Side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of hair, frequent infections, diarrhea, constipation, bruising and bleeding due to a reduced number of platelets, anemia, mouth sores, appetite loss, lack of concentration, memory disorders, insomnia, fertility disorders, and changes in the skin and nails.
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Do radiotherapy and chemotherapy cause menopause?
Query: I was treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy for rectal cancer more than one year ago. Therapy caused menopause. Later I experienced behavioral changes, aggression, and mood swings. When I checked hormones, estrogen was one pg/mL when the reference for menopausal women was up to 28. The other ho... Read Full »
Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com. I just read your query, and from what you have mentioned, it appears that you have premature ovarian failure and the symptoms you are experiencing are due to menopause. This might be due to the chemotherapy and radiotherapy you had taken to treat your rectal carcinoma. ... Read Full »
Can chemotherapy result in new wounds?
Query: Hi doctor, My father had surgery for cancer and subsequent chemoradiation on the cheeks. After that, he developed a wound on the right cheek, which grew into a big hollow wound. Would you please help us? Read Full »
Answer: Hi,Welcome to icliniq.com.The most common causes for a wound at the operated or treated site is - osteoradionecrosis and recurrent cancer. From your description, it seems like the wound is an effect of chemoradiation, more specifically radiation. We call it osteoradionecrosis, a complication of radi... Read Full »
Ulcer present in food pipe. Can Lignocaine hydrochloride be swallowed?
Query: Hello doctor, My father, aged 45 years is going through chemotherapy after a major surgery in which his stomach was removed. He has Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The medication given to him is R-CHOP. Now, it has been 9 days since his second cycle of chemotherapy and he has painful mouth ulcers, one of whic... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. In a patient with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) who is post surgery, chemotherapy can cause loss of appetite. Therefore, Mucaine gel is better and Lignocaine hydrochloride should not be used. It has been observed that swallowing Lignocaine hydrochloride causes nausea and vom... Read Full »
What is the reason for my mother's low platelet count even after transfusion?
Query: Hello doctor, Three weeks ago, my mother was admitted to ER with critically low platelets and hemoglobin. Her hemoglobin has been above 7 g/dL for a week, but her platelet levels have not raised despite daily transfusions (even with HLA cross-matching). Two hours post-transfusion her platelet levels... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern and would be happy to help. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can damage the bone marrow. However, it is temporary and the levels get back to normal after the completion of the cycles. Meanwhile, platelet and red cell infusions are indicated.... Read Full »
What is the advantage of weekly chemotherapy over full dose chemotherapy?
Query: Hello doctor, I would like to know about weekly chemotherapy for Peritoneal cancer of 76-year-old lady. Instead of full dose chemotherapy at 21 days interval, weekly chemotherapy is done at a lower dose to have a less side effects. First chemo charged on her caused severe side effects like dysente... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. The investigations conclude the presence of peritoneal cancer which has characteristics like that of ovary cancer. Most patients are diagnosed at stage III or IV and chemotherapy is the prefer... Read Full »
Does having sex during breast cancer chemotherapy create complications?
Query: Hi doctor, My wife is 34 years old, and she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Last night we had sex without any protection. Currently, she is on chemotherapy. Is it ok to have sex during this treatment period (chemotherapy)? Are there any precautions that need to be taken while having sex so th... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. I suggest you take precautions to prevent pregnancy. In most cases of chemotherapy, ovaries are suppressed, and chances of pregnancy are less. I suggest you use a condom while having intercourse. I hope this helps. Thank you. Read Full »
After my last chemotherapy session for follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, when can I see a dentist?
Query: Hello, doctor, I have recently finished five months of chemotherapy for follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma. How long do I need to wait after my last chemotherapy session to visit a dentist? My current medications include Singulair, Zovirax, Dulera, and Lipitor. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. It is advised to wait at least three to four weeks after chemotherapy for any elective dental treatment. Thank you. Read Full »
What are the risk factors associated with leukemia?
Query: Hello doctor, I have some petechiae. I do not know for how long I am having this. I saw about five doctors, none of them are concerned, but the thing is that it does not go away, and I am scared of leukemia. They did not ask me to do any blood test, and I would like a good and honest answer from yo... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Actually, these tiny spots can be due to allergic reactions, and honestly, I would suggest you not to worry because this is no sign of leukemia or any serious complications. It is just an allergic reaction. Causes can be shaving cream or razor... Read Full »
How is breast cancer usually treated?
Query: Hello doctor, What is the treatment for breast cancer? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Four cycles of AC chemotherapy (A is Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (Adriamycin), and C is Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)) is done two times per week, followed by four cycles of taxol chemotherapy two times per week. After chemotherapy, hormonal therapy is done for five years... Read Full »
Will IVIg injection help to overcome neurological problems due to radiation therapy?
Query: Hi doctor, My mother is suffering from primary breast cancer, and she has brain metastasis. We are taking treatment for the last three years. She underwent so many chemotherapies, radiation, body and brain radiation, surgery, etc. Presently my mother is taking Herceptin and Halaven medicines. My m... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your mother's NCS report, which mentions symmetric sensorimotor radiculoneuropathy (attachment removed to protect patient identity). To be straight, if it is due to radiation and chemotherapy, then IVIg is unlikely to help that much. On the other ha... Read Full »