Breast cancer chemotherapy side effects

The side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer include: 1. Hair loss: Hair loss is caused by damage to hair follicles by chemotherapy drugs. This hair loss is temporary and can be recovered later; 2. Gastrointestinal reactions: Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite can be controlled by medication as prescribed by the doctor; 3. Oral mucosal damage: Such as oral ulcers and pain, which can be controlled under the guidance of a dentist; 4. Bone marrow suppression: Causes a decrease in red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts; 5. Some patients experience constipation or diarrhea.

How to maintain breast cancer after chemotherapy

The irradiated area after radiotherapy for breast cancer is relatively fragile. Both physical and chemical stimulation will affect the healing of the patient's irradiated area. Therefore, if the patient's skin becomes itchy after radiotherapy, scratching and applying irritating liquids are not conducive to the patient's recovery. Patients should reduce stimulation to the irradiated area. The lungs of some patients may be slightly affected, and colds should be prevented as much as possible to reduce the chance of respiratory infections. Postoperative chemotherapy has a lasting effect on patients. Some patients have persistent bone marrow suppression and a continuous decrease in white blood cells after chemotherapy. In this case, it is recommended that patients follow the doctor's orders to take medication, supplement nutrition, and speed up recovery.

What to do if you don't have your period after chemotherapy for breast cancer

Since chemotherapy drugs affect ovarian function, resulting in a decrease in ovarian estrogen secretion, which in turn affects the menstrual cycle, causing amenorrhea in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. If the condition is well controlled, the patient's menstrual cycle will gradually return to normal after the chemotherapy cycle. Since most chemotherapy drugs or breast endocrine therapy drugs can cause endometrial thickening, if the patient's menstrual cycle still does not improve after stopping chemotherapy, a gynecological examination is required to determine whether the endometrium is thickened. If there is a trend of thickening in the endometrium, the patient needs to undergo diagnostic curettage or take the corresponding oral medication for treatment.