I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
Preparing For Chemotherapy
Vickie Armstrong
Many oncologists suggest chemotherapy for cancer patients. Unfortunately, this is not an easy road, and it does not offer a guarantee of health. However, chemotherapy is the best solution available for many patients. If you or a loved one will need to go through this journey, it's important to be as prepared as possible.
Types of Drugs
There are many chemotherapy drugs. The type of treatment you will receive depends on your type of cancer, the stage of cancer, how large the cancer has grown, the location of the cancer, your age, and your health. Types of chemotherapy drugs include:
- alkylating agents - These are drugs that stop cells from developing by damaging DNA. These drugs can possibly cause leukemia in high doses.
- plant alkaloids - These are natural compounds that prevent cell reproduction. This stops the cancerous cells from spreading, but this can also cause nerve damage.
- antitumor antibiotics - These change the DNA inside of cells to prevent them from reproducing. These drugs can adversely affect the heart.
- antimetabolites - These hinder cell development when the chromosomes are being copied.
- topoisomerase inhibitors - These stop topoisomerase enzymes that allow cells to reproduce
Preparing for Chemotherapy
1. Get a ride to and from your appointments
Especially on your first chemotherapy treatment, you won't know how your body will respond to the new treatments. It's best to plan to have a friend or family member take you to and from your first treatment. Be prepared with alternative options if you do decide to take yourself but then decide that you need assistance.
2. Wear comfortable clothing
Chemotherapy can take a long time. For this reason, you want to stay comfortable while you're going through treatment. You also want to wear clothes that give access to the upper arm.
3. Dispose of bodily fluids thoroughly
The drugs from chemotherapy will stay with you for at least 48 hours. These drugs are strong and can be very dangerous for healthy people. Flush your toilet twice after use and be sure to use condoms during sex to prevent spreading the chemotherapy medicine.
4. Prepare for the side effects
The most common and devastating side effects of chemotherapy are hair loss and digestive problems (nausea and diarrhea). Prepare for these side effects by stocking your home with foods that are gentle for the stomach as well as plenty of water. You may even consider buying a wig if hair loss is a problem for you.
To learn more about cancer treatments, check out websites like http://swoncology.net/.
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