When breast cancer patients first hear that they need to start chemotherapy, their
minds immediately go in all directions. It can be overwhelming and even confusing.
They often worry about the fact that they won’t know what is going on and fear that
they will have little control over what happens to them during and after the treatment.
What will chemotherapy do to my hair? Why should I undergo chemotherapy even
after having surgery? Will chemotherapy make me weak? These are common
questions that patients ask themselves when they get into treatment, and let’s not
forget the misconceptions that surround the treatment.
Here are 9 things that breast cancer patients must understand about chemotherapy,
as these will help them prepare better
Chemotherapy Kills Cancer Cells Using Powerful Drugs
Chemotherapy is one of the important components of breast cancer treatment at
HCG Cancer Hospital. Chemotherapy is systemic therapy, which uses powerful
drugs to destroy cancer cells in multiple locations throughout the body.
There are multiple chemo drugs available for breast cancer, and they are
recommended based on the stage of the disease, the overall condition of the patient,
and the patient’s preferences.
Chemotherapy is often recommended along with other treatments, such as surgery
and radiation therapy.
Before surgery, chemotherapy is recommended to shrink the tumour, which allows
cancer surgeons to remove the tumour more easily. After surgery, chemotherapy is
recommended to kill the residual cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is Administered in Cycles
Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer is always administered in cycles. Many wonder
what a cycle is.
A cycle is an interval between the end of one round of chemotherapy and the
beginning of the next one. Depending on the type of drug administered, the stage of
the disease treated, and the overall condition of the patient, the number of cycles
and duration of the treatment course will vary.
Hospitalization is Not Required for Chemotherapy
Many think that chemotherapy requires the patient to be admitted to the hospital. However, this is true in some cases only.
Many hospitals have outpatient chemotherapy facilities, where patients show up, receive their infusion, and leave for home on the same day.
HCG Cancer Hospital, Breast Cancer Specialist has day care chemotherapy centres that allow breast cancer patients to receive their chemotherapy cycles as outpatients. This allows patients to carry on with their routine activities during the treatment as well.
Having Side Effects is Normal During Chemotherapy
It is normal for breast cancer patients to experience certain side effects during and after their chemotherapy treatment, and these can be both short-term and long-term.
Breast cancer patients commonly experience mouth sores, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea, fatigue, nail and skin changes, and increased infection risks. These are short-term side effects that wear off over time. In severe cases, they can be managed using medications, too.
In rare cases, chemotherapy may also have long-term side effects like infertility, heart damage, and thinning of the bones.
The medical oncologists will have a detailed discussion with the patients and their families before the treatment begins, and during this discussion, the importance, the pros and cons of the treatment, and the possible results will be extensively discussed.
Possible Hair Loss During Chemotherapy
The chemo drugs work by targeting fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these medications also target the body’s other fast-growing cells, such as the hair follicles.
This hair loss is temporary. Three to six months after the treatment is over, patients can expect their hair to come back; the new hair may temporarily have a different colour and texture.
That said, not all breast cancer patients experience hair loss; some may experience thinning only. It largely depends on the type of drug and the dose administered.
Another technique that can be used to reduce hair fall is the scalp cooling technique. By applying cold temperatures to the scalp, this technique decreases blood flow and, in turn, reduces the quantity of chemo drugs that reach the scalp.
Chemo brain” is No Myth
Chemotherapy can cause brain fog, i.e., during the treatment, breast cancer patients will often have difficulties paying attention, remembering stuff, multi-tasking, and mood swings.
These symptoms are temporary and go away after the treatment has been completed.
If the symptoms are severe, breast cancer patients should talk to their treating doctor for appropriate medical attention.
Eating Healthy is Important During Your Chemotherapy
Eating healthy is paramount. Addressing fatigue and digestive problems becomes easy when breast cancer patients have healthy food habits. Cutting off processed foods, raw foods, strong-flavoured foods, and dry and sharp foods (chips, crackers, etc.) must be considered.
Eating mild-flavoured foods is important. Foods rich in macronutrients and micronutrients can help patients beat fatigue and other side effects caused by chemotherapy.
For more information on what to eat and what to avoid, breast cancer patients should consult onco-dieticians, who will have vast experience in understanding the nutritional needs of each cancer patient and providing diet plans accordingly.
Resting During Chemotherapy Is More Important Than You Think
Many assume that resting can cause the loss of muscle function. However, this is only partly true. Rest plays a pivotal role in helping breast cancer patients recover between their chemotherapy cycles.
Also, the fatigue and other side effects subside with ample rest. Getting enough rest is also necessary to avoid the emotional distress caused by the treatment.
Medical oncologists often recommend patients get sufficient rest throughout the treatment course. Those patients with difficulties falling asleep or even simply relaxing should talk to their doctor, who can help them receive appropriate care.
Protect Yourself Against Infections During Your Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy or cancer itself can lead to suppressed immunity in breast cancer patients. This state of immunosuppression increases their risk of catching infections. These infections can affect the treatment response shown by patients; sometimes they can be fatal too.
Therefore, extra care must be taken by the caregivers and family members to ensure that breast cancer patients do not catch any infections during their chemotherapy course.
Bottom Note:
Cancer care is changing rapidly. Cancer is like any other disease today; with appropriate medical attention, cancer is highly treatable, and patients can go on to live normal lives after their treatment. Despite extensive research and understanding, breast cancer patients may still have several questions and even second thoughts regarding chemotherapy. This is normal. It is important
