Common side effects of chemotherapy and how to deal with them. Anemia and associated general weakness and fatigue. What is the cause of unwanted side effects of anticancer drugs

Side effects after chemotherapy occur in most cases and it is important to respond to certain manifestations in a timely manner and take appropriate measures.

Consequences of a patient undergoing chemotherapy

Doctors note that most side effects after undergoing chemotherapy pass within a few minutes. However, the most dangerous side effects of chemotherapy can persist for long period time and significantly spoil normal life person.

A mild or relatively harmless consequence of undergoing chemotherapy is hair loss in the patient. This is because the drugs negative impact on the hair follicle and weaken it. In addition, potent medications can adversely affect the tissues of the upper and lower extremities.

Doctors also note that mild side effects of chemotherapy are divided into certain subgroups depending on the organ in which they are localized:

1. Complications in the digestive system lead to the following unpleasant symptoms:

• to the development of such diseases as stomatitis, esophagitis, gastritis and enterocolitis;
• to the appearance of dysbiosis with the presence of fungal cells;
• to the presence of such unpleasant symptoms in the patient as nausea, vomiting, fever, development of symptoms general intoxication body, the appearance of weakness and edema in the lower extremities.
• to the development of anorexia and diseases in the liver.

1. Complications in circulatory system lead:

• to the development of diseases such as anemia, leukopenia and neutropenia or febrile fever.

1. Complications in the immune system:

• the occurrence of frequent infectious diseases in the patient in the respiratory system;
• the presence of recurrent herpes;
• development of a fungal infection.

1. Complications in the liver area lead to the appearance of such signs as:

• frequent urination;
• an increase in protein, the level of leukocytes and erythrocytes in the urine.

1. Complications in the reproductive system lead to the following symptoms:

• disorders of the ovaries and changes in the menstrual cycle;
• to the appearance of problems with the formation of seminal fluid.

1. Complications in the nerve fibers lead to the following symptoms:

• the development of polyneuropathy and disturbances in consciousness;
• violations of the activity of the cardiac system and respiratory organs.

1. The consequences of chemotherapy also lead to a violation of the skin.

Often, therapy leads to the appearance of dermatitis in the patient and an exacerbation of an allergic reaction, which is expressed in the occurrence of itching, burning and redness on the skin. In addition, the patient may develop acne, a feeling of numbness in the lower extremities, and a sharp drop in blood pressure.

Doctors note that even young women can develop early menopause, thrush and cystitis. Also, the patient may be disturbed by depression and sleep disturbances, an increase in size lymph nodes and frequent bleeding.

Serious side effects after chemotherapy include:

• development of osteoporosis and leukemia;
• increased flow of tear fluid from the eyes;
• development of problems in the cardiac system and rapid hair loss.

It is important to note that complications after chemotherapy may appear in different forms and it depends on the strength of the action, the composition and form of the disease, as well as on the general condition of the patient.

Also, doctors all the side effects that occur after chemotherapy are divided into several stages depending on the severity of the disease:

• Stage 0: it is characterized by the absence of external and internal violations at the patient. Also, violations cannot be detected during diagnostic studies. This stage is very rare.
• Stage I: with it, the patient has minimal health problems that do not have an overall negative impact on the patient's health. It is noteworthy that these changes usually do not require the patient to undergo therapeutic procedures.
• Stage II: it is characterized by moderate disturbances in the patient's state of health and the level of his activity. Also, violations are manifested in the work internal organs. When conducting diagnostic study all violations become more noticeable. In this case, the doctor prescribes a number of corrective procedures to stabilize the patient's health.
• Stage III: with it, the patient has serious disorders in the state of health and in the work of internal organs. In this case, somatic treatment should be carried out by a doctor. With the development of this stage, the patient should cancel or postpone chemotherapy sessions.
• Stage IV: it is characterized by the appearance in the patient serious violations, which can pose a serious threat to the health of the patient. In this case, the doctor must cancel chemotherapy completely.

Despite the fact that therapy causes the patient great amount complications, doctors consider it the most effective way getting rid of cancerous tumor. Often patients ask a specialist a question about the likelihood of side effects, but, unfortunately, the doctor cannot give an exact answer to this question.

This is due to the fact that he cannot predict the response of the human body to the introduction of potent drugs into it. Currently, all drugs are designed in such a way that the risk of side effects and complications in a patient after undergoing chemotherapy is reduced to the minimum.

What is chemotherapy

Usually this method is used when the disease has passed into an advanced stage, and there are metastases spreading in the lymphatic and circulatory system.

Chemotherapy is based on the introduction into the patient's body of potent drugs that have a negative effect on the cancerous tumor and on metastases localized in neighboring organs. The introduction is carried out intravenously.

Chemotherapy and its consequences

Treatment of any oncology includes a course of chemotherapy. They take her to advanced cases cancer, when through the blood and lymphatic systems secondary foci of malignant tumors appeared.

During chemotherapy, strong drugs are given intravenously. anticancer drugs which have a strong effect on the human body.

They begin to destroy pathological cells, they can also destroy healthy ones, since they do not distinguish between malignant tissue and healthy tissue. While the cancer cell is destroyed, the general condition of the patient worsens.

Pathological cells are destroyed faster than healthy ones, so chemotherapy is not canceled. An abnormal and unhealthy cell divides faster than a healthy one, so chemotherapy drugs act specifically on it. A healthy cell is less affected due to the fact that it grows slowly.

Side effects of chemotherapy

Such treatment negatively affects the entire body. Complications after chemotherapy can be different, there are many of them:

The mucous membrane is damaged oral cavity(stomatitis);

The lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed (esophagitis);

Inflammatory changes in the stomach (gastritis);

Inflammation of the small and large intestines (enterocolitis);

The gastric microflora is disturbed, fungal infections begin;

Nausea and vomiting;

Loss of appetite, then anorexia may occur;

Stomach pain after chemotherapy.

Anemia, or as it is called in another way - anemia;

The number of leukocytes decreases;

respiratory tract infection;

Increases protein, leukocytes and erythrocytes in the urine;

Incorrect work of the ovaries - the consequences after chemotherapy in men;

violated menstrual cycle among women;

Insufficient activity of the testicles;

Male sex cells (spermatozoa) develop incorrectly.

Partially affected nervous system;

The World Health Organization (WHO) has divided side effects into groups. This division depends on the severity of the effects:

1. Zero degree - the general condition of the patient and the laboratory data remained unchanged, the patient does not complain of pain after chemotherapy;
2. First degree - doctors noticed the slightest changes, which in turn do not affect the patient's condition. Laboratory studies recorded minor changes;
3. Second degree - moderate change general condition and activity of the patient. When examining internal organs, changes are noticeable that require some correction;
4. Third degree - the patient's condition deteriorates sharply and somatic treatment is required, the chemotherapy session is postponed or canceled altogether;
5. The fourth degree - changes in the body that endanger the life of the patient. Chemotherapy is completely stopped.

Side effects of chemotherapy

Damaged cells after chemotherapy are restored after treatment. Cells begin to function properly and are restored, side effects disappear. It depends on the general condition of the patient, so each may take a different time.

If the patient had no disorders in the body before the course of chemotherapy, he also did not have chronic diseases the recovery will take a long time.

There are also opposite cases, when the side effect lasts for several months, and sometimes it can take years. This is due to the fact that the heart, lungs, kidneys, and also are damaged during chemotherapy. reproductive organ. There are times when a side effect makes itself felt some time after chemotherapy.

Patients experience short-term complications. With new technologies, medicine has reached the point where prevention and treatment serious complications, which are associated with side effects of drugs, ends with success.

This means that chemotherapy affects tumor tissue, and normal cells do not fall under its influence.

