The sad truth remains that in virtually all applications,
that the progress is only arrested and then briefly enough. That arrest is enough to claim remission and
a statistical cure but no cure in real terms.
The practical reality is that it is likely better to simply accept fate
and do what can be done with surgery to slow and mitigate the progress of the
disease.
There is also a battery of safe productive protocols which
the medical profession generally fails to implement. That means it is up to the individual to
tackle that end of the spectrum of options.
I personally know of no survivors of chemotherapy among my
own circle. I do know survivors who used
alternative protocols with some success.
I also do not know anyone of my age group who smoke at all. In fact I am not so sure that most I know of
my age group ever smoked.
Yet as a teenager, two thirds minimum of all teenagers
actually smoked among my classmates and the nonsmokers were the odd men out. Those that sustained the habit are simply no
longer with us. The only good news is that
I am sure that most came to their senses eventually.
Cancer is not easily cured but the bare minimum to survival
is a deathbed conversion to sound nutrition.
THE SIDE
EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY ON THE BODY
Cancer cells divide more quickly than
healthy cells, and chemotherapy drugs effectively target those cells.
Unfortunately, fast-growing cells that are healthy can be damaged too. There
are many different chemotherapy drugs with the potential for many different
side effects. These effects vary from person to person and from treatment to
treatment.
Chemotherapy in the Blood
Chemo Brain
Mouth Sores
Digestive Distress
Balding: The Signature Side Effect
Fingernail and Toenail Trouble
Chemotherapy and Fertility
Chemo in the Kidneys
Swollen Hands and Feet
Anxiety and Depression
Chemotherapy and the Heart
Muscles and Motor Skills
Nausea and Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Skin in Need of Soothing
Sexual Dysfunction
Fast-Tracked Menopause
Chemo Effect on the Bladder
Chemo's Long-Term Effect on Bones
Chemotherapy drugs are powerful enough
to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, but they also can harm perfectly healthy
cells, causing side effects throughout the body.
The Side Effects of Chemotherapy on the Body
Cancer cells divide more quickly than
healthy cells, and chemotherapy drugs effectively target those cells.
Unfortunately, fast-growing cells that are healthy can be damaged too. There
are many different chemotherapy drugs with the potential for many different
side effects. These effects vary from person to person and from treatment to
treatment.
Factors that play a role in side
effects include other ongoing treatments, previous health issues, age, and
lifestyle. Some patients experience few side effects while others feel quite
ill. Although most side effects clear up shortly after treatment ends, some may
continue well after chemotherapy has ended, and some may never go away.
Chemotherapy drugs are most likely to
affect cells in the digestive tract, hair follicles,bone marrow, mouth,
and reproductive system. However, cells in any part of the body may be damaged.
Circulatory
and Immune Systems
Routine blood count monitoring is a
crucial part of chemotherapy. That’s because the drugs can harm cells in the
bone marrow, where blood is produced. This can result in several problems. Red
blood cells carry oxygen to tissues. Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t
produce enough red blood cells, making you feel extremely fatigued. Other
symptoms of anemia include:
- lightheadedness
- pale skin
- difficulty thinking
- feeling cold
- general weakness
Chemo can lower your white blood cell
count, which results in neutropenia. White blood cells play an important role
in the immune system: they help fight infection and ward off illness. Symptoms
aren’t always obvious, but a low white blood cell count raises the risk of
infection and illness. People with an immune system weakened by chemotherapy
must take precautions to avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other germs.
Cells called platelets help the blood
clot. A low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia, means you’re likely to
bruise and bleed easily. Symptoms include nosebleeds, blood in vomit or stools,
and heavier-than-normal menstruation.
Some chemo drugs can weaken the heart
muscle, resulting in cardiomyopathy, or disturb the heart rhythm, causing
arrhythmia. This can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Some
chemo drugs can increase the risk of heart attack. These problems are
less likely to occur if your heart is strong and healthy at the start of
chemotherapy.
Nervous
and Muscular Systems
The central nervous system controls
emotions, thought patterns, and coordination. Chemotherapy drugs may cause
problems with memory, or make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly.
This symptom sometimes is called “chemo fog,” or “chemo brain.” This mild
cognitive impairment may go away following treatment, or may linger for years.
Severe cases can add to anxiety and stress.
Some chemo drugs can cause pain,
weakness, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy).
