Johnson 1

1 of 13

Johnnesha Johnson

English 101-13

Dr. Cassel

09 November 2018. Chemotherapy Effects

Both of my grandparents have been affected by cancer. My grandmother had breast cancer. She

had it surgically removed before once, and it came back a few more times. It caused her to need

radiation and chemotherapy. When she did chemotherapy, it caused her to have hair loss as well

as a sore and weak body. She lost her appetite as well as her taste buds. A lot of things she ate

tasted like nothing. My grandfather had prostate cancer which he got removed surgically but

right now he has bone cancer and something on his brain. This causes him to do chemotherapy as

well. His body is very fragile, and he’s always in pain. Since he does chemotherapy his body is

weak, and he lost his hair as well as his appetite. My grandfather is not doing that well. He has

been doing chemotherapy and experienced more sickness some days it takes a toll on his body.

The most common form of treatment for cancer is chemotherapy; however, the side effects of

chemotherapy can be life changing. For some form of cancers other alternatives may be better

options. Most people don’t know how there are other alternative ways to cure cancer other than

chemotherapy. For example, some other ways to treat cancer are Surgery, Radiation Therapy,

Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Target Therapy, Hormone Therapy, Stem Cell Transplant, and

Precision Medicine. I know chemotherapy isn't as effective as people think by this, I mean that

for everyone chemotherapy does not always work, and it can be more damaging than curing for

the body.

A lot of people do not know there are alternative ways to cure cancer besides chemotherapy. One

of the ways are surgery the doctors can remove a small amount of normal tissue all around the
 Johnson 1
2 of 13

cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, the surgeon may also remove lymph nodes close to the

tumor. The lymph nodes are examined to see if they have cancer cells in them if they are not

removed and contain cancer cells in them, the cells may form new tumors or spread to other parts

of the body.

FIGURE 1: The effects of Chemotherapy

In the diagram above it shows what chemotherapy does to the body long term and short-term during

treatment (Rise Earth)

A second alternative to cure cancer is Radiation therapy it kills cancer cells or slows their growth

by damaging their DNA. This does not kill the cancer cells right away. It takes days or weeks of

treatment before DNA is damaged enough for cancer cells to die. (“Types of Cancer treatment”).
 Johnson 1
3 of 13

A third alternative to cure cancer is immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts the body's natural

defenses to fight the body or to improve or restore immune system function. (“Types of Cancer

treatment”).

A fourth alternative to cure cancer is targeted therapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that

uses drugs or other substances to more precisely identify and attack cancer cells. This is a

growing part of the treatment for many types of cancer. (“Types of Cancer treatment”).

A fifth alternative to cure cancer is hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that slows or stops the

growth of cancer that uses hormone to grow. (“Types of Cancer treatment”).

A sixth alternative to cure cancer is a stem cell transplant this helps you recover your ability to

produce stem cells after treatment with very high doses of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or

both the stem cell transplant may work against cancer directly. (“Types of Cancer treatment”).

A seventh alternative to cure cancer is precision medicine is an approach to patient care that

allows doctors to select treatments that are most likely to help patients based on a genetic

understanding of their disease. (“Types of Cancer treatment”).

There are DNA-Damaging Agents in Chemotherapy which means that DNA integrity which is

when small amounts of free DNA circulate in both healthy and diseased human plasma/serum(In

blood, the serum is the component that is neither a blood cell, nor a clotting factor includes all

proteins not used in blood clotting and all the electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, hormones) and

increased concentrations of DNA are present in the plasma of cancer patients. This is critical for

proper cellular function and rapid increase in numbers. If damaged DNA cannot be properly

repaired cell death might occur. Cancer cells have relaxed DNA damage that sense/repair their

capabilities. They can ignore cell cycle checkpoints which are control mechanisms in cells which
 Johnson 1
4 of 13

ensure proper division of the cell, allowing the cells to achieve rapid increase in number rates.

This makes cells more likely to DNA damage replicating damaged DNA and this increases cell

death to be more likely. (“DNA- Damaging agents in cancer chemotherapy”).

Some of the Side effects of medical cancer therapy Prevention and Treatment. The process and

effects of what chemotherapy does for the body it acts as a primary treatment to destroy cancer

cells, before another treatment to shrink a tumor, after another treatment to destroy any

remaining cancer cells and to relieve symptoms of advanced cancer. Some of these drugs are

taken Orally by mouth as a pill or liquid, intravenously (Intravenous therapy (IV) is a therapy

that delivers liquid substances directly into a vein) by infusion into a vein, topically as a cream

on the skin, injection and Direct placement via a lumbar puncture or device placed under the

scalp. Types of chemotherapy are Antitumor antibiotics chemo treatments made from natural

products produced by species of the soil fungus Streptomyces which is the largest genus of

Actinobacteria. These drugs act during multiple phases of the cell cycle and are considered cell-

cycle specific. Organized by organ system, it will list the toxicity, side-effects and measures of

prevention regarding to each type of drug used in cancer therapy. Chemotherapy is the use of

anticancer drugs designed to slow or stop the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body.

