Chemotherapy drug treatment can cause a patient to experience rashes on the back, chest, arms, neck or face that may look like a rosacea or acne type condition. A patient usually experiences rash side effects that are mild to moderate. Rash side effects do come with an infection risk factor. In some cases if the […]
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Chemotherapy drug treatment can cause a patient to experience constipation, or the uncomfortable passage of hard, dry stools that are infrequent. Some symptoms include bloating, cramping, increased gas and pain. About 50 percent of cancer patients experience constipation. Other side effects can occur from this condition such as decreased appetite and nausea. Drugs That Cause
Chemotherapy drug treatments can be effective, but they also seem to be linked to intense fatigue. Drugs that often cause cancer-related fatigue are vinblastine, cisplatin and vincristine. The severity of fatigue may vary by individual, but almost 90 percent of cancer patients experience some level of fatigue related to cancer treatment at some time during
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Some chemotherapy drugs can cause sores in the mouth or throat because they inhibit the replacement of the healthy cells. The condition that causes sores in the mouth is known as stomatitis, and a comparable condition in the throat is known as pharyngitis. The lining of the mouth starts to become pale and dry. As
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Some patients may take solace in their religious or spiritual beliefs after receiving their diagnosis. Patients can often experience an outlet of their pent-up emotions through prayer and meditation. Many studies have shown that patients who employ such practices have better psychological outlooks during treatment than those who do not. Also, many clergymen have been
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Another major issue that patients deal with on a consistent basis during treatment is the side effects of the various remedies. Radiation therapy can cause hair loss and digestive problems. Chemotherapy sessions can leave a patient feeling lethargic and depressed. Prescription medications can cause mood fluctuations and disruptions in sleep patterns. Some other side effects
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Many patients undergoing cancer treatment often deal with a loss of energy and appetite during the process. Other side effects include weight loss and intestinal or digestive problems. Everyone involved in the patient’s treatment schedule should recommend that the patient maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. Such a diet will give the patient the energy that
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Patients often feel some trepidation about broaching the subject of their cancer diagnosis and treatment to their friends, bosses and co-workers. Although they hope that this new fact would not change their friends’ view of them, such is not often the case. Some friends may withdraw out of awkwardness, unsure as to how best to
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After many of the more pressing issues have been resolved, some patients still deal with serious emotional issues during the various treatment phases. Depression, anger, anxiety and frustration often occur with patients as they carry out the long and arduous process. For those patients with a previous history of substance abuse, the impact of the
Another major concern for cancer patients is the expense involved in treatment. Chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy and prescription medications, while all proven to be effective, are far from affordable for most patients. Blood tests, biopsies and office visits add to the cost. Not only do treatment schedules themselves carry a high price tag, many patients