Going Through Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy could be scary for many patients especially the first timers or veterans however; they learn to cope up well with the stress and trauma. A thorough knowledge of your cancer type and chemotherapy may help you to understand the procedure well in advance. People must come prepared during their medication as this lasts is suggested for few hours to few days. Chemotherapy is universally given in cycles following the rest period. The rest period helps in soothing the side effects of post chemotherapy. Once the patient becomes normal, he or she is called for the second sitting. Some common facts one must know for a better cannula gauge while going through chemotherapy are:
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Blood Test: The doctors or your oncologist might ask for a blood test before commencing the chemotherapy. This is usually done to check the WBC cells in your body which is imperative to fight some infections.
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Room: The first timers could ask for a private room for their chemotherapy however the following sittings could be shared with other patients
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Ice: One must apply some ice on their fingers to avoid nail damage after chemotherapy
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Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are the subsequent side effects of chemotherapy. These could be suppressed by taking some anti emetic or anti sickness drugs
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Going back home: One could probably go home once the dose is given. Often they have to retain the cannula for the next cycle.
There are many benefits of chemotherapy hence; people prefer to opt for chemotherapy treatment for treating their cancer. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy often need a physical as well as mental support from their allies. The sessions at hospital could evoke some distress. One must provide their support and help whenever and wherever needed to a patient. Some people often do not want to burden others with their worries. These people could seek some support from an established support center that is specialized to help people in coping with grave distress like cancer. To give chemotherapy course to the cancer patients, chemotherapy schedules are prepared.
Chemotherapy is followed by some typical side effects that are caused by the damage done to normal cells alongside cancer cells as chemotherapy drugs often fail to distinguish both. Some common irregularities might involve:
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Alopecia or Hair loss: Hair loss is common occurrence post chemotherapy. One must be prepared with hair wigs and scarf to cover their head.
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Anemia: Anemia occurs due to a drop in RBC Count in the blood. This often causes fatigue due to short breath.
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Lowered immunity: The immune of body retards abruptly after chemotherapy. Thus people must avoid going to a crowded place, meeting infected people and washing their hands promptly before every meal.
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Nausea and vomiting: This could be subsided by taking anti emetic drugs
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Loss of appetite and diarrhea: This is another very common ailment of chemotherapy. One should keep a check on their gastrointestinal troubles by eating a diet rich in fiber.
Regardless of the fact that chemotherapy is frightening as its side effects are adverse and upsetting. Some self care tips if practiced well could prove to be helpful in the longer run.