chemotherapy side effects

Cancer is a disease that gains more and more of the ground we used to own in health matters especially now, in the 21st century. Highly powerful medication remains the main way to deal with the disease which is why chemotherapy patients have to be informed on the necessity and the specificity of the cancer treatments.

The most widely used treatment of cancer is chemotherapy either followed or preceded by surgery. Chemotherapy patients usually face a great deal of problems they have to go through. To begin with, there are the physical aspects that will break down their morale. The side effects that one will experience may eat away at one’s self-esteem, since they may hair loss, all sorts of infections because of a weak immune system, dizziness and constant nausea, pains and the impossibility to lead a normal life. Some chemotherapy patients feel that they are somewhat physically impaired since many basic or favorite activities cannot be conducted as before.

Another level of impact on chemotherapy patients is the psychological obstacle. Chemotherapy patients need all the support they can get from their beloved in order to go through the tough experience of the treatment, but many suffers choose to face difficulties alone. Feeling alone and depressed could significantly alter the evolution of the disease. Not being able to talk about it as you would, not being able to share will make you feel marginalized, separated from the people in your life and will break your morale.

On the other hand, those chemotherapy patients that initially build rapport with family and friends and choose to communicate about it and share the burden, may end up feeling guilty for spoiling family life and for being set on the top priority list, a list that is usually not considered a pleasure bringing one. They themselves may end up feeling that they have turned into a burden to their family putting strain on relationships and may choose to seclude themselves as a result of this feeling.

All these considered, it is highly obvious that family and friends of chemotherapy patients should be informed about what their beloved ones are going through and about how help can be provided in such situations. The moral strength of chemotherapy patients can be kept above surface level or increased only by psychologists and people who honestly display affection and interest in helping.