The patient must understand that chemotherapy removes tumor cells, and the consequences in the form of side effects are only a temporary phenomenon and do not pose a threat to his life.

Many patients are unhappy with the duration of chemotherapy and its effects. Therefore, if you have any doubts, then consult your doctor. There are cases when specialists change the prescribed regimen and give other drugs for treatment.

The doctor will also give advice so that you can minimize the side effects of anticancer drugs.

Side effects in the form of changes in the skin and nails

Often chemotherapy causes pain on the skin also the skin dries up and begins to peel off. Nails become brittle and as soon as they grow, they immediately break. When exposed to sunlight, the skin becomes more sensitive.

As soon as you notice that the skin has begun to itch sharply, or a rash or hives has appeared on it, if your nails have darkened or turned yellow, then immediately contact your doctor.

In order not to hurt her more, try to treat her gently. Lubricate regularly with cream or lotion (the doctor will tell you which ones are best for this). Creams should be soft and gentle on the skin.

They must not contain perfume components and alcohol. Refrain from walking in the sun, try not to get direct rays on it.

Before going out into the street sunny weather Put on sunscreen and apply lip balm. It is strictly forbidden to visit the solarium.

Even in hot weather, wear trousers and long sleeves.

You must understand that any abuse of the skin will worsen its condition. When you take a bath, try to keep the water not too hot, forget about the washcloth for a while. Doctors recommend using corn starch, namely, applying it to skin folds(armpits, knees, under the chest).

Try not to shave during the rehabilitation period, because after shaving the skin begins to itch, and we don’t need it at all.

Cut your nails as short as possible, refrain from manicure for a while. When cleaning, when washing dishes - use gloves.

The consequences of chemotherapy in the circulatory system

Even the current possibilities modern medicine cannot interfere with the action of anticancer drugs medicines for blood.

Free legal advice:

Poisoning toxic substances is a common side effect of chemotherapy.

So, what are the complications of chemotherapy that violate the blood formula:

• due to a decrease in leukocytes in the blood, immunity falls. Therefore, even a non-dangerous virus can adversely affect the health of the patient;
• the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin decreases, which leads to a breakdown, the patient immediately gets tired even after the slightest load;
• platelet deficiency begins, blood clotting worsens, and the slightest injury leaves behind a bruise, bump or hematoma.

The number of leukocytes is reduced almost always and this cannot be avoided. As soon as, in laboratory studies, specialists notice a level of leukocytes less than 4/109, they begin preventive actions in order to avoid an infectious disease, since immunity is reduced to almost zero.

in this case, the patient always wears a gauze bandage, practically does not go out, avoids drafts, carefully processes the foods he eats.

If the level of leukocytes is less than 2.5/109, then Derinat is prescribed, which is administered intravenously.

If hemoglobin dropped to 70 g / l, then a blood transfusion is performed with high level erythrocytes, you can conduct a course intravenous injection erythropoietins. Erythropoietins are substances that stimulate the production of red blood cells, this is done by the bone marrow.

A low level of platelets in the blood causes bleeding. It is necessary to try not to be nervous, monitor blood pressure, it should not rise, as it can bleed from the nose, and avoid various injuries.

If the composition of the blood is disturbed, then anemia may begin. She is treated with a blood transfusion, vitamin preparations are prescribed. This type of treatment is sometimes not possible, because in rare cases it promotes cancer progression.

How does chemotherapy affect body temperature?

There are situations when, after chemotherapy, the patient's general body temperature rises. This is due to the fact that the patient's immunity is reduced, and it always decreases after a course of chemotherapy. The temperature rises due to an infection that entered the body during treatment.

If the temperature has risen, then this means that there is a focus of infection in the patient's body, antibiotic therapy should be carried out. Therefore, all patients after chemotherapy are treated with antibacterial drugs.

If the temperature does not subside, this indicates that the body cannot cope with the infection on its own. main reason - a sharp decline in the blood of leukocytes, they are responsible for the body's ability to fight viruses.

During chemotherapy inflammatory processes progress quickly, as soon as symptoms appear, the doctor prescribes additional treatment.

In order to choose the right drugs, it is necessary to determine the type of infection, only then appropriate treatment is prescribed. Any medicine is taken after consulting a doctor, even a simple antipyretic.

To avoid such consequences, do not visit public places, do not use public transport, and do not communicate with sick people.

Hair loss

The consequences of chemotherapy are associated with the fact that healthy cells in the body begin to function improperly. Hair roots are very often affected, so almost all patients begin to lose their hair.

The drugs used in the course of chemotherapy have a strong effect on the body, because of this, the cells responsible for hair growth are destroyed. Because of this, hair falls out everywhere. Such actions of chemotherapy are called alopecia.

It can begin immediately after the start of treatment, literally in a couple of days. Hair loss is not dangerous human body, they will quickly recover, but the patient experiences negative emotions and women may become depressed.

There are times when this can be prevented.

You must follow the rules:

• before starting treatment, choose a shampoo and shower gel for yourself, which will be based on natural plants, they will help strengthen the hair roots;
• do short haircut, and then you will be emotionally easier after treatment;
• if the hair has already fallen out, then start monitoring the skin on your head, avoid drafts and always wear a hat, even when you sleep, put a warm scarf on your head;
• Use sunscreen in summer to prevent skin damage.

Negative effects on the kidneys, heart and liver

Complications in the form of hypertension, heart disease are mainly found already in the elderly.

One of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy is cardiotoxicity. It appears in the form of heart pain after chemotherapy, arrhythmias, tachycardia and lowering blood pressure.

There are cases when, a few months after the start of treatment, disorders of the heart muscles develop in the left heart ventricle.

Therefore, doctors during the entire chemotherapy conduct an electrogram and echocardiography to immediately identify any changes.

To determine toxic lesion kidneys need to be tested. Kidney damage is due to advanced level urea, protein and creatine, as well as frequent urination.

A high toxic effect on the kidneys is given by cytostatic antitumor drugs used in oncology. To prevent this, drink more fluids, if necessary, diuretics.

Chemotherapy for oncology negatively affects the liver. If the patient had any hepatitis before treatment, complications to the kidneys cannot be avoided. Kidney lesions can be detected using tests that show the amount of bilirubin in the blood, if it is elevated, then the process has already begun.

To restore kidney function, doctors prescribe drugs that restore kidney cells and a hepatotoxic diet.

Severe consequences

1. Osteoporosis develops. Weakens bone, the bones become brittle and easily injured, often broken.
2. Leukemia is considered the most severe complication, this is when cells bone marrow begin to mutate and do not develop into normal mature leukocytes, later becoming a cancer cell. Leukemia is caused by the cancer drug cyclophosphamide.
3. Increased tear secretion is a side effect of adriamycin.
4. Tacoster causes cardiovascular disorders, so the minimum dose is used during treatment. The patient complains of heart pain after chemotherapy.
5. Severe baldness, which can be cured only in rare cases, is not a fact that after a while it will not come again. This phenomenon is caused by taxanes and abraxane.

The severity of the consequences of chemotherapy in oncology depends on many factors, how strong the drug is, what form of oncology, as well as the characteristics of the patient's body.

In order for the treatment to pass without complications, doctors recommend:

• save strength;
• during the day to do important things;
• if relatives offer help, then do not refuse;
• if you are busy long work then take a little break;
• during the day, lie down on the bed and rest, it will be good if you sleep during the day;
• night sleep should last at least eight hours;
• spend more time on fresh air if you have the strength, then do light exercises;
• watch your diet, in your diet should be more products rich in vitamins;
• drink more, of course it is better to drink purified water, but you can also juice, just dilute them with water beforehand.

