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Common Side Effects in Breast Cancer Treatments
Breast cancer survivors have gone through a lot of ravish on their bodies and their minds. Breast cancer is scary, it is debilitating, it destroys the healthy cells in the body and it can demoralize the individual breast cancer sufferer. The aim of the various breast cancer therapies is to get at the breast cancer.
The different therapies may successfully in ridding the breast cancer survivor of the horrible cancer and insure that it does not return. However, even these therapies can be uncomfortable with side affects ranging from very mild to very severe. The following is a list of treatment side affects associated with breast cancer treatment. Keep in mind that although some of the side affects are so severe that the treatment might be discontinued others medication are vitally important to keep the cancer away and to provide a good quality of life for the breast cancer survivor.
Treatment side effects
Abdominal pain is a common breast cancer side effect, which can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramping, and constipation. Abdominal pain is a side effect often experienced by breast cancer patients who are taking Chemotherapy, the hormonal therapy drug Faslodex, and the targeted therapy drug Tykerb. Medications used to strengthen bones and used as a treatment for osteoporosis, are called Bisphosphonates will illicit abdominal pain. Also breast cancer patients who are using common over the counter drugs such as aspirin or medications such as Celebrex or Aleve can cause perforations or holes in the stomach or ulcers, which can cause abdominal pain.
Addiction
Addiction to certain medications such as OxyContin, Demerol and morphine is a side effect from prescribed painkillers; however there can be psychological dependency as well.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions often occur when taking antibiotics, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. The symptoms of allergies include: rashes, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, swelling in and around the face area, difficulty swallowing, feeling anxious, wheezing and difficulty breathing, and fainting or passing out, runny nose, and itchy watery eyes. Any breast cancer medication can cause an allergic reaction.
Anemia
Anemia can produce weakness, feeling tired and cranky, nosebleeds, and bruising. Chemotherapy treatment and Herceptin, which is a targeted therapy can cause anemia.
Anxiety
Although anxiety is a normal reaction to breast cancer, some drugs such as the drugs used in hormonal therapy and painkillers, can worsen anxiety. You may experience chest pains and nightmares or trouble sleeping.
Chest pain
Chest pain is quite common after breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. You can also experience chest pain if you have an implant in place.
Depression
Depression is a normal reaction to a life threatening disease. Breast cancer patients can have worsened symptoms of depression from certain breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, ovarian shutdown, and painkillers.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolytes are mineral found in the body, which are responsible for keeping your body fluids at normal levels. Potassium, sodium, chloride and calcium are all electrolytes. The imbalance of electrolytes can cause weakness and fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Chemotherapy can cause electrolytes levels to be too high or even too low. Changes in the fluid in the body caused by diarrhea and vomiting can also cause the electrolyte imbalance.
Endometriosis
The cells of the inner lining grow outside the uterus rather than inside in the condition known as endometriosis. These uterine cells can be found anywhere, but they are most common under the ovaries, on the bowels and bladder or behind the uterus. Endometriosis is painful and sufferers have pain in the abdomen, back or pelvic area. Endometriosis can cause fertility problems and heavy periods. Tamoxifen can cause endometriosis.
Other treatment side effects include: fever, gas, hair changes, Hand