Muscles may feel tired, achy, or shaky. Reflexes and small motor skills
may be slowed. It’s not unusual to experience problems with balance and coordination.
Digestive
System
Some of the most common side effects of
chemotherapy involve the digestive tract. Mouth sores and dry mouth can make it
difficult to chew and swallow. Sores also may form on the tongue, lips, gums,
or in the throat. Mouth sores can make you more susceptible to bleeding and
infection. Many patients complain of a metallic taste in the mouth, or a yellow
or white coating on the tongue. Food may taste unusual or unpleasant.
These powerful drugs can harm cells
along the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea is a common symptom, and may result in
bouts of vomiting. However, anti-nausea medications given in conjunction with
chemotherapy drugs can help alleviate this symptom.
Other digestive issues include loose
stools or diarrhea. In some people, hard stools and constipation can be a
problem. This may be accompanied by pressure, bloating, and gas. Take care to
avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Side effects involving the digestive
system can contribute to loss of appetite andfeeling full even
though you haven’t eaten much. Weight loss and general weakness are common.
Despite all this, it’s important to continue eating healthy foods.
Hair,
Skin, and Nails (Integumentary System)
Many chemotherapy drugs affect the hair
follicles and can cause hair loss (alopecia) within a few weeks of the first
treatment. Hair loss can occur on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body. As
troubling as it can be, hair loss is temporary. New hair growth usually begins
several weeks after the final treatment.
Some patients experience minor skin
irritations like dryness, itchiness, and rash. You may develop sensitivity to
the sun, making it easier to burn. Your doctor can recommend topical ointments
to soothe irritated skin.
Fingernails and toenails may turn brown
or yellow, and become ridged or brittle. Nail growth may slow down, and nails
may crack or break easily. In severe cases, they canactually separate
from the nail bed. It’s important to take good care of your nails to avoid
infection.
Sexual
and Reproductive System
Chemotherapy drugs can have an effect
on your hormones. In women, hormonal changes can bring on hot flashes,
irregular periods, or sudden onset of menopause. They may become temporarily or
permanently infertile. Women on chemotherapy may experience dryness of vaginal
tissues that can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful. The chance of
developing vaginal infections is increased. Chemotherapy drugs given during
pregnancy can cause birth defects. In men, some chemo drugs can harm sperm or
lower sperm count, and temporary or permanent infertility is possible.
Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and
hormonal fluctuations may interfere with sex drive in both men and women. So
can worrying about loss of hair and other changesin appearance.
However, many people on chemotherapy continue to enjoy an intimate relationship
and an active sex life.
Kidneys
and Bladder (Excretory System)
The kidneys work to excrete the
powerful chemotherapy drugs as they move through your body. In the process,
some kidney and bladder cells can become irritated or damaged. Symptoms of
kidney damage include decreased urination, swelling of the hands and feet
(edema), and headache. Symptoms of bladder irritation include a feeling of
burning when urinating and increased urinary frequency.
You’ll be advised to drink plenty of
fluids to flush the medication from your systemand to keep your
system functioning properly. Note: Some medications cause urine to turn red or
orange for a few days. This isn’t cause for concern.
Skeletal
System
Most people—and especially women—lose
some bone mass as they age. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause calcium levels to
drop and contribute to bone loss. This can lead to cancer-related osteoporosis,
especially in post-menopausal women and those whose menopause was brought on
suddenly due to chemotherapy.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), women who have been
treated for breast cancer are at increased risk for osteoporosis and bone
fracture. This is due to the combination of the drugs and the drop in estrogen
levels. Osteoporosisincreases the risk of bone
fractures and breaks. The most common areas of the body to suffer breaks are
the spine and pelvis, hips, and wrists.
Psychological
and Emotional Toll
Living with cancer and dealing with
chemotherapy can exact an emotional toll. You may feel fearful, stressed, or
anxious about your appearance and your health. Some people may suffer from
depression. Juggling work, financial, and family responsibilities while
undergoing cancer treatment can become overwhelming.
Many cancer patents turn to
complementary therapies like massage and meditation for relaxation and relief.
If you have trouble coping, mention it to your doctor. They may be able to
suggest a local cancer support group where you can speak with others who are
undergoing cancer treatment. If feelings of depression persist, professional
counseling may be necessary.
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