5 Ways to Cope with the Side-effects of Chemotherapy

During chemotherapy various very potent drugs known as cytostatic agents are used. Their task is to inhibit the development of rapidly dividing cancer cells and their complete elimination. However, they can also destroy rapidly dividing healthy cells that occur naturally in the body. This can cause side effects.

For more information on chemotherapy, see the article: Chemotherapy - what is it?

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Side effects that occur as a result of chemotherapy can be either early or late. The first group includes symptoms that occur during treatment with cytostatic agents. The second group consists of effects that can be felt long after the end of therapy. The strong effect of drugs used during chemotherapy can damage some organs and thus prevent them from working properly. These risks are especially concentrated in the lungs, kidneys, heart and reproductive organs. Fortunately, many side effects can be prevented or mitigated, and the vast majority disappear after treatment ends.

What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects are those related to the digestive system – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite. Many patients also experience hair loss, which is almost always a temporary side effect. Often, cancer patients also develop anemia caused by the weakening of the bone marrow's ability to produce new blood cells. Since red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to various parts of the body, many patients may also feel tired. Conversely, a low number of platelets, which play an important role in healing wounds, can contribute to bleeding. Chemotherapy also lowers the body's immunity, which is why cancer patients are particularly susceptible to various infections.

Ways to cope with the side effects of chemotherapy

1. A well-balanced diet is the basic element of supporting the body in the fight against cancer. By providing it with all the necessary nutrients – vitamins and macronutrients, they give it a chance for better regeneration.
2. Plan your meals so that you do not eat large amounts of food at once. Thanks to this, your stomach will not have to put a lot of effort into digestion.
3. Supplementation is a good idea but in many cases is not a necessity, and in some of them it may adversely affect the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Therefore, before introducing them to our diet, we should consult with the attending physician.
4. Frequent hand washing is a way to quickly get rid of bacteria and viruses that could cause infection on their surface. This activity is crucial in lowering the body's resistance.
5. Ginger for nausea. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that the use of ginger, when started 3 days before chemotherapy with standard antiemetic, is effective in reducing nausea.

During the entire treatment period, keep in touch with your doctor. If you notice disturbing symptoms or are simply in doubt, you should contact him to discuss this.

What else is worth knowing about side effects?

Not everyone undergoing chemotherapy will experience all side effects, and in many cases the patient will not experience any of them. The severity of the side effects, their nature, and how much they will hurt varies from person to person. This is due to the current health condition, the nature of the neoplastic lesion, and the chosen treatment strategy. Usually, cytostatic drugs themselves are also accompanied by drugs that are designed to prevent or reduce their occurrence.