Treating Cancer

The fight against cancer can be won, but it is really difficult. The very aspect that you have been diagnosed with cancer can dishearten you. Above that the treatment procedures can make you very nervous. Hence, a clear understanding of the disease, its treatment and side-effects is essential for the patient and family members. This way, care and precautions can be initiated well in advance.Treating cancer includes medical as well as emotional therapies. Thoughts and emotions of the person undergoing treatment of cancer must be clearly understood and respected by friends and relatives.

Cancer treatments are given according to the specific needs of the patient. The procedures can be carried out at the same time or in sequence in order to prevent both local recurrence and recurrence throughout the body.

Kinds of treatments:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Biological therapy
• Hormonal therapy

Chemotherapy- is the use of drugs or chemical agents to actually stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells, but, unfortunately, it cannot tell the difference between a cancer cell and some healthy cells. As a result, along with rapid growing cancer cells, chemotherapy can also eliminate other fast-growing healthy cells in your body, such as hair and blood cells. Some cancer cells grow slowly while others grow rapidly. Chemotherapy drugs are made to target the growth patterns of specific types of cancer cells. Each drug has a different way of working and is effective at a specific time in the life cycle of the cell it targets. This is studied and determined by your doctor. To get the most from chemotherapy, it's important to stick to a schedule of treatment.

People receive chemotherapy by or in a combination through-

• Intravenous infusion
• Pill
• Injection or shot
• Intrathecal and intraventricular injection(a shot into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord or brain).

Undesirable consequences of chemotherapy affecting your body cells not related to your cancer is referred to as a side effect. Some common side effects of chemotherapy are:

1. Fatigue and pain
2. Mouth sores
3. Numbness and tingling
4. Forgetfulness and inability to concentrate
5. Diarrhea,
6. Constipation,
7. Hair loss,
8. Nausea and vomiting,
9. Blood related

Blood-related side effects- All of these side effects may be related to your chemotherapy. They can be diagnosed through your CBC test (complete blood count). They are-

Neutropenia-A low white blood cell count may leave your body vulnerable to infection. It makes your body too weak to receive chemotherapy at the full dose as per schedule, hence, reducing your doses until your count reaches the normal level. Sometimes, your treatment may have to be delayed or stopped by your doctor due to neutropenia. If not properly treated, infection can lead to hospitalization. White blood cell boosters help restore white blood cell counts, reducing the risk of chemotherapy-related infection and prolonged, dangerously low white blood cell counts.

Thrombocytopenia-A low platelet count may cause bruising or excessive bleeding. If your platelet count is low, you should try to avoid situations that may cause injury, bruising, or bleeding. This includes minor things too, for e.g.,using electric razors over shaving blades and soft-bristle toothbrushes.

Anemia-A low red blood cell count means there is not enough oxygen circulating in your body, leading you to feel tired or sluggish. If left untreated, anemia can result in the need for red blood cell transfusions. Some treatments are available to help manage chemotherapy-related anemia. They're called red blood cell boosters. Red blood cell boosters increase the production of red blood cells in the body. Two red blood cell boosters are known to treat chemotherapy-induced anemia:

1. Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa)
2. Procrit® (Epoetin alfa).

I would like to discuss anemia in detail here. For cancer patients, red blood cells count between 11-12g/dl is considered normal.Up to 80% of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy develop hemoglobin levels below 11. The common symptoms of anemia are-

• Fatigue
• Breathing trouble
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Inability to concentrate
• Headache
• Difficulty staying warm
• Loss of sex drive
• Pale skin

Anemia can create further health problems as-

1. certain cancer therapies become less effective
2. it causes strain on your heart as it overworks to deliver oxygen where it's needed
3. it can make it difficult to think clearly.
4. When your brain doesn't get enough oxygen, it can be difficult to read, write, and even perform basic daily activities.

To overcome these problems and regain your energy you must check with your doctor to see if exercise would benefit you. Following a balanced diet with lots of fluids and (as recommended by your doctor) additional nutritional supplements can greatly help.You must take plenty of rest and do not hesitate to ask for any help you need with your daily activities.Keep a daily journal to make notes of when you feel tired.If you get short of breath, breathe with your lips pursed.Keep the things you use often within easy reach.After sitting or lying down, rise slowly to prevent dizziness.Practice of relaxation, meditation and deep breathing helps boost your energy.Reading, talking with friends, listening to music or even writing can help take your mind of your illness for some time.

Web resources and guide to information on cancer

(Next, I will go on to discuss other types of treatment of cancer)