Chemotherapy, or ‘chemo’ as it’s shortened to, is the best-known form of cancer treatment. It has a reputation of causing debilitating and unpleasant side effects, but huge advances have been made in treatment that mean that it can now be given as an outpatient and many people continue to work and live a fulfilling life while undergoing chemotherapy.
If you are recommended to have chemotherapy for Follicular Lymphoma, it’s important to find out what type of chemotherapy you’ll be receiving and what you can expect from your treatment. Ask your doctor whatever questions you have , including what you can do to help manage your tolerance to the treatment.
How does chemotherapy work?
Cancer is caused by abnormal cells dividing and reproducing, usually at an abnormal rate, clumping together until they form a mass, referred to as a tumour.
Chemotherapy stops cancer cells from reproducing and spreading throughout the body. Unlike radiotherapy which targets a specific tumour site, chemotherapy works throughout the body. Unfortunately, this means that any non-cancerous cells that are constantly renewing – such as those responsible for our skin, hair, bone marrow and digestive system – are also affected. As a result, there are a range of side effects that may occur with chemotherapy treatment.
Chemotherapy drugs are often administered intravenously through a vein in the hand or arm. However, some people need to have their chemo administered via a PICC line or implantable port. A PICC line is a long, thin silicone tube (IV catheter) that is inserted into the upper arm, with the tip ending at the largest vein in the body. It is usually placed by a specialist nurse under ultrasound guidance. An implantable port is a device surgically inserted under the skin on the chest. PICC lines and ports can stay in your body for long periods of time, making them useful if you are undergoing a lengthy treatment plan. They also mean that blood tests can be performed without a separate needle.
Intravenous chemotherapy must be performed in a chemo unit or hospital, where you may be treated as an outpatient or inpatient. Treatment can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours and most people read, watch TV or relax while having treatment.
An increasing number of chemotherapy drugs, including many of the newer targeted agents, are given by mouth, so you may be prescribed it in tablet form instead. These can be taken at home as directed by your doctor. Regardless of how they’re administered, you’ll need to have regular blood tests to check how well your body is functioning while you are having treatment.
An increasing number of chemotherapy drugs, including many of the newer targeted agents, are given by mouth, so you may be prescribed it in tablet form instead. These can be taken at home as directed by your doctor. Regardless of how they’re administered, you’ll need to have regular blood tests to check how well your body is functioning while you are having treatment.
Side effects of chemotherapy for Follicular Lymphoma
Side effects are a normal and unavoidable occurrence with most medications. Your health care team will review the expected side effects of your particular treatment. Remember that different regimens have different potential side effects, and you may or may not experience them. Common side effects of chemotherapy include:
- Increase risk of infection
- Anaemia and, if severe, associated weakness and breathlessness
- Bruising, bleeding gums and/or nosebleeds if platelet counts are low
- Nausea and/or vomiting (often preventive medications are given)
- Skin rashes
- Tiredness
- Sore mouth
- Hair loss
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Headaches
- Metallic taste
- Diarrhoea or constipation
Tips for managing chemotherapy
If you are having chemotherapy, there are some things that you can do to help manage the effects.
- Drink plenty of water. Being hydrated helps to flush the chemotherapy drugs through your body and can make you feel better.
- Chemo can affect your taste buds, meaning the foods you usually eat aren’t as appealing. Oncologists recommend that you eat whatever tastes good and fuels your body. Many people who have chemo recommend ice lollies and frozen fruit to help eliminate the metallic taste that is a common side effect of treatment.
- Try and take regular walks to keep your circulation moving, your heart healthy and boost your natural endorphins.