Chemotherapy is likely to be highly effective at helping many cancer patients, but in the process of receiving chemotherapy
treatment a patient is likely to experience a variety of short-term and
long-term side effects. Many of the longer term side-effects are able
to be prevented or at least limited in the overall discomfort coursed.
In regards to the extent of discomfort caused by the side-effects of the
chemotherapy treatment, this is likely to relate significantly to the well-being of the individual, the chosen drug and dosage, and the method used for providing the treatment. Below are some of the more significant side-effects that come with receiving chemotherapy treatment:
Neutropenia: One of the noticeable side-effects seen with a course of chemotherapy relates to a reduction in the white blood cells. If a patient gets neutropenia they are likely to be more open to infection, which will not only leaves them a lot more exposed to disease, but might also mean a patient is in such a weak condition that they aren't able to receive a scheduled chemotherapy session. A variety of symptoms are known to indicate a low count in white blood cells and these might relate to a fever, congestion in the nasal area, and discomfort in the process of urination.Anemia: This particular type of side-effect is likely to cause a significant reduction in the red blood cell count. A need to retain the ideal red blood cell count means the body is that much more able to carry oxygen to the major organs and muscles. If a patient starts to notice symptoms relating to anemia than these are likely to include a feeling of tiredness, constant irritability, and periods of lightheadedness.
Hair Loss: One of the most common conditions noticed with a session of chemotherapy relates to the loss of hair, which can be experienced on all areas of the body, from the legs to the head. The first signs of the hair loss are likely to be experienced within the first two or three weeks of receiving the initial cause of chemo. The overall level of hair loss is likely to relate to the specific drugs used throughout the chemotherapy session, and in most situations the hair slowly starts to grow back after the chemotherapy treatments are complete.
All in all, if you are likely to be undergoing a treatment of chemotherapy, you might well find that there are a wide range of side-effects which can impact the body in a number of different ways.
Neutropenia: One of the noticeable side-effects seen with a course of chemotherapy relates to a reduction in the white blood cells. If a patient gets neutropenia they are likely to be more open to infection, which will not only leaves them a lot more exposed to disease, but might also mean a patient is in such a weak condition that they aren't able to receive a scheduled chemotherapy session. A variety of symptoms are known to indicate a low count in white blood cells and these might relate to a fever, congestion in the nasal area, and discomfort in the process of urination.Anemia: This particular type of side-effect is likely to cause a significant reduction in the red blood cell count. A need to retain the ideal red blood cell count means the body is that much more able to carry oxygen to the major organs and muscles. If a patient starts to notice symptoms relating to anemia than these are likely to include a feeling of tiredness, constant irritability, and periods of lightheadedness.
Hair Loss: One of the most common conditions noticed with a session of chemotherapy relates to the loss of hair, which can be experienced on all areas of the body, from the legs to the head. The first signs of the hair loss are likely to be experienced within the first two or three weeks of receiving the initial cause of chemo. The overall level of hair loss is likely to relate to the specific drugs used throughout the chemotherapy session, and in most situations the hair slowly starts to grow back after the chemotherapy treatments are complete.
All in all, if you are likely to be undergoing a treatment of chemotherapy, you might well find that there are a wide range of side-effects which can impact the body in a number of different ways.
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