Patients often become depressed, they get tired quickly, they constantly worry, and this is normal.

Therefore, try to do more of any business, communicate with friends and relatives, try to laugh more. Remember that the treatment will end soon, the pain after chemotherapy will pass, you will begin a full healthy life.

Complications after chemotherapy

Many people are convinced that chemotherapy is inextricably linked with all sorts of complications. They are partly right, however, last years modern medicine has been able to achieve that almost all Negative consequences can be prevented or completely controlled by doctors.

It is impossible to say with certain accuracy how the body of a person will react to the procedure. In some cases, there are no complications at all during chemotherapy, and sometimes they appear massively. Complications of chemotherapy are quite diverse.

Hair loss and anemia

It is not at all necessary that the procedure will cause hair loss. As a rule, hair loss begins a few weeks after chemotherapy courses have begun. Often the hair does not fall out - they weaken, become much thinner, but remain in place.

This is due to the fact that potent drugs actively affect the cells responsible for hair growth. Therefore, we can say that the hair will fall out not only on the head.

For health, such a complication during chemotherapy is not dangerous in any way, because as soon as the course of treatment is completed, the hair will slowly but surely grow back. Treatment is not required here.

Carrying out such a procedure causes a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells. Red blood cells supply oxygen to organs and tissues. If there are few red blood cells in the body, then the organs will not receive enough. Among related complications you can distinguish a feeling of weakness, shortness of breath, constant fatigue.

With such manifestations, a certain treatment is prescribed, which, as a rule, comes down to following a certain diet. For example, it is very useful for anemia to eat foods with high content protein or iron (meat, vegetables, eggs, beans). In addition, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids.

Change in appetite

This implies not only a complete lack of appetite, but also a change in the taste of certain foods. This is a fairly common side effect that occurs during chemotherapy.

In this case, it is important to continue to eat right, even if you do not feel like eating. In case of serious weight loss, this should be reported to the doctor immediately, who will prescribe the appropriate treatment after examination.

With a complete reluctance to eat food, a sick person can be admitted to the hospital or prescribed certain medications.

Skin and nail changes

Very often, among the main complications of chemotherapy, dryness and pain in the skin are called. Along with this, there is an increase in the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. In cases where the skin itches badly for no reason, rashes and hives appear, it is necessary to immediately inform the doctor about these symptoms, who will be able to recommend the correct treatment.

It is perfect to use all kinds of creams and lotions that will help in eliminating itching, dryness and other problems with the skin.

Memory changes, weakness and fatigue

No more than 15-20% of people undergoing chemotherapy may suffer from memory loss, as well as a deterioration in mental activity. Worst of all, when these problems have a direct impact on the solution of familiar tasks. Experts have not yet fully figured out how the procedure affects memory. Many of them are sure that chemotherapy has nothing to do with it, but the reason for this is stressful condition, constant fatigue on the background of the disease and therapy, anxiety.

Treatment in this case is very problematic, because the doctor needs to identify the main causes of problems with memory and thinking. Only then can he prescribe therapy.

After the procedures, most patients complain of constant weakness and fatigue. This condition can be quite protracted - from procedure to procedure, but in some cases it is limited to one day or several hours. If it is really difficult to fight fatigue, then most likely this is due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which should be immediately reported to the doctor so that he can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

When fatigue manifests itself especially strongly, you should not engage in activities that are not important to you. Also, do not refuse the help of loved ones. Good help in this case proper nutrition which must be prescribed by a nutritionist.

Influence on the gastrointestinal tract

After chemotherapy, diarrhea occurs quite often - this is one of the most common complications. Diarrhea is characterized by frequent urination, loose, soft stools. The treatment is fully coordinated with the doctor, who can prescribe certain drugs and diet, which will allow you to better cope with such manifestations.

Diarrhea occurs after treatment in both men and women, regardless of age.

Many people complain about persistent constipation that occur after chemotherapy. Of course, you need to inform your doctor about this, as well as follow some tips that will save you from such problems:

• You need to eat foods with high content fiber: vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals.
• You need to drink as much as possible: compote, fruit drink, juice, water. Warm drinks also help.
• Regular physical activity is recommended: walking, cycling, playing sports.

It is allowed to take special drugs to get rid of constipation. However, the intake of any medications must be coordinated with physicians.

After chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting are mandatory complications with chemotherapy, which are manifested in almost everyone. Again, you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe medications that alleviate the condition. Be sure to drink the entire course of the prescribed drug (even in cases where the symptoms have completely disappeared). Treatment cannot be ended spontaneously - only with the permission of the doctor.

It is also worth excluding salty, fried, smoked, spicy, sweet, fatty foods from your diet. You need to drink and eat in sufficient quantities.

Effects on fertility in women and men

Naturally, the most dangerous complications chemotherapy is an effect on the fetus. It is necessary even before the oncological disease treatment begins, to learn in detail from the doctor about the possible problems reproductive system. The severity of the problems will directly depend on the type of cancer and the characteristics of the treatment.

Men should always use condoms, because semen contains a lot of chemotherapy drugs. Of course, you also need to learn about all the disorders and disorders that may occur during chemotherapy.

Men usually experience:

• erection problems;
• difficulty in achieving orgasm;
• general fatigue and fatigue, which adversely affects sexual life.

Impact on the oral cavity

After chemotherapy, cells are severely damaged, which are characterized by rapid division. The cells of the mouth and digestive system are just like that, so after similar procedures they suffer quite a lot. In some cases, there is the occurrence of oral mucositis and other similar ailments localized in the mouth and throat.

Treatment in this case should be prescribed by a doctor who can also tell about the main symptoms of the disease that occur against the background of cell damage.

Edema of the extremities

Puffiness is an important manifestation of the effects of chemotherapy. It is necessary to cope with edema with the help of a doctor who will prescribe certain drugs and refer you to special procedures.

At the same time, the main consequences of chemotherapy, which occur individually for everyone, include:

• Changing the emotional background of a sick person. He can become irritable, aggressive, withdrawn.
• An increase in body temperature immediately after the procedure.
• Problems with urination (frequent urge or, conversely, the inability to go to the toilet normally).
• Bleeding. After chemotherapy, the number of platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting, is significantly reduced. Therefore, bleeding is quite difficult to stop.
• Depressive state. Typical for many patients. Psychological treatment is helpful in this case. Antidepressants are rarely prescribed.

As already noted at the very beginning, the consequences and complications of chemotherapy are diverse and, as a rule, individual. Therefore, no doctor, even the most experienced and qualified, will be able to tell you about the consequences of the procedure before it is carried out. Special attention the attending physician should pay attention to the development of the disease, the patient's history, age and general condition. Only then can you choose suitable type chemotherapy.

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You need to contact a dermatologist and a surgeon. Treatment options may vary depending on your case. Usually such rashes are treated with cauterization, surgical excision, or radiation. .

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Common Effects of Chemotherapy and How to Manage Them

In the treatment of oncology, chemotherapy is often used as an additional and even the main method of treatment. This method of treatment is based on the introduction of chemicals with antitumor activity into the body of a cancer patient.

These agents do not distinguish between good and bad cells, therefore they destroy them all, which leads to a large number consequences and side effects, therefore, after a course of chemotherapy treatment, it is necessary to conduct a special rehabilitation therapy.

The consequences of chemotherapy in oncology and methods of treatment

Cancer cells are capable of rapidly dividing, so the tumor grows rapidly and metastasizes to neighboring and distant intraorganic structures.

The patient's condition after chemotherapy

The condition after chemotherapy is even included in the list of diseases, where it is assigned the code Z54.2.

After a chemotherapy course, the condition of cancer patients is usually regarded as moderate or severe.

