Chemotherapy One Of Most Popular Treatments For Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer chemotherapy is used to treat patients that are afflicted with the dreaded cancer. However, it can not be denied that with the chemotherapy there will be unpleasant side effects that will go with it. Fortunately, any that occur can frequently be well controlled with proper medication. The following are the common side effects related to chemotherapy done by ovarian cancer patients.
Decreased levels of resistance to infection
When a patient undergoes chemotherapy, the production of white blood cells in his body by the bone marrow is reduced which makes you more vulnerable to infection. Should you be undergoing chemotherapy and your body temperature exceeds 38ºC (100.5ºF) or you suddenly feel sick despite having no fever at all, you must immediately contact your doctor or the hospital.
Prior to every session of ovarian cancer chemotherapy, you are required to have a blood test to see if your white blood cells have recovered sufficiently. On several occasions it will be necessary for you to postpone treatment when your blood count is much too low.
Will easily bleed or get bruised
Another side effect of chemotherapy is the reduction of platelet production. The function of platelets is to help our blood to clot properly. Immediately report to your doctor any inexplicable bleeding or bruising which includes blood spots/skin rashes, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells in a person’s blood is lower than the required amount and can be caused by ovarian cancer chemotherapy. This will manifest as fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, paleness, dizziness or fainting.
Nausea
Some of the drugs used in ovarian cancer chemotherapy may cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor will prescribe you anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetics) to help prevent or reduce this condition. Mouth soreness and appetite loss. Several ovarian cancer chemotherapy drugs can cause mouth soreness and mouth ulcers. Routine mouthwashes are therefore essential. Nutritious drinks or a soft diet can replace your ordinary food if you find it difficult to chew because of the soreness.
Hair loss
When you undergo ovarian cancer chemotherapy it is most likely that your hair will fall out as a side effect of the drugs. You may want to wear a wig and your doctor can arrange for you to meet a wigs specialist. If wigs are uncomfortable for you to wear, you can choose to wear a bandana, a scarf, or a hat. The hair you lose will eventually grow back within a period of 3-6 months after the chemotherapy has finished.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Otherwise known as peripheral neuropathy, the numbness and tingling you may experience are another side effect of chemotherapy drugs. Let your doctor or nurse know if you feel any of these symptoms. The problem often gradually fades away after a couple of months after treatment is done but others permanently retain it.
Fatigue
Chemotherapy can affect ovarian cancer patients in various ways. There are those who are able to lead a somewhat normal life while undergoing the treatment. But for the most part, patients become overwhelmed with fatigue and must move around at a much slower pace. Once you undergo treatment, assess you body’s capabilities and strength. Do only what you are able to do and remember not to overdo it.
Ovarian cancer chemotherapy can make you experience any of these side effects but most will gradually go away as time passes by after your treatment.
