CHEMOTHERAPY

CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs that contain chemicals to treat cancer. It can be used in combination with other cancer treatments such as radiation therapy or surgery. Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells that are growing or multiplying rapidly.

CHEMOTHERAPY: BEFORE TREATMENT

Before treatment begins, the patient will meet with the oncologist to discuss the treatment plan.
The doctor will inform the patient about the drugs that will be used and how to administer them.
The oncologist will perform a series of tests to ensure that the patient is healthy enough to undergo chemotherapy.

If the patient wishes to have children in the future, the oncologist can refer the patient to a fertility specialist, as chemotherapy can cause infertility. Freezing embryos or sperm can improve the chances of conceiving a baby later.

The oncologist may advise that the patient make an appointment with a dentist to ensure that there is no infection in the mouth after chemotherapy. This can indeed be one of the side effects of the treatment.

If chemotherapy is given intravenously, a central venous catheter (CVC) may be implanted into a large vein in the arm before treatment, to help transfer drugs around the body.

Patients should ask someone to take them back to the hotel after the treatment, as they may feel exhausted and nauseous after the session.

Patients with complex illnesses can benefit from a second opinion before starting a treatment plan. This means that another doctor, usually an expert with a lot of experience, will review the patient’s medical history, symptoms, scans, test results, and other important information to provide a recovery plan. diagnosis and treatment.
45% of US residents who received a second opinion said they had a different diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment plan.

CHEMOTHERAPY: WHAT IT CONSIST OF

There are different methods of administering chemotherapy, including intravenous (IV), intra-arterial (IA), or intraperitoneal (IP). Chemotherapy can also be given orally or applied using topical creams.
Chemotherapy given intravenously can be given through a central venous catheter (CVC) that is implanted before treatment, or directly into a vein through a cannula placed in the hand. A needle, connected to a tube that contains the drugs, is inserted into the CVC, or cannula.

Medicines can be injected into the blood with a needle or can be given through an artery, which is called intra-arterial (IA). Intraperitoneal administration involves administering drugs through the peritoneal cavity which contains the stomach, intestines and liver.

Medications can be applied to the skin as a topical cream which is absorbed by the body. The other option is to administer the drugs orally, in tablets or in liquid form.

Patients may feel nauseous and tired after chemotherapy. If they experience a lot of side effects, they should let the doctor know, as many of the symptoms can be managed easily.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RADIATION THERAPY

Post-operative follow-up After total hip replacement surgery, some patients will be able to walk a little the day after surgery with the assistance of a physiotherapist.

The new hip is usually painful at first, and it’s normal to spend four to five days in the clinic. Often the patient will be able to walk without crutches after 6 weeks, and will be fully recovered after twelve weeks.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHEMOTHERAPY

1. Not recommended:
   • Pregnant women
   Potential risks:
   • Hair loss
   • Nausea
   • Vomiting
   • Pain
   • Fatigue
   • Infertility
   • Heart or kidney problems
   • Nerve damage
   Side effect:
   • Hair loss
   • Nausea
   • Vomiting
   • Fatigue