When you are receiving chemotherapy, remember that it is not only your tumor cells that are being affected by the drugs. Your body in general – all systems, organs, tissues and cells – is affected. The most worrying thing is the effect of the chemotherapy on your bone marrow.
The Bone Marrow
According to the Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology by Seeley, Stephens and Tate, marrow is "the soft tissue in the medullary cavities of the bone." There are two types of marrow: yellow and red marrow. Yellow marrow, in majority, consists of fat while red marrow consists of blood-forming cells. It is the only site of blood formation in adults. The bone marrow is located at the proximal epiphyses of the limbs or long bones.
The Bone Marrow and Chemotherapy
When you are taking chemotheapeutic drugs, one of the side effects is bone marrow depression. This basically means that all blood components (such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) all go below normal limits. The reason for this is that these drugs target rapidly dividing cells, specifically cancer cells. The problem is the bone marrow is one of the sites in the body that has rapidly dividing cells. The result can be the following below.
Lowered Immunity
It is important not expose yourself to fresh flowers and fresh fruits. Do not allow fresh flowers in your room. If you must eat, fresh fruits, please wash them thoroughly for a few minutes. This is because they contain a lot of microorganisms and allergens. Don't go to crowded places like malls, especially places with centralized air conditioning. With your body defenses down, you're likely to get ill. If you must, at least wear a mask. Most contagious diseases enter via the respiratory system (through inhalation). Always wash your hands. Take vitamin C supplement.
Anemia
When your red blood cells go down, the oxygen-carrying capacity of your cells also goes down, which means you will easily get tired. Have frequent rest periods. Eat a lot of iron-rich foods. Drink your iron supplement as advised by the doctor.
Proneness to injuries
Because your platelets may go down, don't engage in activities where you may be injured. Avoid contact sports for the meantime. Whatever you do, don't take ASPIRIN®. ASPIRIN® has anticoagulating effects which prolongs clotting time. If you're bleeding, it will not immediately stop which is very dangerous if your wound involves organs such as the liver. It might lead to hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock/ circulatory shock (not enough blood is circulated throughout the body).
Olivia Estampador - Olivia Estampador is an aspiring writer and an optimistic nurse. When she isn't busy in her chosen field, she spends time romancing with ...