Cancer patients tolerate such treatment differently, because each of them has a different stage, degree of malignancy of oncology and the state of the immune status.

Symptoms

There are also general symptoms post-chemotherapeutic state, which include:

• All indicators of organic activity are decreasing;
• There is a change in the blood;
• Falls immunity;
• Increased susceptibility to infections;
• The cellular structures of the bone marrow, hair follicles and mucous membranes are killed;
• Toxins from drugs affect the lungs and heart, kidney and liver, urinary and gastrointestinal, skin and other structures.

Also, in patients after chemotherapy, the nervous system suffers, polyneuropathy develops, depression and excessive fatigue, general organic weakness, etc.

Baldness

Hair begins to fall out about a couple of weeks after starting chemotherapy. But not all drugs cause characteristic baldness.

When using some of them, only a small amount of hair falls out, and the main hair can be saved. A few months after the treatment, the hair will grow back.

Hair loss is observed not only on the head, but also throughout the body - eyelashes, eyebrows hairline on the legs and armpits, in the groin and on the chest.

To minimize alopecia, it is recommended to use mild baby shampoos and comb the hair with a soft massage brush. But it is better to refuse the aggressive effect of a hair dryer, thermal curlers and curling irons, various irons and other devices.

Anemia

Chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs cause a decrease in the number of red blood cells. As a result, anemia of the hypochromic type develops.

The body receives oxygen supply precisely from erythrocytes, therefore, with their shortage, oxygen starvation develops.

Patients are concerned about the following symptoms:

1. dizziness;
2. Dyspnea;
3. Constant weakness;
4. Chronic fatigue;
5. tachycardia manifestations.

To eliminate anemia, it is necessary to restore the bone marrow functions of hematopoiesis. Why is the reception of stimulators of the division of bone marrow cell structures that accelerate the formation of red blood cells.

These include Erythropoietin and its derivatives like Recormon, Epogen, Prokrit and Erythrostim, Epoetin, etc.

Weakness and fatigue

All cancer patients after chemotherapeutic exposure have such adverse reactions like excessive fatigue and weakness.

This symptom accompanies such complications of anticancer therapy as anemia, general organic intoxication, material exchange disorders, sleep disorders, depressive states, infections and pain.

Violation of the gastrointestinal tract

The mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract structures are constantly being updated, their cells are constantly in the process of dividing, so chemotherapy often leads to violations of these cellular changes, and causes constipation, diarrhea and other consequences.

To decline side effects of this nature, a diet therapy specially developed for cancer patients is recommended.

• For constipation, increase fluid and fiber intake. Whole grains, bran and all kinds of vegetables are recommended.
• With diarrhea, it is necessary to abandon fatty foods and alcohol, caffeinated drinks. It is better to eat cereals and light broths, rice and bananas.

In addition, the doctor will prescribe the necessary medications.

Stomatitis

After chemotherapy, almost all cancer patients develop stomatitis after about a week and a half - ulcers begin to appear actively in the oral cavity, causing dryness and burning. When the patient takes food, its taste changes markedly with stomatitis.

To avoid the formation of stomatitis, experts recommend to perform oral hygiene with increased care:

• Use a soft toothbrush;
• Brush your teeth after every meal.

If the first signs of stomatitis began to appear in the mouth, it is necessary to abandon products that irritate the mucous membrane - from alcohol, soda, citrus fruits and smoking.

Palmar-plantar syndrome

After some types of chemotherapy, patients may develop hand-foot syndrome, which is characterized by swelling, soreness, and redness of the feet and hands.

A similar reaction is observed if the antitumor drug leaks out of the capillaries on the extremities. As a result, tissue damage occurs, which manifests itself in the form of redness, irritation and soreness.

To prevent this side effect, it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure on the palms and feet of hot water, for example when bathing or washing dishes. Avoid contact with household chemicals, work with tools that require hand pressing, etc.

Cough

For a number of reasons, cancer patients may develop a cough after chemotherapy. Provoke it:

1. Taking medication. Drugs cause active overdrying of the mucous membranes. As a result of overdrying, irritation of the respiratory structures occurs, which is expressed in a dry cough;
2. Reduced immunity. The body after chemo, due to a pathologically low immune barrier, easily misses infectious agents that cause respiratory pathologies of the respiratory system. Cough indicates the penetration of just such an infection, which must be fought through antibiotic therapy.

Mucositis

This complication develops in about 40% of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The specificity of the disease is associated with the formation of wounds and sores in the mouth, often spreading to the mucous throats.

Most often, mucositis develops during treatment with drugs like 5-fluorouracil, etc. Analgesics or anesthetics are recommended to relieve pain in myositis. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with saline-soda solution (½ a small spoonful of salt and soda per 200 ml of water).

Nausea

A symptom such as nausea after chemotherapy worries many patients. It is impossible to avoid such a side effect, although there are many ways to eliminate it with the help of drugs, for example, Cerucal, Dexamethasone, Ondansetron, etc.

With adequate and correct selection of drugs, nausea disappears in about 90% of cases.

In addition, a diet that eliminates salty and sweet, fatty and fried foods alleviates nausea. Nausea relieves a little grape juice or cranberry juice, Regidron, tea with mint and lemon, jelly, bananas.

Folk remedy for nausea

Widely used for post-chemotherapy nausea and folk remedies which are even more effective than drugs. But they should be used only on the recommendation of an oncologist.

An effective remedy that reduces nausea and vomiting and restores gastrointestinal function is an infusion of lemon balm. The raw materials are crushed and brewed like tea, keeping under the lid for about 2 hours. Daily rate- 2 glasses, taken during the day.

Neutropenia

The bone marrow constantly produces leukocytes - white blood cells, which are represented by several varieties: neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes.

Under the influence of chemotherapy, there is a sharp decrease in all types of leukocytes. A decrease in neutrophils is called neutropenia. These cells have overriding importance in resisting infections, so their reduction leads to high risk their development.

For the treatment of neutrophil deficiency, the colony-stimulating granulocyte factor G-CSF is used, which promotes the accelerated formation of neutrophils.

Pain in the legs, head, bones, stomach

Often, after anti-cancer treatment, cancer patients experience severe pain in various organs and parts of the body. This may mean that there is a high risk of damage to these structures.

In addition, the cause of pain is the action of chemotherapy drugs.

• Soreness in the stomach occurs when cytostatics reach the digestive tract. The cause of pain in the stomach is toxic gastritis.
• Headaches occur against the background of toxic damage to certain brain areas. There is a similar soreness periodically, manifesting itself different intensity and character.
• Leg pain is also not uncommon after cancer treatment. The cause of the syndrome may be polyneuropathy, bone marrow disorders, or severe arterial and venous lesions.
• Pain in the bones is caused by damage to the bone marrow structures with anticancer drugs.

Treatment of any post-chemotherapeutic pain is carried out symptomatically, i.e., with the use of painkillers prescribed by the oncologist.

Edema

Many cancer patients after chemotherapy begin to complain of edema that occurs both throughout the body and in its individual areas - on the limbs, face, in the abdomen.

The cause of post-chemotherapeutic hyperedema is a violation of renal activity.

It is useful to include greens and other products with a diuretic effect in the menu, such as dill and parsley, watermelons and melons, blackberries and strawberries, tomatoes and cucumbers, apples, etc.

Numbness

A fairly common consequence of chemotherapy is numbness due to damage to the peripheral nerve fibers. Numbness is manifested by loss of sensation in the limb. Begins at the tips of the fingers, spreads up the arms and legs, and then along the spine.

In addition, numbness may appear painful sensations, a feeling of constriction and burning, tingling, etc.

