Researchers have been working for years to find a suitable cancer treatment, with nearly 2 million people in the United States expected to get diagnosed with a type of cancer in 2023. Getting diagnosed with cancer is worrisome, but you’ll have help and guidance from the best healthcare professionals for your upcoming health battle.
Two common medicines used to fight cancer are Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide. These chemotherapy medications are designed to halt your cancer’s spread and help you put it into remission.
While these medications have impressive track records, it’s vital to know how to go about managing medication side effects. Luckily, you’ve uncovered this informative resource to learn about the side effects of your medications. Continue reading to prepare your mind and body to fight cancer and regain health today!
Doxorubicin Side Effects
Doxorubicin is a powerful medication that has proven to be effective for cancer patients. The medicine works by slowing or putting a halt to the cancer cells in your body. Knowing the potential side effects is critical when taking chemotherapy medications.
Here’s a closer look at the notable side effects to watch for when taking Doxorubicin.
1. Feeling Sick
One of the most common side effects cancer patients notice is a sick feeling when taking Doxorubicin. The ill feeling starts a few hours after a treatment session and lasts three days. It’s possible to overcome these feelings with sickness injections and tablets.
It’s best to avoid eating or preparing food while feeling sick after treatment. Fried and fatty foods should be avoided to help your body heal and feel better. Try using fizzy drinks and relaxation techniques to get through the feeling of being sick.
2. Weakness and Lethargy
Weakness and lethargy are both common when you start receiving chemotherapy medications. The fatigue begins during your treatment and lasts up to a year afterward.
Your low volume of red blood cells will also contribute to the tired feeling that comes with using Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide.
Gentle exercise is one of the best ways to increase stamina and energy levels. Avoid pushing yourself too far when starting your gentle exercise routine. Eat a balanced diet and drink water to provide your body with the nourishment it needs to continue healing.
3. Hair Loss
Hair loss is one of the classic side effects of chemotherapy for cancer treatment. The chemotherapy medication can cause you to lose all your hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes, body hair, and even pubic hair.
You’ll notice hair falling out three weeks after you begin chemotherapy with affordable prescriptions.
It’s vital to remember that your hair will grow back after you finish fighting cancer and receiving treatment. The process can take months, and it’s best to expect your hair to be softer than before your cancer treatment.
Consider getting a wig before starting your treatment. You can also get your hair cut short before facing the chemotherapy side effects. Shaving your head is another option to avoid the trauma of watching your hair fall out.
4. Loss of Fertility
Many people fighting cancer lose their fertility during the battle due to chemotherapy side effects. Speak with your doctor before starting your cancer treatment with Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide. These medications have side effects that can affect your ability to have children in the future.
Men have the option of storing sperm from before the cancer treatment. It’s natural for sperm count and fertility to take a few years to recover after taking these medications. Ask your doctor about scheduling sperm counts after winning your fight against cancer.
Chemotherapy side effects in women often result in early menopause. It’s a treatment method that prevents you from becoming pregnant in the future.
Speak with your doctor before beginning treatment to explore options for storing embryos and eggs. It’s the best approach if you’re set on having children. Women should also note that their period will stop upon beginning chemotherapy medications.
Cyclophosphamide Side Effects
Cyclophosphamide has many similar side effects to other chemotherapy medications. Understanding those side effects is the first step toward fighting cancer and regaining your previous life. Here’s a deeper dive into the prevalent side effects of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide.
1. Nausea and Sickness
Cyclophosphamide is similar to other chemotherapy medications because it causes patients to feel sick and nauseous. Don’t expect to have an appetite when you start your first round of chemotherapy treatment.
Severe cases require drugs to balance out the sick feelings you’ll experience. Changes in diet are also natural with the chemotherapy side effects. Eat small meals and limit your physical activity to help your body heal.
2. Hair Loss
Another side effect you’ll notice when you begin taking Cyclophosphamide is hair loss. It’s similar to Doxorubicin because you can trust the hair to grow back after treatment concludes. Note that your hair could change color and texture as one of the side effects of your chemotherapy medications.
3. Kidney and Bladder Issues
One area where Cyclophosphamide stands out from other chemotherapy medications is the possibility of kidney and bladder issues during treatment. Look for signs of pink or red urine when you start taking chemotherapy medications to monitor your kidney and bladder health.
Monitoring the side effects closely will help you get through cancer treatment with a smile and peace of mind. Report any new side effects to your doctor for tips to help your body recover.
Mouth sores and joint pain are other physical side effects to monitor. Watching changes in your body after a cancer diagnosis and treatment is vital. Monitoring these changes will help you restore your health and resume your previous life after kicking cancer’s butt.
Consider Doxorubicin and
Cyclophosphamide for Your Cancer Treatment
Exploring your options is vital when fighting cancer, and Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide are excellent options for chemotherapy medications. Both choices will cause you to feel sick and lose your hair, though there are steps to managing the medication side effects.
Speak with your doctor if you notice new chemotherapy side effects when fighting cancer. Trust that your hair and energy levels will return after completing your treatment.
Health is easy to lose and hard to regain, but maintaining it is simple with the best advice. Read more of our Health articles for tips on living a healthy and active lifestyle!