When doctors diagnose cancer, it is very common to feel a lot of fear and anxiety about the chemotherapy treatment that will be given to you. When we say "chemo," a somewhat difficult and painful image is created in our mind. But if we are actually well-informed about this treatment, we will gain great mental strength to face it. This is an important step in your healing journey. So today, let's talk about what happens on the day of and after this chemotherapy treatment, and what we should expect.
What happens on the day of chemotherapy treatment?
The length of time it takes for chemotherapy to take effect can vary depending on the type of medication you receive and your treatment plan. Sometimes it can take a few minutes, while other times it can take 8 hours or more.
This medicine is usually given to the body through a small tube, called a cannula, that is inserted into a vein in the arm. For some people, if they need to continue treatment, the medicine is given through a special small device (port) that is placed under the skin. During this time, you can lie down in a chair or bed and read a book, listen to music, or just relax.
After the treatment is over, you will not be sent home immediately. You will usually be asked to stay in the hospital for about 30 minutes . This is to check for any adverse reactions, such as an allergic reaction to the medication. At this time, a nurse will come in and check your vitals, such as your pulse and blood pressure . If everything is normal, you will be allowed to go home.
Conditions that may occur the day after treatment
This is something we all need to remember. Not everyone's body responds to chemotherapy in the same way. These things vary depending on the nature of your disease, the types of medications you are given, and your general health.
The day after treatment, you may feel very tired, exhausted, and lethargic . This is very normal. Also, various pains and other discomforts may occur as side effects of the treatment.
The important thing is that these side effects do not mean that your treatment is not working. They are just part of the treatment.
What are the common side effects that most people experience?
Side effects vary depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs used. The table below lists some of the most common side effects. Don't worry that you will experience all of them. You may only experience one or two of them.
| Side effect | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | It's not like normal fatigue, but feeling lifeless no matter how much sleep you get. |
| Appetite | Losing all desire to eat, and the taste of food changing. |
| Hair loss | Not only hair, but also other body hair such as eyelashes and eyebrows can fall out. |
| Various pains | Things like headaches, muscle aches, and stomach aches. |
| Nerve-related problems | Burning, numbness, or a prickly sensation in the fingertips and toes. |
| Mouth and throat sores | Small, painful sores inside the mouth and throat. This can make it difficult to eat or even drink. |
| Diarrhea or constipation | Having a bowel movement or not being able to go to the toilet for days. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Nausea and vomiting occur a few hours or a day after taking the medication. |
| Anemia | A decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood causes paleness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. |
| "Chemo Brain" | This is a mental change. Things like difficulty concentrating, forgetting things quickly, and difficulty remembering words. |
| Effects on fertility | It can affect the reproductive systems of both women and men. It is important to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment. |
How do we deal with these side effects?
You don't have to suffer through these discomforts alone. It's important to tell your doctor or the nurse treating you about any minor discomfort you're feeling. They will be able to help you.
What will your doctor do?
When you tell your doctor about your symptoms , he or she may:
- Give painkillers for pain.
- For some severe pain, nerve blocks or spinal treatments are used to stop pain signals from reaching the brain.
- If side effects are severe, change the dose of your chemotherapy medication or switch to another medication.
Things you can do at home
In addition to giving you medication to control side effects, the doctor and nurse will also give you some advice, such as:
- Protect yourself from infections: Chemotherapy weakens your immune system. This means you can get sick more easily. So, avoid contact with people who have colds and flu. Avoid going to crowded places (e.g. buses, trains, markets) as much as possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids: Drink plenty of water, orange juice, green tea, porridge, and soup for two days after treatment. This will prevent dehydration , reduce constipation, and help the medication travel throughout the body and work properly.
- Avoid strenuous activities: On the day of treatment and the day after, give your body plenty of rest. It is very important to stay away from things like heavy lifting and strenuous work.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to feel scared and anxious about chemotherapy, but being properly informed about it can give you great strength to face it.
- Side effects are common and vary from person to person. Do not assume that the treatment has failed just because you experience side effects.
- Tell your doctor without hesitation about any pain or discomfort you are feeling. Don't suffer in silence.
- During treatment, drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and protect yourself from infections.
- Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Talk to your family and doctor about your feelings. You are not alone in this journey.
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