Some patients find it difficult to cope with buttons or laces, their balance is disturbed, they often fall, stumble. Numbness usually indicates the development of polyneuropathy.

How to treat veins after chemotherapy?

Against the background of chemotherapy, patients often experience extensive damage to the veins, develop phlebosclerosis and phlebitis.

Phlebosclerosis is a thickening of the vascular walls against the background of degenerative changes, and phlebitis is an inflammatory lesion of the venous walls. Typically, such lesions are observed in the area of ​​the shoulders and elbows.

• Anticoagulants (Gumbiks);
• NSAIDs;
• Local ointments like Hepatrombin, Troxevasin or Indovazin.

To avoid such complications, it is necessary to infuse anticancer antibiotics and cytostatics slowly, and finish the administration with a 5% glucose solution.

Allergy

A fairly common complication is postchemotherapeutic allergy. Similar reactions are manifested by a variety of symptoms - from mild minor rashes to severe symptoms like anaphylaxis and pulmonary edema or brain.

Such reactions often only aggravate the patient's condition, but specialists often do not associate these manifestations with chemotherapy treatment.

Haemorrhoids

One of the unpleasant complications after anti-cancer treatment is hemorrhoids. Its causes can be both damage to the veins by the components of chemotherapy drugs, and damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

If the patient has previously suffered from hemorrhoids, then after chemotherapy it will definitely worsen.

Stroke

Strokes after chemotherapy occur as a result of complications such as thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with low content platelets, which is manifested by a decrease in blood clotting.

With thrombocytopenia, there is a high probability of internal hemorrhages in various internal organs, including the brain.

BUT cerebral hemorrhage can lead to a stroke, after which the patient requires a long rehabilitation.

Temperature

Hyperthermia after chemotherapy is caused by a decrease immune protection, in which a variety of infections begin to freely penetrate the body.

A similar symptom indicates that infectious foci have formed in the body of a cancer patient, for the neutralization of which it is necessary to carry out antibiotic therapy.

Treatment should begin at the first sign of hyperthermia. If the temperature is constantly elevated, then the patient's body can no longer cope with infectious processes and he needs urgent help.

Antibiotics are usually prescribed for treatment a wide range actions. For right choice the drug, the patient is given a laboratory blood test to determine the type of infection that is supposed to be fought.

Complications in men

The consequences of anticancer treatment for patients of both sexes are the same, but there are some differences.

Anti-cancer drugs seriously affect a man's sexual functions, significantly reducing reproduction, activity, and sperm count. In other words, a man experiences temporary infertility.

At positive outcome, over time, the fertility of a man is restored. Although there are exceptions when infertility becomes irreversible.

Suffering from chemotherapy and male erection, libido can be catastrophically reduced. But these problems are resolved over time, all functions are returned.

But in the process of chemotherapy treatment and within a year after its completion, a man needs to be protected in order to exclude the conception of a partner. Such a measure is necessary, because the risk that the child will have serious deviations is as high as possible.

Complications in women

In women, in addition to the general chemotherapeutic consequences, dysfunctional ovarian disorders are observed. Against this background, menstrual irregularities occur, bleeding becomes irregular, and may disappear for a while.

In fact, a woman temporarily loses the ability to become pregnant. After a certain time everything childbearing functions are gradually returning. Like men, women should not become pregnant during the year because of the risk of having a sick child with serious developmental disabilities.

How to alleviate the patient's condition?

Chemotherapy seriously impairs liver function, so to maintain it, cancer patients need to take hepatoprotectors.

With the development of infection against the background of suppressed immunity, antibiotic therapy is prescribed.

The principles of nutrition of a cancer patient are also important, assuming a balanced diet enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Due to this effect, the aggressiveness and severity of complications are significantly reduced. Enterosgel paste has proven itself well in terms of reducing the effects of anticancer drugs. It is taken orally with plenty of water.

Chemotherapy deals a merciless blow to the body, but this technique saves lives by destroying cancer cells. Therefore, one cannot refuse similar treatment because of the fear of side effects, because life is much more important.

Video about nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy.

Treatment of ailments associated with malignant neoplasms, - includes not only surgery, but also radiation and chemotherapy. Courses, including the use of chemotherapy drugs, are prescribed by doctors for advanced stages oncological process, when a lot of metastases appeared (not only nearby, but also distant).

The course of chemotherapy involves intravenous administration of drugs, the action of which is aimed at the destruction of a cancerous tumor. But, unfortunately, toxins do not distinguish between malignant and healthy cells. After the introduction of the drug, side effects of chemotherapy appear, but the cancer cells are also partially destroyed.

The technique involving the use of chemotherapy drugs is very effective, since drugs kill not only the original tumor, but also its distant metastases.

After chemotherapy, healthy cells are gradually restored, but malignant cells die completely. But, unfortunately, many patients experience side effects of chemotherapy.

Many unpleasant symptoms disappear completely after stopping the administration of chemistry, but some of them can last for months, and sometimes even years.

Hair loss is considered the most harmless complications that drugs cause. But, after stopping the treatment, the hair is restored.

The worst side effects that chemotherapy can cause

To the most dangerous consequences that causes treatment can include:

• leukemia. This is the most severe complication, but is quite rare. Causes a side effect of taking the drug Cyclophosphamide;
• excessive tearing. A side effect in many patients is the administration of the drug Adriamycin;
• chemotherapy drugs can cause osteoporosis, which leads to weakening of the bone tissue. Bones become brittle, so patients exposed to chemotherapeutic agents experience dislocations and fractures;
• Tacoster, which is included in certain treatment regimens, can cause problems with the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, this drug is prescribed to patients in small doses;
• Taxanov and Abraxane cause severe baldness, practically untreatable.

In oncology, from the introduction of chemotherapy, side effects can manifest themselves in varying degrees. It all depends on the composition of the drug, the strength of the impact and the form of the oncological process.

Chemotherapy disrupts healthy cells, which causes a variety of side effects in the body. The poisons and toxins contained in chemo drugs are highly destructive hair follicles This is why many cancer patients who receive chemotherapy lose their hair.

Medicines used in the treatment of cancer patients destroy the cells from which hair grows, so patients lose hair in all parts of the body. In medicine, this process is called alopecia. Baldness can begin within a few days after the administration of the drugs. This side effect is not dangerous to the health of the patient, but causes psychological discomfort.

You can try to prevent alopecia by doing the following:

• pick up shampoos, balms and hair masks that strengthen hair follicles. It is desirable that personal care products be developed on the basis of natural plants;
• a short haircut will help get used to the new image, then the contrast will be less noticeable;
• Be sure to use sunscreen in the summer to prevent damage to the skin.

Anemic manifestations caused by chemotherapy in cancer are associated with dysfunction blood cells. The tissues of the human body feed on oxygen, which is obtained from red blood cells, and if their number decreases, oxygen starvation begins. Hence the anemia. A cancer patient notices shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, severe weakness, pallor of the skin.

Anemic manifestations require immediate treatment. If the patient has signs of oxygen starvation (dizziness, weakness, lack of air, strong heartbeat), you should immediately go to the doctor.

If the patient shows signs of anemia, he may be advised to:

• walks in the open air;
• full sleep (at least 7 - 8 hours a day);
• complete nutrition, balanced with microelements and vitamins;
• minimum physical activity.

memory impairment

Cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy courses may experience impaired thought processes and memory problems. After treatment, it is difficult for patients to concentrate, solve mathematical and logical tasks, anwser the questions.

But all knowledge is stored in memory, just a certain inhibition occurs when answering. Cancer patients find it difficult to concentrate on certain thoughts, they do not remember names and phone numbers.
If symptoms such as longing, clouding of consciousness, difficulty of thoughts, heaviness in the head appear, it is necessary to consult an oncologist.

