Side effects from chemo are inevitable, but they're also manageable
- Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is given in an outpatient setting.
- Side effects from chemo are common and may include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and digestive tract issues.
- Physical activity will help relieve the tiredness.
- Hair loss is inevitable, but there are ways to make the experience less distressing. Remember, hair will grow back when treatment ends.
"Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is typically administered in an outpatient setting," says
Dr. Irina Dimitrova, gynecologic oncologist at Henry Ford Health System. "So patients go to an infusion center for a certain number of hours, depending on their regimen, and get their chemo intravenously, usually through an access port implanted in the upper chest. Hospital admission is not usually required, and they can go back home after treatment."
Ovarian cancer responds well to a combination of chemotherapy drugs that usually includes a platinum-based drug like carboplatin or cisplatin and a taxane drug like paclitaxel (known by the brand name, Taxol.) And while carboplatin and Taxol (or similar variations) are powerful treatment options, they do cause some side effects. Though symptoms can vary from person to person, it's a good idea to know what to expect, and to be prepared.
Read More The most common side effects from chemotherapy are fatigue, hair loss, digestive tract issues, and neuropathy, Dimitrova says. The one she hears women complain about most is fatigue. Though patients should expect to feel more tired than they’re used to, “most of the women on the regimens we give are able to work 50 to 75 percent of their pre-diagnosis hours." Dimitrova recommends physical activity or some light exercise to help keep energy up and ward off fatigue. "The next most hated side effect for women is hair loss, which usually happens within the first or second cycle." It's normal for women to feel upset about losing their hair, and it helps to remember that your hair will grow back after treatment stops. Plus, there are steps you can take to make the experience less distressing. For instance, you might want to cut your hair very short or even shave your head before your hair starts falling out. If you’re thinking about buying a wig, buy it before your treatment starts, or soon after.
Cancer.org suggests asking if the wig can be adjusted as you might need a smaller size as you lose hair. To match your hair color, they recommend cutting a swatch from the top front of your head, where your hair is lightest. Wigs and other scalp coverings may be partially or fully covered by your health insurance. If so, ask for a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis." (Don't use the word "wig" on the prescription.) Your cancer team can likely recommend wig shops in your area.
Many women experience gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or diarrhea during their treatment. Nausea and vomiting have become less of a problem, as antiemetic medications are now quite powerful. Though patients should expect some nausea, “if they’re throwing up they need to let their physician know because this is definitely a manageable problem and shouldn’t be happening," Dimitrova says.
Chemotherapy can also affect bone marrow, lowering your resistance to infection and increasing bleeding. Doctors advise being extra careful about avoiding exposure to infections. And no contact sports or other physical trauma to prevent hemorrhage.
Another side effect to look out for is neuropathy, which often starts as a tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. Most neuropathy goes away on its own, but not always. For some patients, taking glutamine and small doses of Vitamin B6 can help.
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