Understand and cope “Side effects from chemotherapy“
When talking about “chemo,” many people probably think of severe side effects such as hair loss, sensitive skin, vomiting, and a skinny body. Actually, those symptoms may not happen to everyone. And if we need to receive chemotherapy treatment What side effects will occur? Here’s how to deal with those chemo side effects.
What is chemotherapy or chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy or what we call “chemo” is a chemical that has the effect of inhibiting and destroying cells that have a rapid growth rate or division, such as cancer cells. But it’s not just bad cells that chemo go in and destroy When the patient is treated with chemotherapy Chemo also destroys normal cells in our body, such as white blood cells, hair cells, stomach lining cells, etc. This causes patients to experience chemotherapy side effects after receiving chemotherapy, such as hair loss and low immunity due to the amount of white blood cells. Decreased diarrhea and fatigue, etc.
How does chemotherapy help treat cancer?
Chemo drugs have the ability to destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells. But it may have an effect on normal cells that divide quickly in the body, such as hair, cells lining the mouth, intestinal mucosa, and blood cells. Can also be destroyed Resulting in side effects of chemotherapy such as vomiting, mouth sores, stomatitis, loss of appetite, decreased immunity, diarrhea, and hair loss, etc.
When receiving chemotherapy, the following are possible side effects:
1. Constipation, diarrhea
One side effect of chemotherapy is that in some cases, constipation, difficulty passing bowel movements, and hard stools are a result of the medication and the food eaten may contain little fiber.
- Eat foods that contain fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and brown rice.
- Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day.
- You should not use laxatives or enema yourself. You should consult your doctor further in case you need to use medication.
- Exercise regularly
2. Hair loss
After receiving chemotherapy, a big side effect that many people worry about is hair loss. This is because the chemotherapy we use to fight cancer cells affects our hair follicles and hair follicles as well. This causes hair loss or hair loss during the first 2-3 weeks after receiving chemotherapy, and hair will gradually grow again after stopping chemotherapy for 1 month onwards.
3. Mucositis It’s easier to get ulcers in the mouth.
Another side effect of chemotherapy is that patients may experience mouth sores, sore mouth, sore throat, burning pain, red gums, swelling, and dry, cracked lips after chemotherapy during the first week. This is because the chemotherapy destroys the oral mucosa cells. These symptoms will improve within 1-2 weeks.
4. Nausea and vomiting
nausea Vomiting is a side effect of สมัคร ufabet chemotherapy that can occur 2-3 hours after receiving chemotherapy, or in some cases, for up to a day. The patient may have sour belching. After burping, bile came out.
- Eat bland, easily digested food such as porridge, porridge, stewed rice.
- Divide and eat small portions over several meals.
- Avoid spicy food, oily food, fried food.
- avoid hot food Because it may cause more vomiting.
- Drink cold drinks such as fruit juice.
- Make your mind comfortable, not stressed, not anxious. Find relaxing activities such as taking a walk or admiring nature.
- If symptoms become more severe Vomiting is so severe that you cannot eat. You should consult a doctor immediately.
5. Loss of appetite, weight loss.
The patient may have anorexia. Can’t taste food well or sore mouth or throat due to chemotherapy side effects This makes it difficult to eat during the first period after chemotherapy. These symptoms will gradually improve after 2-6 weeks of chemotherapy.