Standard chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells and some normal cells. Targeted treatment and immunotherapy zero in on specific targets (molecules) in or on cancer cells. Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. For many of these patients, whether a friend, loved one, or co-worker, chemotherapy was a part of treatment. Yet, while you may be familiar with the term, not everyone understands just what chemotherapy is.
All cells in the body grow by splitting into two cells, or dividing. Others divide to repair damage in the body. Cancer occurs when something causes cells to divide and grow out of control. They keep growing to form a mass of cells, or tumor.
Chemotherapy is a form of anti-cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to kill cancer cells. These drugs work because they usually disrupt the cells’ ability to multiply, which causes the cells to die.
Unfortunately, each of the numerous types of chemotherapy drugs is toxic. That is because they are not made to specifically target cancer cells. As a result, any cells that normally divide rapidly, like cells that give rise to hair follicles, line our gut, and make up our nerves, may be targeted.
This attack on healthy cells is what can cause side effects from chemotherapy, which can include vomiting, diarhea, numbness and tingling, and loss of hair.
Chemotherapy attacks dividing cells. This means that it is more likely to kill cancer cells than normal cells. Some types of chemotherapy damage the genetic material inside the cell that tells it how to copy or repair itself. Others types block chemicals the cell needs to divide.
The different types of chemotherapy include:
Standard chemotherapy, which works by killing cancer cells and some normal cells.
Targeted treatment and immunotherapy zero in on specific targets (molecules) in or on cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is not for everyone
Treatment with chemotherapy is not appropriate for every person diagnosed with cancer.
For some, especially if the cancer was caught early, surgery or other ways to locally treat their specific cancer may be enough. For others, chemotherapy can be a very risky proposition, especially if one is too frail from cancer or from another illness.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
Because these medicines travel through the blood to the entire body, chemotherapy is described as a body wide treatment.
As a result, chemotherapy may damage or kill some normal cells. These include bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the lining of the mouth and the digestive tract.
When this damage occurs, there can be side effects. Some people who receive chemotherapy:
Are more likely to have infections
Become tired more easily
Bleed too much, even during everyday activities
Feel pain or numbness from nerve damage
Have a dry mouth, mouth sores, or swelling in the mouth
Have a poor appetite or lose weight
Have an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarhea
Lose their hair
Have problems with thinking and memory ("chemo brain")
Side effects of chemotherapy depend on many things, including the type of cancer and which drugs are being used. Each person reacts differently to these drugs. Some newer chemotherapy drugs that better target cancer cells may cause fewer or different side effects.
After your cancer treatment, as a cancer survivor you're eager to return to good health. But beyond your initial recovery, there are ways to improve your long-term health so that you can enjoy the years ahead as a cancer survivor.
The recommendations for cancer survivors are no different from the recommendations for anyone who wants to improve his or her health: Exercise, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, get good sleep, reduce stress, avoid tobacco and limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
But for cancer survivors, the following strategies have added benefits. These simple steps can improve your quality of life, smoothing your transition into survivorship. Here's what you can do to take care of yourself after cancer treatment.
Exercise
Cancer survivors who exercise may experience:
Increased strength and endurance
Fewer signs and symptoms of depression
Less anxiety
Reduced fatigue
Improved mood
Higher self-esteem
Less pain
Improved sleep
Lower risk of the cancer recurring
Adding physical activity to your daily routine doesn't take a lot of extra work. Focus on small steps to make your life more active. Take the stairs more often or park farther from your destination and walk the rest of the way. Check with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.
0 Comments