Chemotherapy Effects
The Effects of Chemotherapy
StudentBaker College of Auburn Hills
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) they have published cancer facts and figures annually since 1952. These annual reports provide the most current information about cancer including the projected number of new cases and deaths for the publication year. Each edition of cancer facts and figures includes a special edition of in-depth focus on specific cancer or group of cancers. Many of those who are suffering and death from cancer could be prevented by more systematic efforts to reduce tobacco use, improve diet, and physical activity, (cancer facts and figures). One of the most commonly used drugs for cancer treatment is chemotherapy often referred to as “chemo”. …show more content…
Chemotherapy is the use of one or more medication or drugs to treat a disease, such as cancer. Unlike surgery and radiation which remove, kill, or damage cancer cells in a certain area, but chemotherapy can work throughout the whole body. Chemotherapy can kill cancer cells that have metastasized or spread to other parts of the body away from the primary (original) tumor. (The chemotherapy survival guide). Chemotherapy treatment can be very short while other cases experience indefinite treatment depending on the stage or the cancer being treated as well as the area of the body where the tumor or tumors are present. All of these decisions will depend on the type of cancer, where it is, how big it is, and how it affects your normal body functions and overall health (ACS). The effects from chemotherapy treatment(s) and the road to survivorship can have a lasting affect that takes a toll not just on the patient but their loved ones as well from beginning to the end of treatment. Experiencing a cancer diagnosis and treatment with my mother truly changed my perception of what the patient and their families go through. Even though the family does not experience the discomfort or pain of treatment as the patient it is still painful to witness the process.
When the choice has been made to receive chemotherapy then it has to be figured if the medication will can be given either orally or intravenously in to the patient’s veins. The type of treatment is usually determined by the physician based on the length or cycle of chemo. While taking chemotherapy your body will go through many changes that can include chemo fog (memory loss), emotional, mood, and sensitivity these changes can affect you daily life not feeling like yourself after a treatment sessions. As stated in the article (treatment and side effects) “oral chemotherapy is not put into the body with a needle, but is taken as a liquid, tablet, or capsule that you can swallow. When taking oral chemotherapy you must always make sure your chemo drugs are stored properly”. If the option has been determined to have the medication(s) given orally staying on schedule is very important that they are given at the correct time, as well as the correct combinations if more than one should be taken during a specific time frame. During these times the patient may need to have the assistant from their loved ones/caregiver to ensure the medication is given at the correctly. According to the article (treatment and side effects) in some cases, gloves should be used by caregivers who handle the drugs. For this reason some would choose to discontinue taking their medicine orally after learning in focus group according to the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. Oral chemo doses are set up so that you will have constant levels of the drugs in our body to kill the cancer cells not taking your chemo as it is needed can affect how well the treatment works, and it can even allow the cancer to grow. On the other hand if the decision has been made to have the medication given intravenously directly into the bloodstream, a tiny, soft plastic tube (called a catheter) is used. There are many different catheters and routes medications can be given. The intra-venous, or IV treatments can be given quickly through the IV catheter right form a syringe over a few minutes. Whereas with an IV infusion which can take as little as 30 minutes to as long as a few hours. There are even continuous infusion treatments that are sometimes needed and can last 1 to 7 days. In these cases the machine is controlled by electronic IV pumps. The needles and catheters can scar and damage veins with ongoing chemotherapy. So another option used could be the Central Venous Catheter (CVC). The CVC is a bigger catheter which is put into a larger vein in the chest or upper arm as stated in the article Chemotherapy Principles. The CVC will stay in place as long as you are receiving treatment so he or she would not have to be stuck with needles during each session. According to the article chemotherapy principles with a CVC, IV medicines can be given more easily and it also provides the benefit if blood work is needed it can also be drawn from the same access point. The Port-a-Cath is another type of CVC it differs slightly because it is permanently placed under the skin of the chest or arm. The chemotherapy principles also states that this type of port requires the use of special needles that can be used to administer medicine, have blood drawn, and even supply blood if trans-fusions are needed. The port-a-cath was one of the options my mom was fitted for when