Chemotherapy Treatment and Side Effects

Chemotherapy or commonly called chemo is known as a treatment to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy has an important role in fighting cancer cells. However, this treatment method also has side effects that are not small. The type of chemotherapy treatment depends, of course, on the type and location of the cancer and whether the cancer has spread to other organs. Chemotherapy treatment also depends on whether you have certain health problems.

Fighting Dangerous Cells

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment used to destroy cancer cells that are harmful to the body. The way it works is to stop or inhibit the growth of cancer cells that develop and divide rapidly. Depending on the type of cancer and which stage has arrived. The benefits of chemotherapy, namely:

• Relieve symptoms

Chemotherapy can reduce tumors that cause pain.

• Control

Chemotherapy can prevent the spread, slow growth, and destroy cancer cells that develop to other parts of the body.

• Cure

Chemotherapy can destroy all cancer cells completely and this prevents the recurrence or development of cancer in the body again.

However, chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells that normally divide rapidly, for example cells in the skin, intestines, and hair. Damage to healthy cells that can cause side effects. However, this will generally disappear soon after the chemotherapy treatment is complete.

When is Chemotherapy Performed?

Chemotherapy is sometimes done as the only attempt to cure cancer. But often chemotherapy is done together with surgery, radiation therapy, or other biological therapies. Generally, chemotherapy is done when:

• Before surgery or radiation therapy, so that the tumor size becomes smaller.
• After surgery or radiation therapy, to destroy the remaining cancer cells.
• When carried out radiation therapy and biological therapy, to maximize its effect.
• Prevents the return of cancerous cell growth or spread (metastasis) to other parts of the body.

How chemotherapy is done depends on the type of cancer suffered, consisting of:

• Topical. Through creams that are applied to the skin.
• Oral. Chemotherapy in the form of pills, capsules, or liquids that are taken by mouth.
• Injection. Given by injection in a muscle or fat layer, for example in the arm, thigh, or stomach.
• Intraperitoneal (IP). Chemotherapy is given directly through surgical procedures or through a special tube into the abdominal cavity where there are intestines, liver and stomach.
• Intraarteri (IA). Chemotherapy is directly inserted into the arteries that deliver blood to the cancer.
• Intravenous (IV). Chemotherapy is directly inserted into the veins.

Some Possible Side Effects

Chemotherapy is an effective cancer treatment. Proven to save millions of lives. However, chemotherapy has side effects that are not small. It is difficult to predict how heavy a person will experience side effects from chemotherapy, because each person has a different reaction to the treatment. The side effects of chemotherapy arise because these drugs do not have the ability to distinguish abnormally rapidly developing cancer cells from healthy cells which normally also have rapid development. For example blood cells, skin cells, and cells in the stomach will experience negative effects due to chemotherapy. Here are the side effects that can occur due to chemotherapy:

• Hair loss.
• Pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Shortness of breath and heartbeat abnormalities due to anemia. The skin is dry and feels sore.
• Bleeding such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds.
• Frequent infections.
• Hard to sleep.
• Psychological disorders such as depression, stress, and anxiety.
• Decreased sexual arousal and impaired fertility (infertility).
• Feeling tired and weak all day long.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Sprue.

What is important to know, the side effects of chemotherapy will soon disappear after treatment is complete. In addition, the effects of chemotherapy will not cause harmful effects on health. Although in some cases, the side effects of chemotherapy can be more serious than others. For example the level of white blood cells decreases rapidly so that it can increase the risk of infection. As much as possible avoid yourself from people who are sick or infected during chemotherapy. If you experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, chest pain or bleeding while undergoing chemotherapy, see your doctor immediately.

Things that need to be considered

Generally chemotherapy treatment is carried out in a hospital to monitor the effectiveness and possible emergence of side effects of chemotherapy treatment. Although each person has a different reaction after chemotherapy, but most feel tired and tired. Avoid driving your own vehicle or activities that require high energy or concentration after a chemotherapy session. Invite family members or friends to accompany you home after chemotherapy. Many people are still able to work while undergoing chemotherapy, depending on the type of work and endurance of each body. But if possible, you can work from home or part time. Discuss these possibilities at your workplace or take time off. You may also need the help of others to care for children at home when undergoing chemotherapy. During chemotherapy treatment, you should always consult a doctor when you want to take other medicines, including allergic drugs, herbs, pain relievers, and other drugs. Avoid consuming alcohol at least during chemotherapy. Treating dangerous diseases such as cancer is not easy, including when undergoing chemotherapy sessions. As far as possible follow the doctor's advice and avoid things that could risk disrupting the treatment process to be able to run optimally.