1. The Heart of the Matter
Chemotherapy risks can include toxic effects to the heart muscle. The amount of damage to the heart is cumulative according to the amount of drugs the patient receives, so the doctor will monitor a patient closely if he's taking any drugs in the anthracycline category. These drugs remain important in cancer treatment, so researchers continue to look for ways to mitigate their toxic effects on the heart. One drug that shows promise in reducing heart effects is dexrazoxane. Patients can ask their doctors whether this is an option for them.
2. Breathe Easy
Chemotherapy can cause scarring of the lungs, which leads to coughing and shortness of breath in cancer patients. Co-existing problems can exacerbate this problem, including infection, poor nutrition or chronic lung disease. Patients may require oxygen therapy and may take medication like bronchodilators to make breathing easier. Sometimes, non-medicinal interventions like meditation and psychotherapy can improve the perception of getting more air into the lungs.
3. Reproductive Concerns
Some chemotherapy drugs cause side effects that permanently damage the ovaries or testicles. In particular, patients who receive any one of the chemotherapy drugs classified as alkylating agents are at risk of damage that can cause infertility. These drugs include cyclophosphamide, procarbazine and ifosfamide. Patients who need these drugs for cancer treatment can discuss egg or sperm banking before treatment begins. However, patients with certain cancers, such as leukemia, testicular cancer or ovarian cancer, should speak with a reproductive specialist, as cancer cells may be present in banked eggs or sperm.
4. Kidney Care
Cancer patients who receive cisplatin, carboplatin or ifosfimide may experience long-term kidney damage. Patients with kidney tubular dysfunction may receive magnesium and phosphate supplements to manage the damage. If the glomerulus structures in the kidney receive some damage, patients cope with a low-protein diet. Extensive damage may necessitate dialysis or kidney transplantation.
5. When Chemotherapy Gets on Your Nerves
Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling or pain, especially in the extremities. These changes, collectively called peripheral neuropathy, can linger long after chemotherapy treatment is over. If you perceive these changes in the nervous system as pain, the doctor can prescribe pain medication when you need it. Take care when engaging in tasks like cooking, gardening or needlework, as the numbness can impair your ability to feel high temperatures or small punctures from thorns or needles.