she first began her chemotherapy treatment. Having these options allowed her to have extensive treatment provided at the cancer treatment center and she would continue her treatment for several more days while in the comfort of her own home. During this time my family had to pull together because she still needed assistance with everyday task she could not complete on her own such as, bathing, getting dressed, combing her hair, and cooking where just some of the things she needed extra help with until she regained her strength after each treatment. When taking combination chemotherapy drugs like my mother her physician explained it would contain both active cancer fighting agents as well as pain and nausea medications, which is why is was so tired after her treatment. An example of the agents used for treatment many include drugs such as: bortezomig (Velcade), cisplatin (Plantinol, generics), oxaliplatin, (Eloxatin, generics), paclitaxel (Abraxarne, Onxol, generics), thalidomide (Thalomid, generics), and Vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar generics). Them medications are very strong and can onset a multitude of side effects that can vary from nausea and vomiting, infection, nerve damage, diarrhea, fatigue, mouth sores, loss of appetite constipation and even hair loss, (The Lancet, 2011). In the Lancet article they spoke on how the medication Oxaliplatin can cause patients to become sensitive to coldness because it produces an unusual cold-induces peripheral neuropathy. Patients affected in this way should avoid the refrigerator or freezer and if they need to go into those areas always wear protective gloves. Neuropathic pain will often worsen over time the longer the patient is exposed to the chemotherapeutic treatments. With the damage of nerves a patient may experience numbness or tingling in their hands and feet. This is why it is always good for a caregiver to be available to help as they transition through chemotherapy. In the same article one study found that cancer survivors can experience pain for more than a decade after completing treatment.
Infections can also happen with these patients because of their lower levels of fighting white blood cells. As spoken in the book The Chemotherapy Survival Guide to lower the risk of infection one must wash their hands frequently and dispose paper towel to dry hands. When or if water is not available one must always carry alcohol-base hand sanitizers to keep their hands clean. The book also discussed how mouth sores can occur during treatment also, gargling with a solution made up of 1 quart of plain water, ½ teaspoon table salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda can help ease the pain. Another change patients may fear is hair loss, although many will simply shave their heads at the start of treatment. This was a fear of my mother’s as well and was one of her top questions when she was first diagnosis, at this time her physician explained that the percentage was low and normally if hair loss should occur it would happen within the first 7 – 14 days after her first treatment. As a comfort many of our family members even offered to shave their heads as well if it should occur and my mom would just laugh and say no keep it so can see and touch if I want to. We also explored many options with wigs and other hair pieces just in case it actually happened, but she was blessed for it to remain the same as always.
The chemotherapy survival guide explained many ways to not allow the therapy process to not take over the patient’s lifestyle.
Because the patient taste bud changes so frequently the book suggest that you should avoid eating any of your favorite foods shortly after treatment so you will not compare your symptoms to the change of taste in your food. I was also recommended that you should try eating with more plastic versus silverware to eliminate the metallic taste that can interfere with his or her food intake. Another major effect patient’s had adjustments with was sexuality when going through cancer fighting treatment can make you feel overwhelmed, cases have shown female patients ovaries can just simply stop functioning because of the sudden drop in a woman’s estrogen levels and more rapid menopause. Male patients can also be affected by the hormonal changes and a doctor may prescribe anti-androgen hormones to turn off testosterone production, without the detrimental effects on the man’s sexual drive or ability to have an erection. Resuming normal sexual activity can be a challenge for some couples, while still taking chemotherapy because the drugs maybe in ones system present after several days in your body fluids so it is important to use a condom to protect your partner from any chemo that may be in semen or vaginal secretions. If reproduction is still being considered by a patient this should be discussed with the doctor prior to treatment to allow a women’s eggs to be frozen because fewer eggs are available after treatment not allowing eggs to mature damaging the woman’s supply and male patients can have sperm stored within a sperm bank, (McKay, J & Schacher, T). The ability to have sexual contact is something that is still possible during ones illness and treatment this can be a source of comfort, joy, and passion. Still having your mate comfort you in such a way will allow you to feel you still have your same quality of life without
interruption.
