During chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells. This may be performed by itself or in conjunction. All types of cancers are not candidates for chemotherapy. It is worth talking to your doctor about other options.
There are many risks involved in chemotherapy. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, decreased appetite, and decrease in red blood cell counts. Some drugs also affect the immune system, making it less effective in fighting infections. Your risk of infection may be reduced by taking antibiotics during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy usually takes place in cycles of several weeks to a few months. The drugs are given through a device that is placed in a vein in the chest or arm. It takes about an hour to complete the treatment. Your doctor can help you to manage side effects.
During chemotherapy, your red blood cells and white blood cells may decrease. This can cause fatigue, weakness and breathing problems. If your blood counts drop too low, you might need a transfusion.
Some chemotherapy drugs can make food taste metallic. Other side effects include dry, itchy, painful, or inflamed mouth, as well as mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, dryness, and mouth odor. Brushing your teeth gently can help to reduce these side effects. You might also need to avoid spicy or acidic foods.
Your peripheral nerves may also be affected by chemotherapy. Some people feel numbness in their feet and hands. The majority of peripheral neuropathy symptoms disappear after treatment. This condition can be a sign of other conditions, so it is important to speak with your doctor about any numbness, tingling, or other symptoms you might be experiencing.
Your oncologist will monitor the long-term effects of treatment. You may need regular blood tests to check your PSA levels and kidney function. These tests will allow your doctor to determine whether chemotherapy is working. You might be able to stop treatment if you suffer from severe side effects.
Side effects of chemotherapy can be very difficult to manage. Follow the directions of your doctor or nurse. Talk with family and friends about your concerns. They can help with side effects.
You may need help at home or work if you're having difficulty with side effects of chemotherapy. You may need to make arrangements to receive food and water, and you may need to find foods that you like. It is also a good idea to cover your head with a scarf. Talk to your oncologist about how you can continue to get regular check-ups.
A bone marrow transplant may be something you should discuss with your doctor. This is often used to treat cancers of the bone marrow. It is not a cure for cancer, but it can help control rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It is safe for women who are pregnant.
FAQ
What does "public", in the context of public health, mean?
Public health is about improving and protecting the health of the entire community. Public Health is about preventing illness, injury, and disability; encouraging good health practices; ensuring adequate food; and controlling communicable disease, environmental hazards, behavioral risks, and other threats.
What is an infectious disease?
An infectious disease is caused by germs (bacteria, viruses, or parasites). Infectious diseases are spread quickly by close contact. Some examples include measles (whooping cough), pertussis, rubella, German measles, chickenpox, strep-thymia, measles (mumps), rubella, whooping cough), pertussis, rubella, chickenpox, strep-thymia, polio, hepatitis A, B, HIV/AIDS and herpes simplex virus.
What should I know about vaccines?
Vaccines provide a very safe and effective way of keeping you healthy. Vaccines provide immunity against certain diseases. Vaccinations are given during the adolescence and childhood. Your doctor will discuss when it is best to get vaccinated.
What are the various types of insurance for health?
There are three main types for health insurance:
-
Private health insurance covers most of the costs associated with your medical treatment. This type of insurance is typically purchased directly through private companies so that you only pay monthly premiums.
-
While public insurance covers the majority cost of medical care there are restrictions and limitations. For example, public insurance will only cover routine visits to doctors, hospitals, labs, X-ray facilities, dental offices, prescription drugs, and certain preventive procedures.
-
You can use medical savings accounts (MSAs), to save money for future healthcare expenses. The funds are stored in a separate account. Many employers offer MSA programs. These accounts do not have to be taxed and can earn interest at the same rate as bank savings.
Statistics
- The healthcare sector is one of the largest and most complex in the U.S. economy, accounting for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.1 (investopedia.com)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- Healthcare Occupations PRINTER-FRIENDLY Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. (bls.gov)
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How to Locate Home Care Facilities
People who need help at home will benefit from the services of home care providers. These include elderly persons who are unable to move independently and disabled people with chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's. These facilities offer services such as personal hygiene, meal preparation and laundry, cleaning, medication reminders, transportation, and so on. They often collaborate with rehabilitation specialists, social workers, and medical professionals.
The best way to find a home care service provider is through recommendations from friends, family members, local businesses, or online reviews. Once you have identified one or more providers, you should ask about their qualifications as well as their experience. It is important to find a provider who can work flexible hours in order to fit your schedule. Check to see if there is an emergency response available 24/7.
Consider asking your doctor for recommendations. If you're not sure where to start, try searching the internet for "home health care" and "nursing house". You could, for example, use websites such Angie's List HealthGrades or Yelp.
You may also call your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Visiting Nurse Service Association (VNA) for additional information. These organizations will keep a list of local agencies who specialize in home care.
Many home care agencies charge high rates for their services. This makes it important to find the right agency. In fact, some agencies charge up to 100% of a patient's income! To avoid this problem, you should be sure to choose an agency that has been rated highly by the Better Business Bureau. Ask for references of previous clients.
Some states require home-care agencies to register with their state's Department of Social Services. To find out what registration requirements your agency must meet, check with your local government office.
You should consider these things when selecting a home care agency:
-
Be wary of any company that asks you to pay upfront before receiving services.
-
Be sure to choose a reliable and established business.
-
Get proof of insurance, especially if you're paying out of pocket.
-
Check that your state licenses the agency you are about to hire.
-
Get a written contract that outlines all costs involved with hiring an agency.
-
Confirm that after discharge, the agency will provide follow-up visits.
-
Ask for a list with certifications and credentials.
-
Don't sign anything until you have read it.
-
Read any fine print carefully.
-
Check if the agency is bonded and insured.
-
Ask how long this agency has been around.
-
Verify that the State Department of Social Welfare licenses the agency.
-
Find out if there have been any complaints about the agency.
-
Call the local government agency that regulates homecare agencies.
-
Ensure that the staff member answering the phone is qualified to answer questions about home care.
-
Talk to your accountant or attorney about the tax implications for home care.
-
For every home care agency you contact, always get at least three bids
-
The lowest bid is the best but you should not settle for $30 an hour.
-
Remember that you may need to pay more than one visit to a home care agency daily.
-
Read everything before signing any contracts.