Nail and skin color

Drug therapy with chemotherapy drugs affects the condition of the skin and nails. If strong drugs are administered to a cancer patient, there may be a risk of allergies. Some patients develop purulent wounds on the body, rash, urticaria.
May occur increased sweating or, on the contrary, the skin becomes dry, a secondary infection joins.

Pathological processes occurring in the internal organs are reflected in the condition of the hair and skin. Patients taking chemotherapy have ulcers and other skin rashes.

Edema

The main consequence of the treatment of cancer pathology is edema associated with circulatory disorders, lymph obstruction, and lack of physical activity. Certain forms of tumors require not only the removal of the neoplasm, but also nearby lymph nodes. Removal of regional nodes causes stagnation in the body of excess fluid that accumulates in the lungs, arms and lower extremities.

The most dangerous side effect associated with the outflow of excess fluid is pulmonary edema. The fluid does not leave the body on its own, which can lead to dire consequences, even death.

Appetite disorder

Weight loss and appetite disturbance are the most serious side effects of chemotherapy, affecting the psychological and physical state sick. That's why you need to choose the right one. balanced diet and stick to it before and after treatment. The patient should drink fluid in sufficient quantities, which normalizes water balance and improve the patient's appetite.

Taking medications affects the patient's appetite, some of them completely refuse to take food, while others experience a feeling of disgust for certain types of food. To maintain appetite and avoid exhaustion, the patient is recommended to adjust the diet by including foods rich in proteins and trace elements.

It is desirable to take food during the period of therapy and after the course of treatment at the same time so that the body gradually gets used to it. It is desirable to eat often, but in small portions, while the food should be healthy, fresh and high-calorie.

To minimize the side effects of chemotherapy, it is advisable for the patient to keep a food diary, where they indicate the amount and types of foods that he ate during the day. With the help of the diary, the patient and his oncologist will be able to choose the optimal diet. Also, records will help to identify foods that the body rejects, in order to then exclude them from the diet.

Dyspeptic disorders

Frequent vomiting, nausea, and intestinal disorders are the main side effects that chemotherapy drugs cause. Consequences explained negative influence drugs on the cells of the intestines and stomach. Gastrointestinal cells are rapidly destroyed, but are restored no less quickly. Some cancer patients do not even notice dyspeptic disorders, while in others, on the contrary, the disorders are fully manifested.

The emotional state of patients has a direct impact on dyspeptic disorders. severe stress that occurs in a patient after diagnosis, as well as the need to administer toxic substances during chemotherapy, provoke problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Nausea and vomiting are caused by a variety of factors, such as taking painkillers and sedatives. In addition, constipation and disorders in the digestive tract cause a gag reflex.

To minimize dyspeptic disorders, the patient is prescribed corrective therapy, which is aimed at relieving unpleasant symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract. The oncologist may recommend to the patient drug treatment, which will remove the main symptoms of dyspeptic disorders.

How long do chemotherapy side effects last?

After the completion of the introduction of toxic drugs, healthy cells of cancer patients begin to gradually recover. When the cells are fully restored, the side effects will also disappear.

Each patient has his own recovery period, it all depends on individual characteristics organism.

But there are some unpleasant consequences of chemo courses that still make themselves felt. for a long time(from several months to 2-3 years). Here we are talking about significant damage to the genitourinary system, lungs, heart, etc. Moreover, some problems and violations do not appear immediately, but after a few months.
Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment should be aware that their main task is to kill the tumor, and the complications that accompany the treatment process do not pose a serious threat to life.

If the consequences of treatment are very pronounced and prevent a person from leading a normal life, you need to inform your doctor about this. The oncologist will correct the treatment regimen (replace one anticancer agent to another) or advise corrective therapy that relieves unpleasant symptoms.

In conclusion, I would like to add that each side effect affects the state of the patient's body in varying degrees, some disappear without a trace, while others take a long time to heal. But, the most important thing is to kill cancer cells, and health will gradually be restored.

The time in which we live is characterized not only by rapid technological progress, but also by the emergence of ever new deadly dangerous ailments. Diseases affect almost all internal organs and systems of a person. Cancer has become a terrible threat hanging over people. This oncological disease has affected millions of people around the world. Literally 10-15 years ago, cancer was considered incurable disease, the outcome of which in most cases was fatal. However, medicine does not stand still, and scientists have come up with an effective method by which you can completely eliminate it without surgery. As you might guess, we are talking about chemotherapy.

What does it represent this procedure? Why do patients who are about to undergo chemotherapy be interested in the consequences of the treatment? The fact is that the procedure is based on the impact on tumor cells with special toxic substances that completely destroy the formation that negatively affects the human body. That is, the infectious agent, which acts as the causative agent of the disease, is attacked by the full power of toxins. Unfortunately, during chemotherapy, there is a negative effect not only on malignancy but also on the organism itself. The poison that is used during treatment is commonly called a chemotherapy drug. This is why many people experience adverse effects of chemotherapy. Let's talk in more detail about the types of procedures, side effects and the rehabilitation period.

There are situations when the doctor could not surgically delete all The same is considered a local method. That is, it affects a certain area. It often happens that some cancer cells separate from the tumor and travel throughout the body. In such cases, chemotherapy is simply indispensable. Unfortunately, the drugs used during the procedure are extremely toxic and adversely affect human health. Adverse Consequences chemotherapy is a reality.

The main side effect of this procedure, which is striking, is the so-called alopecia. In simple words, baldness. Almost all patients experience depression, frustration and other emotional disturbances. That's not all. Complications of chemotherapy may appear both early and late. late stages. Some side effects are life threatening. Here are the most frequent and terrible consequences of chemotherapy: myelosuppression (blood and bone marrow is affected), problems with the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, vomiting), nephrotoxicity (complications associated with the kidneys), cardiotoxicity and infertility.

In order to improve the patient's condition, rehabilitation after chemotherapy comes to the rescue. The procedure is based on the use of a large number of lactic acid bacteria, which stabilize the work of the intestines. For this purpose, bifidophilus or floradophilus is attributed. These drugs restore not only the work of the stomach, but also prevent hair loss on the head. After the course of treatment, patients are prescribed the drug Liver 48. It helps to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood and has a beneficial effect on the liver.

From the foregoing, it follows that the effects of chemotherapy adversely affect the human body. However, it should be remembered that in most cases, all side effects disappear over time, and a person gets rid of a fatal illness forever and gets a second chance for a happy life.

Most effective method counteracting the spread of cancer cells throughout the body - are medicines based on chemistry. This therapy assigned to the patient cancer to suppress the activity of degenerate cells as quickly as possible, and prevent tumor metastasis to healthy tissues and organs.

The tool is really effective, but in most patients there are serious ones that make themselves felt in the form of dysfunctions various systems organism. The consequences after chemotherapy in women and men manifest themselves differently.

How does the male body react to chemotherapy?

The consequences of chemotherapy for cancer in men are about the same as in the female half of humanity. Nevertheless, there are differences, and they are due to physiological differences. After a course of chemotherapy, male patients experience a decrease in sexual function. This manifests itself in erectile dysfunction, attraction to women is at a low level, infertility develops due to the fact that the harmful effect of chemistry causes the death of spermatozoa.

As a rule, within five years after completion of chemotherapy, sexual function in men completely returns to normal, and germ cells are restored. After a specified period of time, a man who survived chemotherapy is again capable of fertilization.

Another most striking consequence of chemistry in men is Great chance conception of a potentially unhealthy child. It is recommended in the first two years after treatment to use condoms during sexual intercourse with the second half. If live spermatozoa exist in the seminal fluid, then they are not able to carry complete genetic information for the unborn baby.

