Treating the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the methods used to treat those who have had surgery to remove cancerous tumors or those whose may be treated without surgery. Chemotherapy relies on drugs that work to reduce the size of the tumor or rid the body of the tumor altogether. Used many times in combination with radiation treatments, the main goal of chemotherapy is to stop the spreading of tumors into other areas in the body.

If your doctor has recommended chemotherapy, you may notice some common side effects after the first few weeks. These side effects include: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, hair loss, sexual side effects, and fatigue. These side effects can cause you to become tired during the day, feel depressed over your physical appearance, and cause you to not eat properly because of stomach and digestive issues.

Over the years, doctors have found ways to help their patients reduce these side effects and lead normal day to day lives while treating the cancer that is inside their bodies.

Because the drugs associated with chemotherapy can cause disruptions to your body’s digestive tract and lining of the intestine, you may have one or more of these side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing these side effects and do not try to self medicate. Buying medications on your own may only help ease the pain of one side effect and cause another to occur.

There are medications that your doctor can prescribe and also tips and advice that they will suggest that will help you cope with these side effects while you are on chemotherapy.

Nausea, Constipation, and Diarrhea