Those who are affected with ovarian cancer will often undergo chemotherapy as a form of treatment. Unfortunately, for most people chemotherapy has a number of unpleasant side effects. The good news for those suffering from ovarian cancer is that most of these side effects can be effectively controlled through the right medications. Consider some common side effects you can expect if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
Risk of Infection
As a result of chemotherapy a patient's white blood cell count decreases which means the body is more prone to infection. If you are having a chemotherapy treatment and your temperature goes over 100.5 degrees or you feel suddenly sick without a temperature then you should talk to your doctor or contact the hospital right away. Before you undergo any chemotherapy session you will have a blood test done to check your white blood cell levels. If they are too low then you will have to postpone your treatment until the levels reach a safe level.
Bleeding and Bruising
Chemotherapy can also reduce the amount of platelet production. Platelets help our blood to properly clot. If you have any unexplained bleeding or bruising such as blood spots/skin rashes, bleeding gums or nosebleeds then it is important to contact your doctor right away.
Anemia
This is a condition in which an individual's red blood cells are lower than the amount needed by the body. Often anemia is recognized by symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, paleness, dizziness or fainting.
Nausea
A few of the drugs used in chemotherapy treatments can cause nausea and vomiting. Often a doctor will give you a prescription for anti-sickness drugs to reduce the occurrence of these side effects. Mouth soreness and loss of appetite are common as well. This is why it is important to use routine mouthwashes. If the soreness increases, you can replace ordinary food with nutritious drinks or a soft diet.
Hair Loss
The most common side effect to chemotherapy is hair loss. You can choose to wear a wig or ask your doctor to arrange for you to meet with someone who specializes in wigs. If you aren't comfortable wearing a wig then you can choose to wear a bandana, scarf or hat. Eventually your hair will grow back, but this is only three to six months after your chemotherapy treatments are completed.
Hand or Feet Tingling/Numbness
This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy and is a side effect you can have as a result of chemotherapy drugs. Talk to your doctor or nurse the moment you have any of these symptoms. Often problem will go away after a few months upon completion of treatment, but others can have the condition permanently.
Fatigue
There are a number of ways in which ovarian cancer can affect women. Some women can have a normal life throughout their course of treatment. However, most patients experience overwhelming levels of fatigue and need to go through life at a slower pace. After you start treatment, it is important to consider your body's individual strengths and capabilities. Make sure you only do what your body can do and don't overdo it.
Any of these side effects can affect an ovarian cancer patient who is undergoing chemotherapy, but often they will go away after your treatment is complete.
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