Common Emotions With Chemotherapy Are Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Mood Swings, Irritability, Insomnia, Fear And Denial. More Than Half Of Patients Undergoing …

More than half of people diagnosed with cancer are treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a drug that is given to stop cancer cells from growing or to kill them. The type of chemotherapy given depends on the type of cancer the person has been diagnosed, the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the individual. chemotherapy is a very common treatment option, the experience of chemotherapy is unique to each person. The goal of therapy is to make the experience as effective, timely and problem free as possible.

Chemotherapy is given to kill or damage fast growing cells. While chemotherapy kills these cancer cells, it also affects other healthy cells. Healthy cells are in the skin, hair follicles, bone marrow where red and white blood cells are made and the gastrointestinal tract, in the mouth, throat and stomach. Side effects caused by chemotherapy are neutropenia, abnormally low levels of infection fighting white blood cells; infections; anemia, a low red blood cell which can cause fatigue; mucositis, severe mouth, gum and throat sores or ulcers; nausea and vomiting; thrombocytopenia, an abnormally low number of platelets, which can cause bruising bleeding and emotional side effects such as depression and anxiety.

Infection can lead to additional medications, delays in chemotherapy treatment, hospitalizations and missed work or family time. Infections can be life threatening. Antibiotics can treat infection. Symptoms of infection are fever >100.5 and chills, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, urinary changes such as pain or burning during urination, drainage or oozing from wounds, discolored vaginal discharge, etc, dental pain, mouth pain, and impaired chewing, red or tender wound sites and diarrhea. Steps to avoid infection are to wash hands often and clean cuts with warm water, soap and antiseptic; avoid crowds and sick children; wash, peel, and cook all foods thoroughly and avoid tears and cuts to skin.

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