As a result, the risk of giving birth to a child with physiological abnormalities in the form of congenital deformities, underdeveloped organs, and other developmental pathologies.

The female body and the consequences of chemotherapy

After defeating cancer, and experienced, a long stage of rehabilitation begins, so that all the functional capabilities of the body are fully realized. To do this, women must overcome the effects of powerful drugs based on chemistry.

Chemotherapy effects in women are also manifested in violations of the reproductive system. Immediately after completion of the course of treatment, there may be no normal operation ovaries. This manifests itself in the appearance of a prolonged menopause. The menstrual cycle is disrupted radically. For a long period of time, women may not have their periods. They appear and then disappear certain time. Naturally, this causes significant discomfort in daily life. Still, do not despair, the body is slowly but surely moving towards recovery.

Women who have undergone chemotherapy develop temporary infertility. It is not desirable to have a child in the first five years after completion of therapy. During this period, a full-fledged hormonal background is only restored, the work of the ovaries stabilizes, and the body is cleansed of chemical compounds. In addition, the risk of conceiving and giving birth to a sick baby increases.

How does a child's body respond to chemotherapy?

Children are much more acutely aware of the consequences after the use of chemotherapy drugs. Every parent should understand that the effectiveness of chemo for cancer in children is difficult to overestimate, but one should be prepared to confront very unpleasant complications encountered during rehabilitation.

• Vomiting and diarrhea. To minimize these manifestations in children, it is necessary to exclude sweet and highly fatty foods from the diet. It is advisable to consume more water so that chemical compounds are excreted naturally from the body.
• Stomatitis. After chemotherapy, this is a fairly common phenomenon in children. Therefore it is worth using soft brush for cleaning teeth or dental wipes with xylitol. You can also rinse your mouth with a decoction of chamomile and a weak solution of calendula.
• Hair loss. This is a common occurrence following the use of drugs based on chemistry. In this case, the child's head should be washed carefully, using a gentle shampoo to care for damaged hair. A child cannot be sent outside without a hat.
• Urinary retention. You need to closely monitor how often the child urinates. If there was no urine output for 3 hours, then this may indicate congestion. To avoid them, it is recommended to drink as much water as possible.
• Violations by gastrointestinal tract. Loss of appetite, refusal of certain foods - this may be the norm after an experienced course of chemotherapy. You just need to balance the baby's diet with natural and quality products no preservatives or other artificial additives. After a certain period of time, everything will be restored.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system and deviations in sexual development. A child whose oncology was treated with chemistry should be regularly observed by a cardiologist. With puberty, the boy should be shown to the urologist, and with the girl - to visit the gynecologist.

The child's body is very sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, so other side effects caused by this type of therapy are not excluded.

How to minimize the effects of chemicals

In order to alleviate the suffering of a patient who survived chemotherapy, one must understand the mechanism pernicious influence chemicals on the human body. Various deviations in the usual work of the body cause toxins of drugs, which during their use in excess accumulated in vital organs. Their highest concentration is found in the liver and kidneys. To minimize unpleasant consequences from chemistry, you can use the following recommendations:

• Use absorbents. Modern pharmacology offers a huge selection of a wide variety of absorbent drugs. Absorbent gels have proven themselves most well. Such drugs are taken orally a few minutes before a meal, and absorb toxins. In the future, pathogenic compounds are excreted from the body in a natural way.
• Drinking decoctions of diuretic herbs. If there are no contraindications from the genitourinary system, then you can resort to this method. The main thing is not to forget that when using these decoctions, you need to drink a sufficient amount of liquid - at least 2 liters per day. Otherwise it will reverse effect, and the body will only suffer from such rehabilitation.
• Drinking mineral water increased concentration alkali. Such mineral water contains a high concentration of potassium chloride. The kidneys begin to work more actively, removing toxins. The body is saturated with minerals.

The recovery rate of each person is individual, and depends on many other factors. In this case, basic recommendations are given that it is desirable to follow for a speedy recovery.

Informative video

Treatment of any oncology includes a course of chemotherapy. It is carried out in advanced cases of cancer, when there are secondary foci of a malignant tumor through the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

During chemotherapy, anticancer drugs are administered intravenously, which have a strong effect on the human body.

They begin to destroy pathological cells, they can also destroy healthy ones, since they do not distinguish between malignant tissue and healthy tissue. The cancer cell is destroyed, the general condition of the patient worsens.

Pathological cells are destroyed faster than healthy ones, so chemotherapy is not canceled. An abnormal and unhealthy cell divides faster than a healthy one, so chemotherapy drugs act specifically on it. A healthy cell is less affected due to the fact that it grows slowly.

Side effects of chemotherapy

Such treatment negatively affects the entire body. Complications after chemotherapy can be different, there are many of them:

• Gastrointestinal tract:

The mucous membrane of the oral cavity is affected (stomatitis);

The lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed (esophagitis);

Inflammatory changes in the stomach (gastritis);

Inflammation of the small and large intestines (enterocolitis);

The gastric microflora is disturbed, fungal infections begin;

Nausea and vomiting;

Loss of appetite, then anorexia may occur;

The liver becomes inflamed;

Stomach pain after chemotherapy.

• Blood and circulatory system:

Anemia, or as it is called in another way - anemia;

The number of leukocytes decreases;

Febrile fever.

• Immunodeficiency:

respiratory tract infection;

recurrent herpes;

fungal infection.

• Renal disorders:

Frequent urination;

Increases protein, leukocytes and erythrocytes in the urine;

• Reproductive system:

Incorrect work of the ovaries - the consequences after chemotherapy in men;

Violated menstrual cycle in women;

Insufficient activity of the testicles;

Male sex cells (spermatozoa) develop incorrectly.

• Nervous system:

The nervous system is partially affected;

polyneuropathy;

Consciousness is broken.

• Heart lesions.
• Disorders in the respiratory system.
• Leather:

Dermatitis;

• Hair loss.
• Allergic reaction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has divided side effects into groups. This division depends on the severity of the effects:

1. Zero degree - the general condition of the patient and the laboratory data remained unchanged, the patient does not complain of pain after chemotherapy;
2. First degree - doctors noticed the slightest changes, which in turn do not affect the patient's condition. Laboratory studies recorded minor changes;
3. The second degree is a moderate change in the general condition and activity of the patient. When examining internal organs, changes are noticeable that require some correction;
4. Third degree - the patient's condition deteriorates sharply and somatic treatment is required, the chemotherapy session is postponed or canceled altogether;
5. The fourth degree - changes in the body that endanger the life of the patient. Chemotherapy is completely stopped.

Side effects of chemotherapy

Damaged cells after chemotherapy are restored after treatment. Cells begin to function properly and are restored, side effects disappear. It depends on the general condition of the patient, so each may take a different time.

If the patient had no disorders in the body before the course of chemotherapy, and he also did not have chronic diseases, then rehabilitation will take a long time.

There are also opposite cases, when the side effect lasts for several months, and sometimes it can take years. This is due to the fact that during chemotherapy the heart, lungs, kidneys, and also the reproductive organ are damaged. There are times when a side effect makes itself felt some time after chemotherapy.

Patients experience short-term complications. With new technologies, medicine has reached the point where the prevention and treatment of serious complications associated with the side effects of drugs ends with success. This means that chemotherapy affects tumor tissues, and normal cells do not fall under its influence.

The patient must understand that chemotherapy removes tumor cells, and the consequences in the form of side effects are only a temporary phenomenon and do not pose a threat to his life.

Patients are dissatisfied with the duration of chemotherapy and its consequences. If you have any doubts, then consult your doctor. There are cases when specialists change the scheme and give other drugs for treatment.

