, with a wide variety of drugs used, which can have more or less effect on the body.
- The type of medication is decided by the oncologist.
- After evaluating the type of cancer.
- The stage of the disease and the clinical conditions of each person.
- And some examples include medications such as cyclophosphamide.
- Docetaxel or doxorubicin.
- Which many may call white chemotherapy or red chemotherapy.
- For example.
- And which we will explain later.
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of medicine, the dose used and the response of each person’s body, and in most cases last a few days or weeks, disappearing at the end of the treatment cycle.effects include:
In addition to these, long-term side effects of chemotherapy are possible, which can last months, years, or even be permanent, such as changes in the reproductive organs, changes in the heart, lungs, liver and nervous system, for example, but it is important to remember that side effects do not manifest the same way in all patients.
More than 100 types of drugs are used for chemotherapy, either in the form of tablets, orally or injectables, which can be intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously and inside the spine, for example.A catheter, called intracath, that attaches to the skin and prevents repeated stings, may be implanted into the vein.
Depending on the type of cancer treatment medicine, doses may be daily, weekly, or every 2 to 3 weeks, for example.This treatment is usually done in cycles, which usually last a few weeks, followed by a rest period to allow the body to recover and perform additional evaluations.
Popularly, some people talk about the differences between white and red chemotherapy, depending on the color of the drug, however, this differentiation is not adequate, as there are many types of drugs used for chemotherapy, which cannot be determined only by color.
In general, as an example of white chemotherapy, there is a group of drugs called taxanes, such as paclitaxel or docetaxel, that are used to treat various types of cancer, such as breast or lung cancer, and which cause inflammation as a common side effect.mucous membranes and decreased body defense cells.
Examples of red chemotherapy include the group of anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin and epirrubicin, which are used to treat different types of cancer in adults and children, such as acute leukemia, breast cancer, ovaries, kidneys and thyroid, for example, and some of the side effects.caused are nausea, hair loss, abdominal pain as well as heart toxicity.
Chemotherapy can generate many doubts and insecurities, these are some of the most common:
There are many chemotherapy protocols or regimens, which are prescribed by the oncologist depending on the type of cancer, the severity or stage of the disease and the clinical conditions of each person, there are daily, weekly or 2-3 week diets that are cycled.
In addition, it is important to remember that there are other treatments that may be associated with chemotherapy, such as tumor removal surgery or radiation therapy, procedures that use radiation emitted by a device to remove or reduce the size of the tumor.
Therefore, chemotherapy can also be divided between
It is important to remember that all people who are being treated for cancer, including those who can no longer heal, deserve treatment for a dignified quality of life, including physical, psychological and social symptom control, as well as other actions.A very important treatment is called palliative care, learn more about what palliative care is and who should receive them.
There will not always be hair loss and hair loss, as it depends on the type of chemotherapy used, however, this is a very common side effect. Hair loss usually occurs about 2 to 3 weeks after the start of treatment, and usually occurs gradually or in strands.
This effect can be minimized with the use of a thermal cap to cool the scalp, as this technique can reduce blood flow to hair follicles, thus reducing the absorption of the drug in this area.In addition, it is always possible to wear a hat, scarf or wig that can overcome the inconveniences associated with baldness.
It is also very important to remember that the hair grows back after treatment is complete.
Chemotherapy itself does not usually cause pain, except for the discomfort caused by the bite or burning sensation when applying the product, no excessive pain or burning should occur, so it is important to inform your doctor or nurse if this occurs.
It is recommended that patients undergoing chemotherapy prefer a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, seeds and whole grains, preferring natural to industrialized and organic foods, as they do not contain chemical additives.
Vegetables should be thoroughly washed and disinfected, and only in some cases when there is an excessive decrease in immunity will your doctor recommend that you do not eat raw foods for a while.
In addition, it is necessary to avoid foods high in fat and sugar immediately before or after treatment, as nausea and vomiting are common, and to reduce these symptoms, your doctor may recommend the use of medications, such as metoclopramide.tips for reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
There may be changes in intimate life, as there may be a decrease in sexual desire and a decrease in disposition, but there are no contraindications for intimate contact.
However, it is very important to remember the use of condoms to prevent not only sexually transmitted infections during this period, but especially to prevent pregnancy, as chemotherapy can cause changes in the baby’s development.