Chemo

Chemotherapy is a treatment with cell poisons that attack the cells at different stages of development. It destroys the cancer cells, so they cannot divide and the tumor stops growing. There are not one, but many different types of chemo. But they all have in common that they are cell killing drugs (cytostatics) that especially attack cells that divide rapidly – which defines cancer cells. The cell poisons make sure that the cancer cells cannot divide, and in this way they prevent the tumor from growing.

Side effects
Unfortunately, chemotherapy affects healthy cells in the body as well as the cancer cells. The types of cells that divide often are especially exposed. That includes cells in mucous membranes, hair cells, skin cells and cells in the bone marrow. That is why chemo can have side effects such as tiredness, hair loss or nausea. How the body reacts to chemo varies a lot. Most patients – but not all – experience side effects to some degree.

Prevent nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Whether you will experience nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy depends on what chemotherapy drugs you receive, whether you receive other cancer treatments, such as radiation, during your chemotherapy treatment.

Certain chemotherapy drugs are more likely than others to cause nausea and vomiting. Whether a drug will cause nausea and vomiting also depends on the dosage you receive. Some drugs may be less likely to cause side effects at lower dosages. Ask your doctor whether your treatment plan is likely to cause nausea and vomiting.

Most people undergoing chemotherapy receive anti nausea drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting. Your doctor determines which anti nausea medications to use based on your specific situation.

What additional measures can you take to prevent nausea and vomiting? You can take steps to reduce your risk of nausea and vomiting. Things you can do against chemotherapy nausea:

Cancer claims most victims

Heart disease has been the most common killer in Denmark through many years. However recent statistics from Sundhedsstyrelsen show, that cancer is the disease that claims most victims at this point in time.

(Source: Kræftens Bekæmpelse).

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Get your fatty acids

Eat omega-3 - Eat fish once or twice a week that are rich in omega-3 or use vegetable oil in dressings on your salad.