Cancer treatment may cause immediate or long-term side effect depending on the patient, medicines used, or the method of treatment. The side effect occurs because the treatment therapy or medicine damages healthy cells too. In the last decade, there has been a lot of scientific discoveries on how to treat cancer and one is not limited to one or two methods. Some of the methods used to fight complex cancer cells include radiation, anti-estrogen therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Choosing the method with the fewest side effects is quite overwhelming. Discuss with your doctor to find the most favorable option because each approach will have its own cons at some stage of your life after treatment.

Many people worry about cancer treatment, but the side effects are not complicated as most people tend to think. Cells that are prone to damage when undergoing cancer treatment includes the:

• Hair follicles.
• Cells in the digestive tract, mouth and reproductive system.
• Blood forming cells in the born-marrow.

How Long Do Side Effects Last?

Many fade away fairly quickly and some may take several months or years to heal completely. Some common immediate side effects include:

Loss of appetite.

Nausea and vomiting.

Constipation.

Diarrhea.

Erratic mood changes.

A drastic change in sex life.

Easy bleeding and bruising.

Hair loss—a condition referred to as alopecia. However, hair grows 2 to 3 months after the treatment comes to an end.

Neutropenia—This side effect arises due to a reduced number of white blood cells. White blood cells replenish quickly and because chemo drugs work by killing fast-growing cancer cells, the defense cells become a victim too. To avoid infection due to low defense mechanism, one should maintain proper hygiene.

Cancer treatment causes a long-term or delayed side effect that show up many years later. These side effects tend to affect the heart, spinal cord, nerve system, the brain, blander and development of second cancer.

Cancer and cancer treatment also bring about emotional difficulties. Cancer patients and survivors experience negative and positive emotions, which include relief, fear of recurrence, anger, depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

Nearly all treatment approaches cause late side effects at some stage of the patient’s life. This because of the medication or chemotherapy release radiation elements in the body that works by killing fast-growing cancer cells. If you feel discouraged, feel free to consult your caregiver or doctor who may change treatment schedule or medication. A different treatment plan will help reduce the feeling of helplessness, any discomfort or pain.

What Is Lymphedema?

This is a side effect which occurs after cancer treatment. If a lymph node is removed via surgery or radiation is used to damage the lymph vessel or node, the fluid may not drain properly. The fluid builds up under the skin and may cause part of the body to swell, especially the legs and hands.

Types Of Lymphedema

Lymphedema can be categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary Lymphedema is an abnormal development of the lymph system which may occur at birth or later without any physical interference. Secondary Lymphedema occurs when the lymph node or vessel is damaged.

The lymph is damaged by:

Radiation—The radiation may not wholly destroy the lymph node, leaving behind some fluids which grow, causing swelling in tissues.

Cancer—Cancerous tumors sometimes get big enough to block the lymph system.

Surgery—When an operation is done to get rid of cancerous cells, some lymph vessels get removed in the process, causing a build-up of fluid in the surrounding tissues.

Signs And Symptoms Of Lymphedema.

• The skin looks leathery or thicker.
• Jewelry and clothing fit more tightly on the affected body part.
• The skin feels tight on the affected body area.
• The affected leg or arm feels heavy.

Lymphedema Diagnosis

The doctor will ask when you first noticed the swelling. If your leg or arm has swollen, your physician will measure its girth and compare it with the other leg or arm. If the swollen leg is 4/5 inch or about 2 cm bigger, then chances are you have a Lymphedema.

Your doctor may suggest other tests to find out if the swelling is caused by Lymphedema and why. The most used examination technique is the Lymphoscintigraphy, an X-Ray scan which is used to see if the lymph system is blocked. MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging is then done to find out why the vessels are blocked.

Treatment

1. Exercise.

Exercising your swollen leg or arm helps drain the lymph fluid. Do this by moving the leg or the arm.

2. Massage Therapy.

Manual Lymph therapy helps push the lymph fluid helping cure the swollen part.

3. Use of fucoidan.

This polysaccharide is found in most seafood and is used to help prevent blood clotting.

4. Weight loss.

Obese patients are advised to lose weight. This helps to cure Lymphedema related to breast cancer.

5. Compression Stocking And Sleeves.

These garnets are made tight and are won on the swollen arm or leg, helping the lymph fluid flow.

6. Surgery.

If the Lymphedema condition is severe, your doctor may recommend you get an operation. There are several surgical procedures and you should discuss them with your doctor to find out which one works best for you.

Can Lymphedema Be Completely Prevented?

There’s no way for sure to guarantee one will not develop lymphedema after undergoing cancer treatment. However, one should study the risk factors and discuss the best treatment approach with the doctor to minimize any chances of its occurrence. Having good knowledge about lymphedema will help you work on the risk factors. It’s also highly advisable that the patients know the signs and symptoms of lymphedema because if it goes unattended, it results in permanent cell damage under the skin such as scarring and thickening.

Living With Lymphedema.

The key to managing Lymphedema is preventing infections or any injury on the swollen area.

Preventing Infection.

Do not get vaccines or blood tests in the swollen area.

In case of a cut, clean the area and apply anti-bacterial ointment then bandage.

Keep your skin clean and apply alcohol-free lotion to help it stay moist.

Don’t wear tight jewelry.

Elevate the swollen arm or leg above your heart whenever possible.

Not every person develops side effects, and some get few if any. Doctors look at the best approach, that is, combining chemotherapy/surgery and medication. If done wrong, the side effects may get worse. Ensure you visit a well-known health center for the best results.