Chemotherapy is a personal experience

Everyone experiences chemotherapy differently, physically and emotionally. Everyone experiences chemotherapy side effects differently, and different chemotherapy drugs can cause different side effects. Fortunately, as the science of cancer treatment has advanced, so has the science of managing treatment side effects.

No matter how you feel, remember that how you feel about chemotherapy has nothing to do with how well it benefits you.

Most people feel better within the first few hours after chemotherapy. Some reactions usually occur within four to six hours. However, some people do not respond until 12 or 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Some people experience almost all of the side effects listed below, while others experience almost none.

We have many treatments to help you deal with the side effects. Please tell us how you are feeling so we can address your concerns and make you feel more comfortable.

Your safety is very important to us. There is a delicate balance between the benefits of chemotherapy and its potential side effects. If you think the risks may outweigh the benefits, tell your doctor.

Before starting chemotherapy

Before starting chemotherapy, we recommend that you meet some basic health requirements. If time permits, brush your teeth before chemotherapy. If you need major dental work, try to postpone it until after chemotherapy. If you need to brush your teeth during chemotherapy, tell your doctor or nurse in advance and discuss any concerns you may have.

Emotional support

A family member, friend or support person may stay with you during chemotherapy. We understand that cancer can negatively affect you, your family and your loved ones.

All cancer patients face the challenge of adjusting to these life changes. At the Cancer Center, we have many programs to help you through this process, such as peer support programs, support groups, and individual counseling for all cancer patients.

Fever and infection

Chemotherapy reduces the number of white blood cells your body makes. Bone marrow produces white blood cells and helps fight infection. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that fight infection. Often, your neutrophil count will determine whether or not you will receive chemotherapy as planned.

A fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher or chills without fever can be a sign of a serious infection. If these symptoms occur at night or on weekends, you should contact your oncologist.

If you have a low neutrophil count, you are more likely to develop this disease. They were more likely to develop bacterial infections 7 to 12 days after chemotherapy. Most bacterial infections are caused by the body’s inability to fight off normal bacteria in the gut or on the skin. Bacterial infections are not usually caused by living in crowded areas. So if you feel better, we encourage you to watch a movie or eat something.

However, viral infections like colds and flu are common and spread easily from other people. To reduce the chance of infection, wash your hands regularly and avoid close contact with infected people during this time.

Fever and functional symptoms associated with infection

If your temperature is 101°F (38.3°C) or higher and you don’t have a cold, call your doctor or nurse right away. If you can’t talk to your oncologist, go to the emergency room.

Keep a thermometer in your home and learn how to take your temperature. Do not eat, drink or smoke within 10 minutes of taking your temperature. Place the thermometer under your tongue for three minutes. If you’re still not sure how to take your temperature, talk to your doctor or nurse.

If you have a cough, sore throat, pain or burning while urinating, call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.

Patients respond differently to diagnosis, initial treatment, follow-up test results, and follow-up visits. Many patients react by facing the harsh reality of the disease. They asked leading and courageous questions about the severity of their condition and the pros and cons of different treatment options. They read it themselves. They showed keen interest in understanding what was happening to them. People find that this kind of flexibility improves their psychological adjustment.

Other patients are shocked by the reality they face and enter a state of denial. Sometimes patients refuse, saying: “I can’t handle it, but there is another way.” However, denial is often a positive coping strategy, as it allows the patient to slowly face the reality of the illness without worrying. In our experience, patients do not claim to be able to maintain their overall strength over time, which is indeed the case.

As you read this article, you may be surprised at how much you know about cancer and your personal situation. Are there any relevant questions you haven’t asked yet? Have you avoided learning more about your disease because you haven’t read about it? You may need to be more proactive in seeking information, which may help.

Reference

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/coping-with-chemotherapy#:~:text=Herbal%20teas%2C%20water%2C%20sports%20drinks,most%20likely%20to%20feel%20nauseated.

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/10-chemotherapy-tips-from-cancer-patients-who-ve-been-there.h00-159303834.html

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/living-with/everyday-life

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-diagnosis/art-20044544

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/tips-for-managing-chemotherapy-side-effects

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/living-with/social-life-activities

https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/treatments/treatments-types/chemotherapy/preparing-for-chemotherapy.html

https://www.materprivate.ie/health-information/helpful-tips/chemotherapy-tips

https://med.stanford.edu/survivingcancer/coping-with-cancer/coping-with-cancer.html

Coping with chemotherapy

https://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/manage-side-effects-chemotherapy/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chemotherapy/side-effects/