Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given as a pill, injection, or a tube placed into the vein. Chemotherapy is often combined with other treatments, such as radiation therapy and surgery. Unfortunately, chemotherapy kills not only cancer cells but also healthy cells, leading to several side effects. Many of which can be very unpleasant. If you are someone you love is going through chemotherapy, it is important to be aware of the side effects that may occur. This post shows what you want to happen when you get chemotherapy.
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How Chemotherapy Works
Simply put, Chemotherapy works by killing cells that are growing quickly. And since cancer cells grow quickly, they are usually killed by chemotherapy. So not only can this treatment cure cancer, but it can also keep it from spreading and relieve symptoms. The drugs used in chemotherapy are called cytotoxic agents, and they work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. This prevents the cells from growing and dividing, eventually leading to death.
Furthermore, the chemicals in chemotherapy drugs can also damage healthy cells, which is why side effects are common. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of drug, how much is given, and how it is given. For example, if you receive a high dose of a fast-acting drug, you’re more likely to have severe side effects than a low dose of a slow-acting drug.
What Happens When You Get Chemotherapy
As scary as cancer is, the side effects of chemotherapy can be equally as scary. And although these side effects are often a necessary evil, they can still take a toll on patients mentally and physically. The good news is that many of these side effects are only temporary and will disappear once treatment is over. However, some may last for months or even years after treatment. Here are some of the most common side effects:
Hair Loss
One of the most well-known side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. While this can be a distressing symptom, it is important to understand how and why it occurs to best manage it. Chemotherapy drugs work by attacking rapidly dividing cells. Hair follicles are among the fastest-growing cells in the body, which is why they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of chemotherapy. As the follicles are damaged, they enter a resting phase and stop producing new hair.
In many cases, the hair will start to fall out within two to three weeks of starting treatment. While this can be a difficult side effect, it is important to remember that it is only temporary. In most cases, the hair will grow back once treatment ends. In the meantime, there are several options for managing hair loss, such as wearing a wig or scarf.
Nausea And Vomiting
As chemotherapy works to attract cancer cells, it is also hurting other parts of your body. This can lead to inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, which can cause nausea and vomiting. In addition, chemotherapy can cause dehydration, leading to nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, there are many ways to help manage these side effects. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating small meals, and avoiding greasy or spicy foods can all help to ease nausea and vomiting.
Furthermore, there are several medications that can be used to help control these symptoms. If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, talk to your doctor about ways to manage these side effects.