As I watched my mother cope with the cancer and its treatment she has had some good days as well as some bad days, finding out how to make them work together in harmony with her daily life is the key to her still being able to maintain successful chemotherapy treatment. She has not missed a beat after treatment may have her down for a few day then it back to normal just with caution, she enjoy being able to do her own shopping and watching her grandchildren play sport. Watching how she has been able to cope and never complain has shown me how to truly fight without losing the battle.
There are many support groups which are great outlets for the patient and their entire family to gain knowledge and learn how others are coping. Although some support groups are strictly for specific types of cancer as well as the cancer stage they are experiencing. This is still an effective way to stay focus having supportive sharing; learning relaxation exercises and seeing many cancer survivors. Religion and spirituality has also been a powerful tool when coping with illness. According to The Chemotherapy Survival Guide, spirituality and religious views serves as a guidepost and anchor in times of difficulty and stress.
In conclusion there can be life after cancer treatment being a survivor everyone has their own unique journey through their treatment and road to survivorship. One has to also remember to be patient with themselves because it may take a while to regain your energy completely, but remember every day you are getting stronger. Recovery is not a straight road but with each passing day you will began to feel stronger both emotionally and physically. Having the right support system in place with your family and caregivers to assist in keeping life around you in order will make this process just a little bit easier when the day seem too much to bear. With everything in place the sky is the limit.
References
McKay, J & Schacher, T (2009). The chemotherapy survival guide (3rd Ed.) Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc
American cancer society: What you need to know as a cancer caregiver: Retrieved from http://www.cancer.orgAmerican cancer society: Chemotherapy Principles. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org
Simchowitz, B, Shiman, L, Spencer, J, Brouillard, D, Gross, A, Connor, M, & Weingart, S (2009). Perceptions and expericnce of patients receiving oral chemotherapy. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Vol. 14, 4
Intermittent versus continuous oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine combination chemotherapy for first – line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer: results of the randomized phase 3 MRC COIN trial, Vol 12 (2011). Retrieved from http://the lancet.com/oncology
StudentBaker College of Auburn Hills
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) they have published cancer facts and figures annually since 1952. These annual reports provide the most current information about cancer including the projected number of new cases and deaths for the publication year. Each edition of cancer facts and figures includes a special edition of in-depth focus on specific cancer or group of cancers. Many of those who are suffering and death from cancer could be prevented by more systematic efforts to reduce tobacco use, improve diet, and physical activity, (cancer facts and figures). One of the most commonly used drugs for cancer treatment is chemotherapy often referred to as “chemo”. …show more content…
Chemotherapy is the use of one or more medication or drugs to treat a disease, such as cancer. Unlike surgery and radiation which remove, kill, or damage cancer cells in a certain area, but chemotherapy can work throughout the whole body. Chemotherapy can kill cancer cells that have metastasized or spread to other parts of the body away from the primary (original) tumor. (The chemotherapy survival guide). Chemotherapy treatment can be very short while other cases experience indefinite treatment depending on the stage or the cancer being treated as well as the area of the body where the tumor or tumors are present. All of these decisions will depend on the type of cancer, where it is, how big it is, and how it affects your normal body functions and overall health (ACS). The effects from chemotherapy treatment(s) and the road to survivorship can have a lasting affect that takes a toll not just on the patient but their loved ones as well from beginning to the end of treatment. Experiencing a cancer diagnosis and treatment with my mother truly changed my perception of what the patient and their families go through. Even though the family does not experience the discomfort or pain of treatment as the patient it is still painful to witness the process.
