Ovarian cancer generally has minimal symptoms in its early stages, so many women do not find out they have the disease until it is in its advanced stages. A test designed specifically for ovarian cancer patients called the CA-125, helps doctors detect a certain protein in the blood linked to ovarian cancer. This will help an oncologist determine the best course of treatment for the patient. Treatment for ovarian cancer, which often includes chemotherapy, needs to be aggressive so the cancer does not metastasize to other areas of the body. Chemotherapy can have many side effects.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Gastrointestinal distress is one of the main causes of weight loss in ovarian cancer chemotherapy patients. Chemotherapy drugs recommended for treating ovarian cancer include carboplatin or cispolatin; a platinum drug along with a taxane drug such as paclitaxel or docetaxel. In ovarian cancer patients, these drugs may be administered via a port using the intraperitoneal method. This is where the drug will flow directly into the peritoneal cavity to target the cancer. These drugs attack normal cells in the blood that were once used to repair the lining of the stomach and the intestine--this can lead to gastrointestinal distress. The oncologist may have to adjust the dosages or prescribe other medications that may counteract the feelings of upset stomach and vomiting.
Blood Related Complications
Blood related complications can arise from chemotherapy used to treat ovarian cancer. These complications and side effects can cause severe distress if not monitored closely. Chemotherapy can have a negative impact on complete blood count. One of these is a low blood cell count called neutropenia. Neutropenia attacks the white blood cells, which fight off infection in the body, making someone undergoing treatment more prone to infection. Chemotherapy also can cause anemia, a low red blood cell count, which affects the circulation of oxygen in the body. Thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count. This is a very serious condition that causes bruising on the skin and excessive bleeding.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is caused by the chemotherapy that damages the hair cells that produce the regrowth of hair. According to cancerfacts.com, chemo drugs do not know how to differentiate between the normal cells in the blood and the cells that contain cancer---chemo can attack any type of rapidly dividing cell. This is why hair loss can occur.
Mouth Sores
Sores on the inside of the mouth can occur when someone is going through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. According to Johns Hopkins Pathology, this is caused from damage that the chemotherapeutic drugs do to the non-cancer, rapidly dividing cells in the blood stream and digestive tract. Mouth sores can be painful. and they can also be difficult to treat. Oncologists may prescribe a medicated salve that will help to re-bond the tissues and keep the sores from getting bigger.
Weakness
The effects of ovarian cancer can bring about both mental and physical stress and anxiety---this can easily lead to overall body weakness and malaise. Because the blood cell counts may be low, the patient may feel drained and unable to complete everyday tasks. The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance states that a condition called peripheral neuropathy can occur as a result from chemotherapy that targets ovarian cancer. This condition can cause weakness, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.
