Chemotherapy may affect patients in a different way. These are often challenging for a lot of people. The side effects of chemotherapy (化療副作用) are manageable. All you need to do is learn what works for you. This can make the treatment easier to deal with.
Fatigue
This is one of the most common side effects of this treatment. Many patients describe it as “persistent tiredness.” Many are not able to find any improvement despite having enough rest. Chemotherapy can affect your energy levels. It can mess with your immune system, too. Dealing with this requires careful planning in doing the following:
- Prioritize rest.
- Delegate chores at home
- Follow your meal plan.
- Do light physical activity.
- Let your doctors know if it becomes too much.
Change/Loss in Appetite
The treatment may affect how the food tastes for you. Some would complain about loss of appetite because food tastes bland or metallic. You should watch your weight. It is important to follow your meal plan for this treatment. Some patients develop sores or ulcers in the mouth. This is also one reason why they may experience a change/loss in appetite. Try to avoid food that can trigger this.
Nausea and Vomiting
The treatment can affect your gut. It is common for patients to experience this side effect. Anti-nausea medications have made it much more manageable. There are more tips that can help alleviate this side effect:
- Eat small and more frequent meals.
- Stack on bland foods.
- Know what foods to avoid
- Drinking ginger tea or electrolyte beverages.
Hair Loss
Not all experience this side effect. The treatment targets fast-growing cells. That includes the hair follicles. Thinning or hair fall can emotionally affect you. So, consider cutting hair short before treatment. This will make it easier for you to go through the transition. Only use gentle shampoos and other hair products. Give your hair a break from hair styling while you are still on treatment.
Changes to Skin and Nails
It is also common for the treatment to affect the skin and nails. This can make the skin dark and dry. Brittle nails are also common. Make sure that you moisturize daily. Only use gentle skincare products. Ask your medical team what’s recommended if you have sensitive skin and nails.
Weak Immune System
The treatment may lower your white blood cell count. This makes you more at risk to illnesses. At this point, your immune health is low. It is best to avoid crowded areas while you are still on treatment. Your medical team will have a dietary meal plan for you. Follow any precautions and eat what is recommended.
TCM Treatments for Chemotherapy Side Effects
There are many modern treatments today for various types of cancers. Still, TCM treatments (中醫治療) are also recommended. This will not replace what is recommended by your doctor. Instead, this can be used along with your current treatments. These may not heal you, but these treatments can help alleviate the side effects.
- Acupuncture. Works by promoting Qi flow to calm and balance your energy levels.
- Herbal Medicine. Seek the supervision of a licensed TCM practitioner. They can help ensure that these do not interact with your chemotherapy medications.
- Dietary Therapy. TCM encourages patients to consume foods that support Qi and digestion.
Conclusion
This treatment is one of the most effective for cancer care. Still, this may cause side effects. These can easily affect your daily life. Don’t worry, because they are often temporary. They are manageable, too. Know what to expect. This can help you prepare yourself. Learn how to manage your side effects. This way, you can have a less stressful treatment journey.