When the choice has been made to receive chemotherapy then it has to be figured if the medication will can be given either orally or intravenously in to the patient’s veins. The type of treatment is usually determined by the physician based on the length or cycle of chemo. While taking chemotherapy your body will go through many changes that can include chemo fog (memory loss), emotional, mood, and sensitivity these changes can affect you daily life not feeling like yourself after a treatment sessions. As stated in the article (treatment and side effects) “oral chemotherapy is not put into the body with a needle, but is taken as a liquid, tablet, or capsule that you can swallow. When taking oral chemotherapy you must always make sure your chemo drugs are stored properly”. If the option has been determined to have the medication(s) given orally staying on schedule is very important that they are given at the correct time, as well as the correct combinations if more than one should be taken during a specific time frame. During these times the patient may need to have the assistant from their loved ones/caregiver to ensure the medication is given at the correctly. According to the article (treatment and side effects) in some cases, gloves should be used by caregivers who handle the drugs. For this reason some would choose to discontinue taking their medicine orally after learning in focus group according to the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. Oral chemo doses are set up so that you will have constant levels of the drugs in our body to kill the cancer cells not taking your chemo as it is needed can affect how well the treatment works, and it can even allow the cancer to grow. On the other hand if the decision has been made to have the medication given intravenously directly into the bloodstream, a tiny, soft plastic tube (called a catheter) is used. There are many different catheters and routes medications can be given. The intra-venous, or IV treatments can be given quickly through the IV catheter right form a syringe over a few minutes. Whereas with an IV infusion which can take as little as 30 minutes to as long as a few hours. There are even continuous infusion treatments that are sometimes needed and can last 1 to 7 days. In these cases the machine is controlled by electronic IV pumps. The needles and catheters can scar and damage veins with ongoing chemotherapy. So another option used could be the Central Venous Catheter (CVC). The CVC is a bigger catheter which is put into a larger vein in the chest or upper arm as stated in the article Chemotherapy Principles. The CVC will stay in place as long as you are receiving treatment so he or she would not have to be stuck with needles during each session. According to the article chemotherapy principles with a CVC, IV medicines can be given more easily and it also provides the benefit if blood work is needed it can also be drawn from the same access point. The Port-a-Cath is another type of CVC it differs slightly because it is permanently placed under the skin of the chest or arm. The chemotherapy principles also states that this type of port requires the use of special needles that can be used to administer medicine, have blood drawn, and even supply blood if trans-fusions are needed. The port-a-cath was one of the options my mom was fitted for when she first began her chemotherapy treatment. Having these options allowed her to have extensive treatment provided at the cancer treatment center and she would continue her treatment for several more days while in the comfort of her own home. During this time my family had to pull together because she still needed assistance with everyday task she could not complete on her own such as, bathing, getting dressed, combing her hair, and cooking where just some of the things she needed extra help with until she regained her strength after each treatment. When taking combination chemotherapy drugs like my mother her physician explained it would contain both active cancer fighting agents as well as pain and nausea medications, which is why is was so tired after her treatment. An example of the agents used for treatment many include drugs such as: bortezomig (Velcade), cisplatin (Plantinol, generics), oxaliplatin, (Eloxatin, generics), paclitaxel (Abraxarne, Onxol, generics), thalidomide (Thalomid, generics), and Vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar generics). Them medications are very strong and can onset a multitude of side effects that can vary from nausea and vomiting, infection, nerve damage, diarrhea, fatigue, mouth sores, loss of appetite constipation and even hair loss, (The Lancet, 2011). In the Lancet article they spoke on how the medication Oxaliplatin can cause patients to become sensitive to coldness because it produces an unusual cold-induces peripheral neuropathy. Patients affected in this way should avoid the refrigerator or freezer and if they need to go into those areas always wear protective gloves. Neuropathic pain will often worsen over time the longer the patient is exposed to the chemotherapeutic treatments. With the damage of nerves a patient may experience numbness or tingling in their hands and feet. This is why it is always good for a caregiver to be available to help as they transition through chemotherapy. In the same article one study found that cancer survivors can experience pain for more than a decade after completing treatment.
