October 14, 2010
Colon Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Learn How To Alleviate Signs And Symptoms
There are a lot of common treatments for colon cancer. They embody chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Some of the chemotherapy brokers that are commonly given are Oxaliplatin, Camptosar, 5FU,
Leucovorin, and Avastin. Most of those drugs might be given collectively in a mixture therapy. This is performed to catch the cancer cells when they are dividing at different stages of their cell cycle to achieve a larger “cell kill”. Unfortunately, the more chemotherapy brokers that are used, the extra negative effects a particular person could have.
Among the frequent uncomfortable side effects of colon cancer treatment are: diarrhea or constipation, peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, burning and/or weak spot within the palms or toes), sensitivity to cold, heartburn, nausea/vomiting, hair thinning or loss, abdominal cramps, headaches, sweating, hand /foot syndrome, mouth sores, and a much less-efficient immune system.
Here are a couple of ideas for managing different uncomfortable side effects:
-Drink plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated with water, Gatorade or fruit juices
-Take Immodium for diarrhea problems. If Immodium does not provide help to ought to contact your doctor for a prescription medication
-Take a stool softener or a laxative for any constipation issues; generally instructed products are Senekot-S, Docusate, or Milk of Magnesia, all of which are over-the-counter medicines
-Inform your doctor if you start to have issues with numbness and tingling in your fingers and toes, this is a problem that will require remedy dose adjustments or a prescription treatment
-When a person is on oxaliplatin, they will be delicate to cold air, the fridge and touching anything in it, cold floosr, and eating/ingesting anything cold. Have meals and drinks at room temperature before consumption, put on gloves when taking things out of the refrigerator, at all times wear slippers or socks and if it is chilly outdoors always have a shawl around your mouth to cut back inhaling cold air.
-Anti-nausea remedy will usually be given earlier than any IV chemotherapy is started. Your physician should additionally give you a prescription medicine so that you’ve something to take at home. When you take your nausea medication athome and are vomiting or unable to eat or drink something, you need to contact your physician as quickly as possible.
-Hand/foot syndrome is a side impact that turns the palms and toes vibrant red. They may even have a burning feeling to them and it may be hard to walk on your feet as a consequence of pain. Sometimes peeling can occur. Maintaining the pores and skin in your hands and ft moist with lotions comparable to Lubriderm, udder cream or bag balm will probably be helpful.
Lowering extreme exposure to heat on the fingers and feet and cold packs to these areas may also help (if you aren’t on oxaliplatin). Vitamin B6 may also reduce this symptom, but ask your doctor first.
-When you have mouth sores, attempt to brush your tooth with a mushy toothbrush, rinse your mouth with salt water or baking soda and water and use alcohol free toothpaste and mouthwash. If mouth sores are inflicting you to avoid consuming and drinking, call your doctor for a prescription mouthwash/medication.
-Whenever you obtain chemotherapy, the “good cells” in your bone marrow might be affected in addition to the cancer cells inflicting you to be in danger for infections. Name your physician in the event you get a fever, chilly signs, burning/frequency with urination, ache, redness, or swelling at your IV web site or incision site.
Not everyone will expertise these unwanted side effects, however there’s a likelihood that in case you are getting combination chemotherapy you should have a number of of them at any given time during your treatment. Always contact your doctor if you’re having problems or have any questions on your colon cancer treatment. Always seek out Colon Cancer Second Opinions .
Rusty George Bejaran
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