One of the most common forms of treatment for cancer is chemotherapy. While it can be a helpful way to treat and manage the disease, it does come with some unpleasant side effects. Many patients worry about how chemo will affect their quality of life and if they will still be able to enjoy the activities they love. It’s true that life may look a little different during cancer treatment, but there are lots of ways to cope and find happiness.
Chemotherapy drugs are designed to kill all fast-growing cells – not just cancer cells – which is why some patients experience harsh side effects. Some common ones include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, mood changes, reduced sex drive, weight changes, mental fog, nail and skin changes, sores, infections and more. There are also some long-term side effects of chemotherapy, such as fertility problems and kidney damage.
Most of these side effects occur during and shortly after receiving a round of chemo, and they go away until it’s time for the next dose. Some patients have very minimal side effects and continue living their normal lives, while others experience moderate or severe side effects and complications.
There are many effective ways to cope during cancer treatment. While every individual should manage treatment on their own terms, there are a few suggestions that can be helpful for most patients, including:
The cancer specialists and support staff at RCCA are committed to making your cancer treatment as smooth and comfortable as possible. Call your local RCCA office to set up an appointment and learn more about what to expect from chemo.
For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Infusion therapy is a treatment modality that administers medications intravenously. While most people associate infusions with cancer treatment, several different conditions can be managed and
Immunotherapy is an advanced type of cancer treatment. Instead of surgical procedures or radiation therapy, it works alongside the body’s natural immune system to fight
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Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