Infections can also happen with these patients because of their lower levels of fighting white blood cells. As spoken in the book The Chemotherapy Survival Guide to lower the risk of infection one must wash their hands frequently and dispose paper towel to dry hands. When or if water is not available one must always carry alcohol-base hand sanitizers to keep their hands clean. The book also discussed how mouth sores can occur during treatment also, gargling with a solution made up of 1 quart of plain water, ½ teaspoon table salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda can help ease the pain. Another change patients may fear is hair loss, although many will simply shave their heads at the start of treatment. This was a fear of my mother’s as well and was one of her top questions when she was first diagnosis, at this time her physician explained that the percentage was low and normally if hair loss should occur it would happen within the first 7 – 14 days after her first treatment. As a comfort many of our family members even offered to shave their heads as well if it should occur and my mom would just laugh and say no keep it so can see and touch if I want to. We also explored many options with wigs and other hair pieces just in case it actually happened, but she was blessed for it to remain the same as always.
The chemotherapy survival guide explained many ways to not allow the therapy process to not take over the patient’s lifestyle.
Because the patient taste bud changes so frequently the book suggest that you should avoid eating any of your favorite foods shortly after treatment so you will not compare your symptoms to the change of taste in your food. I was also recommended that you should try eating with more plastic versus silverware to eliminate the metallic taste that can interfere with his or her food intake. Another major effect patient’s had adjustments with was sexuality when going through cancer fighting treatment can make you feel overwhelmed, cases have shown female patients ovaries can just simply stop functioning because of the sudden drop in a woman’s estrogen levels and more rapid menopause. Male patients can also be affected by the hormonal changes and a doctor may prescribe anti-androgen hormones to turn off testosterone production, without the detrimental effects on the man’s sexual drive or ability to have an erection. Resuming normal sexual activity can be a challenge for some couples, while still taking chemotherapy because the drugs maybe in ones system present after several days in your body fluids so it is important to use a condom to protect your partner from any chemo that may be in semen or vaginal secretions. If reproduction is still being considered by a patient this should be discussed with the doctor prior to treatment to allow a women’s eggs to be frozen because fewer eggs are available after treatment not allowing eggs to mature damaging the woman’s supply and male patients can have sperm stored within a sperm bank, (McKay, J & Schacher, T). The ability to have sexual contact is something that is still possible during ones illness and treatment this can be a source of comfort, joy, and passion. Still having your mate comfort you in such a way will allow you to feel you still have your same quality of life without
interruption.
As I watched my mother cope with the cancer and its treatment she has had some good days as well as some bad days, finding out how to make them work together in harmony with her daily life is the key to her still being able to maintain successful chemotherapy treatment. She has not missed a beat after treatment may have her down for a few day then it back to normal just with caution, she enjoy being able to do her own shopping and watching her grandchildren play sport. Watching how she has been able to cope and never complain has shown me how to truly fight without losing the battle.
There are many support groups which are great outlets for the patient and their entire family to gain knowledge and learn how others are coping. Although some support groups are strictly for specific types of cancer as well as the cancer stage they are experiencing. This is still an effective way to stay focus having supportive sharing; learning relaxation exercises and seeing many cancer survivors. Religion and spirituality has also been a powerful tool when coping with illness. According to The Chemotherapy Survival Guide, spirituality and religious views serves as a guidepost and anchor in times of difficulty and stress.
In conclusion there can be life after cancer treatment being a survivor everyone has their own unique journey through their treatment and road to survivorship. One has to also remember to be patient with themselves because it may take a while to regain your energy completely, but remember every day you are getting stronger. Recovery is not a straight road but with each passing day you will began to feel stronger both emotionally and physically. Having the right support system in place with your family and caregivers to assist in keeping life around you in order will make this process just a little bit easier when the day seem too much to bear. With everything in place the sky is the limit.
References
McKay, J & Schacher, T (2009). The chemotherapy survival guide (3rd Ed.) Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc
American cancer society: What you need to know as a cancer caregiver: Retrieved from http://www.cancer.orgAmerican cancer society: Chemotherapy Principles. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org
Simchowitz, B, Shiman, L, Spencer, J, Brouillard, D, Gross, A, Connor, M, & Weingart, S (2009). Perceptions and expericnce of patients receiving oral chemotherapy. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Vol. 14, 4
Intermittent versus continuous oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine combination chemotherapy for first – line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer: results of the randomized phase 3 MRC COIN trial, Vol 12 (2011). Retrieved from http://the lancet.com/oncology