Mammologist oncologist Danail Nazliev told what to expect from chemotherapy and how to cope with side effects.
Chemotherapy is a type of systemic cancer treatment using anticancer drugs. It stops the growth and division of tumor cells, as well as their spread to healthy tissues and organs.
Chemotherapy is a powerful and effective way to fight cancer, but it can also cause many unpleasant side effects. It is important to be aware of the possible consequences of chemotherapy in order to be prepared for what you may experience, — Nazliev wrote in his telegram channel.
The most common side effects of chemotherapy:
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- fatigue,
- nausea and vomiting,
- hair loss,
- loss of appetite, < /li>
- mouth ulcers,
- constipation,
- weakening of the immune system.
Some patients suffer from skin irritation, nerve damage, depression and insomnia.
—You can also find ways to manage the side effects. For example, you can use cold compresses to relieve skin irritation, take medication to reduce nausea and vomiting, and drink plenty of fluids to reduce constipation, the physician noted.
A safe alternative to chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is prescribed at different stages of cancer treatment:
Cancer in children can be treated with adult drugs
- as a standalone cancer treatment (medical);
- before surgery to shrink the tumor ( neoadjuvant);
- after surgery – to completely destroy cancer cells (adjuvant);
- after the main course of chemotherapy – to prevent relapse (maintenance);
- to save quality of life (palliative or symptomatic).
Read more: Oncologist reveals whether it is possible to “live happily ever after with stage 4 cancer.”
Important< span style="color:#fc272d;">! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. Seek medical attention at the first sign of illness.