Your doctor will give you advice so that you can minimize the side effects of anticancer drugs.

Side effects in the form of changes in the skin and nails

Chemotherapy often causes pain on the skin, and the skin also dries up and begins to peel off. Nails become brittle and as soon as they grow, they immediately break. When exposed to sunlight, the skin becomes more sensitive.

As soon as you notice that the skin has begun to itch sharply, or a rash or hives has appeared on it, if your nails have darkened or turned yellow, then immediately contact your doctor.

In order not to hurt her more, try to treat her gently. Lubricate regularly with cream or lotion (the doctor will tell you which ones are best for this). Creams should be soft and gentle on the skin.

They must not contain perfume components and alcohol. Refrain from walking in the sun, try not to get direct rays on it. Before you go out on a sunny day, put on sunscreen, smear your lips with hygienic lipstick. It is strictly forbidden to visit the solarium. Even in hot weather, wear trousers and long sleeves.

Any abuse of the skin will worsen its condition. When you take a bath, try to keep the water not too hot, forget about the washcloth for a while. Doctors recommend using corn starch, namely, applying it to skin folds (armpits, knees, under the chest).

Try not to shave during the rehabilitation period, because after shaving the skin begins to itch, and we don’t need it at all.

Cut your nails as short as possible, refrain from manicure for a while. When cleaning, when washing dishes - use gloves.

The consequences of chemotherapy in the circulatory system

Even the current capabilities of modern medicine cannot prevent the action of anticancer drugs on the blood.

Toxic poisoning is a common side effect of chemotherapy. What complications of chemotherapy violate the blood formula:

• due to a decrease in leukocytes in the blood, immunity falls. Therefore, even a non-dangerous virus can adversely affect the health of the patient;
• the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin decreases, which leads to a breakdown, the patient immediately gets tired even after the slightest load;
• platelet deficiency begins, blood clotting worsens, and the slightest injury leaves behind a bruise, bump or hematoma.

The number of leukocytes is reduced almost always and this cannot be avoided. As soon as in laboratory studies, experts noticed the level of leukocytes less than 4/109, then preventive measures begin to avoid an infectious disease, since immunity is reduced to almost zero.

in this case, the patient always wears a gauze bandage, practically does not go out, avoids drafts, carefully processes the foods he eats.

If the level of leukocytes is less than 2.5/109, then Derinat is prescribed, which is administered intravenously.

If hemoglobin has decreased to 70 g / l, then a blood transfusion with a high level of erythrocytes is performed, a course of intravenous injection of erythropoietins can be performed. Erythropoietins are substances that stimulate the production of red blood cells, this is done by the bone marrow.

Doctors recommend rest and, if possible, sleep during the day. A low level of platelets in the blood causes bleeding. It is necessary to try not to be nervous, monitor blood pressure, it should not rise, as it can bleed from the nose, and avoid various injuries.

If the composition of the blood is disturbed, then anemia may begin. She is treated with a blood transfusion, vitamin preparations are prescribed. This type of treatment is sometimes impossible to carry out, since in rare cases it provokes the progress of a cancerous tumor.

How does chemotherapy affect body temperature?

There are situations when, after chemotherapy, the patient's general body temperature rises. This is due to the fact that the patient's immunity is reduced, and it always decreases after a course of chemotherapy. The temperature rises due to an infection that entered the body during treatment.

If the temperature has risen, then this means that there is a focus of infection in the patient's body, antibiotic therapy should be carried out. Therefore, all patients after chemotherapy are treated with antibacterial drugs.

If the temperature does not subside, this indicates that the body cannot cope with the infection on its own. The main reason is a sharp decrease in leukocytes in the blood, they are responsible for the body's ability to fight viruses. In the process of chemotherapy, inflammatory processes progress quickly, as soon as symptoms appear, the doctor prescribes additional treatment.

To select drugs, you need to determine the type of infection, then appropriate treatment is prescribed. Any medicine is taken after consulting a doctor, even a simple antipyretic. To prevent the consequences, do not visit public places, do not use public transport, and do not communicate with sick people.

Hair loss

The consequences of chemotherapy are associated with the fact that healthy cells in the body begin to function improperly. Hair roots are very often affected, so almost all patients begin to lose their hair.

The drugs used in the course of chemotherapy have a strong effect on the body, because of this, the cells responsible for hair growth are destroyed. Because of this, hair falls out everywhere. Such actions of chemotherapy are called alopecia.

It can begin immediately after the start of treatment, literally in a couple of days. Hair loss is not dangerous for the human body, they will quickly recover, but the patient experiences negative emotions, and women may become depressed.

There are times when this can be prevented.

You must follow the rules:

• before starting treatment, choose a shampoo and shower gel for yourself, which will be based on natural plants, they will help strengthen the hair roots;
• make a short haircut, and then you will be emotionally easier after treatment;
• if the hair has already fallen out, then start monitoring the skin on your head, avoid drafts and always wear a hat, even when you sleep, put a warm scarf on your head;
• Use sunscreen in summer to prevent skin damage.

Negative effects on the kidneys, heart and liver

Complications in the form of hypertension, heart disease are mainly found already in the elderly.

One of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy is cardiotoxicity. It appears in the form of heart pain after chemotherapy, arrhythmias, tachycardia and lowering blood pressure.

There are cases when, a few months after the start of treatment, disorders of the heart muscles develop in the left heart ventricle.

Therefore, doctors during the entire chemotherapy conduct an electrogram and echocardiography to immediately identify any changes.

To determine the toxic damage to the kidneys, it is necessary to take tests. Kidney damage occurs due to increased levels of urea, protein and creatine, as well as frequent urination.

A high toxic effect on the kidneys is given by cytostatic antitumor drugs used in oncology. To prevent this, drink more fluids, if necessary, diuretics.

Chemotherapy for oncology negatively affects the liver. If the patient had any hepatitis before treatment, complications to the kidneys cannot be avoided. Kidney lesions can be detected using tests that show the amount of bilirubin in the blood, if it is elevated, then the process has already begun. To restore kidney function, doctors prescribe drugs that restore kidney cells and a hepatotoxic diet.

Severe consequences

1. Osteoporosis develops. The bone tissue weakens, the bones become brittle and easily injured, often broken.
2. The most severe complication is leukemia, this is when bone marrow cells begin to mutate and do not develop into normal mature leukocytes, later becoming a cancer cell. Leukemia is caused by the cancer drug cyclophosphamide.
3. Increased tear secretion is a side effect of adriamycin.
4. Tacoster causes cardiovascular disorders, so the minimum dose is used during treatment. The patient complains of heart pain after chemotherapy.
5. Severe baldness, which can be cured only in rare cases, is not a fact that after a while it will not come again. This phenomenon is caused by taxanes and abraxane.

The severity of the consequences of chemotherapy in oncology depends on many factors, how strong the drug is, what form of oncology, as well as the characteristics of the patient's body.

In order for the treatment to pass without complications, doctors recommend:

• save strength;
• during the day to do important things;
• if relatives offer help, then do not refuse;
• if you are busy with long work, then take a short break;
• during the day, lie down on the bed and rest, it will be good if you sleep during the day;
• night sleep should last at least eight hours;
• spend more time outdoors, if you have the strength, then do light exercises;
• watch your diet, your diet should contain more foods rich in vitamins;
• drink more, of course it is better to drink purified water, but you can also juice, just dilute them with water beforehand.

Patients often become depressed, they get tired quickly, they constantly worry, and this is normal.

Therefore, try to do more of any business, communicate with friends and relatives, try to laugh more. Remember that the treatment will end soon, the pain after chemotherapy will pass, you will begin a full healthy life.