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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, or simply chemo, is the control or treatment of a disease with the use of chemical agents. It works by slowing or preventing the growth of cancer cells, which which develop and multiply rapidly.

500 Questions

Can chemotherapy kill you?

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Asked by Wiki User

Chemotherapy is a treatment used to kill cancer cells or to stop them from growing and multiplying. While chemotherapy can have significant side effects and complications, it is not typically intended to kill the patient.

However, chemotherapy drugs can be potent and may cause severe side effects due to their effects on rapidly dividing cells in the body, which include both cancerous cells and some healthy cells. Some common side effects of chemotherapy include:

Nausea and vomiting: Chemotherapy can affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Fatigue: Many people undergoing chemotherapy experience fatigue and tiredness.

Hair loss: Chemotherapy can cause hair loss on the scalp as well as other parts of the body.

Weakened immune system: Chemotherapy can suppress the bone marrow's ability to produce white blood cells, increasing the risk of infections.

Anemia: Chemotherapy can reduce the production of red blood cells, leading to anemia and fatigue.

In some cases, chemotherapy can lead to complications severe enough to potentially be life-threatening, such as severe infections, allergic reactions to chemotherapy drugs, or damage to vital organs.

While chemotherapy can be challenging, it is often a necessary treatment for many types of cancer and can be life-saving or life-prolonging. The decision to undergo chemotherapy is typically made after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks, and it is closely monitored by healthcare professionals to manage side effects and complications.

It's essential for individuals undergoing chemotherapy to communicate openly with their healthcare team about any concerns or side effects they experience during treatment. This allows for appropriate management and support throughout the chemotherapy process.

Cancer does it always kill?

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Asked by Messyjessi1994

Cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, but it does not always result in death. Whether cancer is fatal or not depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, the effectiveness of treatment, and individual factors such as age and overall health.

Here are some key points to consider:

Type of Cancer: Some types of cancer have a higher mortality rate than others. For example, some skin cancers are highly treatable, while certain lung or pancreatic cancers have a lower survival rate.

Stage at Diagnosis: The stage at which cancer is diagnosed plays a crucial role. Cancers that are detected at an early stage when they are localized and have not spread are often more treatable and have a better prognosis.

Treatment: Advances in cancer treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, have significantly improved outcomes for many cancer patients. Effective treatment can lead to remission or cure in some cases.

Individual Factors: A patient's age, overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions can influence their ability to tolerate treatment and recover from cancer.

Prognosis: The prognosis for cancer patients can vary widely. Some individuals with cancer go on to live cancer-free for many years, while others may have recurrent cancer or experience a less favorable outcome.

Palliative Care: In cases where cancer is not curable, palliative care can be provided to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide emotional support.

Is chemo cancer?

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Asked by Wiki User

theres no such thing as chemo cancer but chemo (chemotherepy) is a treatment for cancer

Why do people vomit after chemotherapy?

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Asked by Wiki User

because the drugs change the body and it's functions

Is Atenolol used for tremors?

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Asked by Wiki User

Atenolol is an off-label drug prescribed for essential tremor. Currently, there is no FDA approved drug for this movement disorder. There are other treatment options, including other off-label drugs and Deep Brain Stimulation.

What are the side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy?

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Asked by Wiki User

fatigue and easy bleeding and bruising. Damage to intestinal cells leads to a loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Mouth sores and hair loss also are common side effects of chemotherapy.

What Sounds like tor-a-fur chemotherapy?

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Asked by Wiki User

The answer is Ftorafur! Took me forever to figure that one out!

What is the purpose of chemotherapy treatment?

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Asked by Wiki User

A step to cure disease especially in Cancer through chemical substances

What are some effects of chemotherapy on a developing fetus?

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Asked by Wiki User

the child could be possibly be born with birth deficts

What is dexamethasone?

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Asked by Wiki User

It's the Generic name for the Brand name Decadron, a chemotherapy drug.

Can you drink alcohol while on chemo?

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Asked by Wiki User

A person should not drink alcohol when taking chemotherapy. The weakened state of the body can prevent it from eliminating the alcohol from the system as quickly. it can also interfere with how well the chemotherapy works.

How much chemo can your body take?

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Asked by Wiki User

it costs about $20 - 50,000,000

Who should not be around patients receiving chemotherapy?

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Asked by Wiki User

People with contagious diseases. Chemo weakens the body's resistance to disease- you can get sick very easily.

Why does chemotherapy make you so tired?

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Asked by Wiki User

Chemotherapy can only attempt to target cancer, but all other cells are affected by chemotherapy, including cells in the bone marrow (developing red blood cells) and the blood.

Your doctor should be watching for anemia and offering solutions if you are anemic.

How do chemotherapy drugs leave the body?

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Asked by Wiki User

Russell Portenoy, M.D.: It is important to distinguish the direct effects of chemotherapy as it circulates in the body from the long-term effect that can continue after the body has eliminated the chemotherapy through normal metabolic pathways. Most chemotherapy is eliminated from the body fairly quickly, and the fatigue that patients experience after treatment is a prolonged effect that continues long after the chemotherapy is gone. A person should not assume that feeling fatigued means that the chemotherapy is still in the body. As we said before, fatigue has many possible causes and the experience of severe fatigue should be evaluated so that these causes can be identified and treated.

What does it mean to have chemo brain?

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Asked by Wiki User

It's an expression used for the rather foggy response of the brain due to the effects of chemotherapy. It wears off after the course is complete.

Thats not True! The Wearing off part) I had treatment a year ago,& I still suffer from it & so do Alot of people

Go look for yourself O the American Cancer Society Wbste! It hangs aroun!

What is the icd 9 code for chemo induced nausea and vomiting?

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Asked by Wiki User

You would need two codes for this. The first is 995.29 complications of chemotherapy(antineoplastics) and the second is 787.01 nausea with vomiting. unless it is just nausea then it would be 787.02, vomiting alone with no nausea is 787.03, hope this helps!!