Chemotherapy: How It Works, Side Effects and More

Getting a cancer diagnosis can turn your life upside down. Although there is no definitive cure for cancer, treatments such as Chemotherapy can help destroy cancerous cells in your body. Chemotherapy has significant side effects that can reduce your quality of life, lower your immunity, and cause significant health complications. In addition, chemotherapy sessions can last from six months to a year. Keep reading to find out more!

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy or “chemo” is a treatment characterized by the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells in the body.
The success of chemotherapy may depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the position of the cancer cells, previous cancer treatments, and your choice of treatment. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

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How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy works by destroying fast-growing cells in the body, such as cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and spreading. It can work on the whole body. A valuable disadvantage of this treatment is that it can cause side effects such as affecting the fast growing healthy cells in the body.

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Usage Areas of Chemotherapy

The decision to have chemotherapy depends on the severity of your disease. It may benefit in various ways in different stages of cancer. Oncologists can guide you why you may need it. Here are some ways that chemotherapy helps prolong the life of cancer patients:

1. Treating cancer

Chemotherapy that can be used alone to treat cancer by destroying cancer cells in your body is known as compatibilist Chemotherapy. It can destroy tumor cells to such an extent that they can no longer be identified in your body. The purpose is to stop the cancer from recurring, but for some people, it can get better after Chemotherapy.

2. Shrink tumors

Chemotherapy can reduce tumors to a small size and make them easily removable during surgery. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy sessions before surgery or radiation to reduce the size of cancerous tumor cells. This procedure is known as neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

3. Destroy residual cancer cells

Chemotherapy can be used after surgery or radiation to destroy any remaining cancerous cells after surgical removal of the tumor. It is called Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

4. Ease cancer symptoms

It can relieve cancer symptoms in cases where chemotherapy cannot cure the cancer. This type of Chemotherapy is known as palliative chemotherapy. In addition to relieving cancer symptoms, it can slow the progression of the disease and give the patient some more time.

5. Assistance in the treatment of other diseases

Chemotherapy use is not just for cancer. Patients who choose to receive stem cell therapy for bone disease may need Chemotherapy to prepare them. Low-dose Chemotherapy for immune disorders such as lupus may also be advantageous.

Ways to administer chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are given in different forms depending on the need. Chemotherapy can be given in the following forms:

1. Direct infusion

In this formula, chemotherapy is injected directly into the vein. This is called intravenous (IV) therapy. It can take minutes or hours. Depending on the severity of the disease, it may need to be repeated after a few days.

2. Pills

Oral Chemotherapy can also be given orally in pill, liquid or capsule form. You can get them at home and therefore they have become more common. Oral chemotherapy can be given as a daily dose or less frequently than needed. Your doctor can guide you on the frequency and storage of your chemotherapy pills.

3. Creams

Chemotherapy creams are also available and can be used in your case. You need to apply the cream to the cancerous area of ​​your skin.

4. Inject into the artery

Intravenous Chemotherapy requires blood to be injected directly into the blood by injecting it into the arteries.
The place of administration of chemotherapy depends on the method recommended by your doctor. Many types of chemotherapy are carried out in a cancer treatment hospital.
Some treatments, such as oral and topical Chemotherapy, may not require hospitalization and can be taken at home. Your doctor will give you a specially prepared program. They may adjust the dose depending on how your body reacts to the treatment.

Chemotherapy side effects

While chemotherapy can destroy cancer cells, it cannot differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells. It can destroy healthy cells, which can cause devastating side effects. These side effects will most likely go away after chemotherapy is completed. Side effects can be controlled treatments. Side effects of chemotherapy include:

1. Hair loss

Your body makes hair follicle cells in a rapid form. Since chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cells, they are more vulnerable to Chemotherapy.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment may lose hair on their head and other areas such as arms or legs. You can wear a wig or a hat to cover the baldness. Hair loss stops and your hair starts to grow back after your chemo treatment is completed.

2. Anemia

Anemia is a blood disorder in which the number of red blood cells is low. Red blood cells are responsible for the distribution of oxygen from the lungs to the body.
Chemotherapy cannot differentiate between cancerous cells and other cells and can destroy white blood cells and red blood cells in your body. Loss of red blood cells can cause anemia. It can make you feel tired. Adding iron-rich foods or supplements to your diet can help prevent anemia.

3. Weak immunity

White blood cells prevent infections in your body. Because chemotherapy reduces white blood cells, you become more susceptible to infections and diseases because your immunity is weak and unable to fight viruses and infections.
If you are receiving chemotherapy treatment, take extra precautions to stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands properly, avoid large gatherings, and stay away from sick people, especially if they are contagious, as you can also infect them.

4. Nausea and vomiting​

Nausea and vomiting are also common after receiving chemotherapy. It can start as soon as you start chemotherapy or after a while. Anti-nausea medications can help you feel more competent. Eating smaller portions can also help with these side effects.

5. Digestive problems

After chemotherapy, digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea may occur by eliminating cells that help digestion. Excretion can be wasted during chemotherapy.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help ease a bowel movement and make it less painful. Maintaining good hydration levels can also help soften your stool and make it easier to pass. It can also prevent constipation that you get as a result of chemotherapy.

6. Easy bruising and bleeding

Platelets help blood to clot and stop bleeding. Chemotherapy lowers platelets, which can cause a lot of bleeding. To counteract this, take extra care by wearing gloves when doing housework or gardening.
Take precautions to avoid falling or tripping as this can cause bruising and bleeding. If you notice any random bruising or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.

7. Mouth sores

Mouth sores, also known as mucositis, are common during Chemotherapy due to insufficient platelets in the blood. May cause sores in the mouth and throat. They can become infected or cause bleeding.
When the chemo is over, the mucositis gets better. Until then, you can use a soft truth brush, suck on ice, or take OTC medications to ease the pain caused by wounds.

8. Loss of appetite

Chemotherapy can suppress your appetite due to other side effects, such as nausea. You may feel full after eating some food. In addition to undernourishment, your weight can drop drastically. Try to eat in small portions and eat healthy foods. If you don’t feel like eating, make sure you drink enough fluids in your body.

9. Pain

Receiving chemotherapy treatment can be stressful and is a generally unappealing experience. It can also cause stomach aches, muscle aches, headaches and other areas of discomfort. Ask your physician for guidance and ways to relieve pain.
Your doctor may prescribe medication and physical therapy. Suffering and dealing with many cancer-related feelings can take a toll on your mental health, so counseling can also help.

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Solution​

Chemotherapy is a treatment primarily used for cancer, but can also be used for other diseases, such as disorders. Chemotherapy is not a complete cure for cancer. Chemotherapy reduces the spread of cancer cells or shrinking tumors. It is also used to remove remaining cancer cells after surgery or to slow down cancer. Treatment may or may not be successful.
Chemotherapy is given in the form that is most likely to improve the type of cancer you have. It can be given by direct injection into a vein, in pill or cream form. The frequency and dose may also depend on the stage and type of cancer.
Chemotherapy also has many side effects that may disappear after treatment. However, going through Chemotherapy can be a very uncomfortable experience, especially with its side effects. It can reduce your quality of life. Discuss the pros and cons of Chemotherapy for the cancer you have with your physician and decide whether you want to continue with it.