Individualized chemotherapy options while acting to control a situation rather than just

responding to it after it has happened to manage the side effects. When chemotherapy drugs

travel through the bloodstream to reach cells throughout the body, it's known as systemic

chemotherapy; when chemotherapy drugs are directed to a specific area of the body, it's called

regional chemotherapy. Regional chemotherapy is usually used to cure breast cancer, ovarian

cancer, and prostate cancer. (“How is chemotherapy given”).

 Johnson 1
5 of 13

Oncologist choose regional or systemic administration based largely on the kind and stage of the

cancer that’s being treated and the kinetics of the drug. Most types of cancer have four stages,

stages 1 to 4. Some cancers also have a stage 0. This stage describes cancer in situ, which means

“in place.” Stage 0 cancers are still located in the place they started and have not spread to

nearby tissues. This stage of cancer is often highly curable, usually by removing the entire tumor

with surgery. Stage1This stage is usually a small cancer or tumor that has not grown deeply into

nearby tissues. It also has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. It is often

called early-stage cancer. Stage 2 and Stage 3 in general, these two stages indicate larger cancers

or tumors that have grown more deeply into nearby tissue. They may have also spread to lymph

nodes but not to other parts of the body. Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system, a

component of the body's immune system Swollen lymph nodes may signal an infection. There

are several groups of lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped, soft nodules of tissue. Stage 4

This stage means that the cancer has spread to other organs or parts of the body. It may also be

called advanced or metastatic cancer. (“Stages of cancer”).

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells to new areas of the body often by way of the lymph

system or bloodstream. A metastatic cancer, or metastatic tumor, is one which has spread from

the primary area where it started into different areas of the body. Central nervous system tumors

or brain tumors. Because cancerous brain tumors do not normally spread outside the brain and

spinal cord, only the "T" description of the TNM system applies. The TNM Classification of

Tumors is a globally recognized standard for classifying the extent of spread of cancer system.

No single staging system exists for central nervous system tumors. The AJCC (American joint

committee on cancer) does not include childhood cancers in its staging system. Doctors stage

most childhood cancers separately according to other staging systems that are often specific to
 Johnson 1
6 of 13

the type of cancer. Organization best known for defining and popularizing cancer staging

standards. Cancers of the blood does not describe leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma

since they usually do not form solid tumors. Each blood cancer has a unique staging system.

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, Leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming tissues

stopping the body's ability to fight infection, Myeloma Is a cancer of plasma cells

(“Classification of Tumors”).

Non-epithelial is the seventh most common cancer in women and is responsible for the greatest

numbers of gynecological malignancy which is the state or presence of a malignant tumor

cancer. Ovarian tumors account for approximately 10% of all ovarian cancers. Malignant germ

cell tumors occur mainly in young women whereas the most common type of sex cord-stromal

tumors, granulosa cell tumor, occurs more often in middle age and in postmenopausal women.

Non- epithelial ovarian cancer is responsible for 15% of all ovarian cancers. Non- epithelial is

Soft Tissue Tumors. This is a term for nonepithelial tumors that arise from cells of non- skeletal

tissue including peripheral nerve tissue which is the nervous system outside the brain and spinal

cord. Nonepithelial cancers of the ovary are uncommon. They include a cancerous growth of

germ cell origin, sex cord-stromal cell Stromal cells are connective tissue cells of any organ

origin, metastatic carcinomas a cancer arising in the epithelial tissue of the skin or of the lining

of the internal organs. A variety of extremely rare ovarian cancers, such as sarcomas which is a

tumor that occurs in the bones and soft tissues. and lipoid cell tumors. The main reason that

cancer is so serious is its ability to spread in the body. Cancer cells can spread locally by moving

into nearby normal tissue. Cancer can also spread regionally, to nearby lymph nodes, tissues, or

organs. Metastatic cancer has the same name as primary cancer. The liver, lungs, lymph nodes,

and bones are common areas of spread or metastasis. Even when cancer spreads to a new
 Johnson 1
7 of 13

location, it is still named after the area of the body where it started. For example, a person with

breast cancer that has spread to the bones is known to have breast cancer with bone metastases.

(“Nonepithelial ovarian cancer”).

The Incidence and Severity of Self-Reported Chemotherapy Side Effects in Routine Care. This is

about Chemotherapy side effects and how they are often reported in clinical trials. With cancer

treatment the term cancer clinical trials appear frequently also called research studies. Cancer

clinical trials test many types of treatment such as new drugs, new approaches to surgery or

radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods. Cancer clinical trials are the

first step in testing a new treatment in humans and their goal is to find better ways to treat cancer.

There is little evidence about their incidence in routine clinical care. The purpose of these cancer

clinical trials is to provide an opportunity to learn more details about the treatment. Once the

treatment portion of the clinical trial has been completed, patients can continue to be followed in

order to gather information regarding specific endpoints. These endpoints are defined prior to the

study being started and may include time to disease progression and/or overall survival. They

conduct a prospective group study of individuals with breast, lung or colorectal (relating to or

affecting the colon and the rectum) cancer undergoing chemotherapy. (“Managing chemotherapy

side effects”).

Side effects were identified by patient self-report the frequency, commonness and incidence rates

of side effects were calculated by cancer type and grade, and cumulative incidence for each side

effect calculated. People being treated for cancer frequently experience a range of physical,

psychological and social problems associated with chemotherapy that can reduce quality of life.

Chemotherapy drugs are constantly evolving and while for some cancer types the regimens used

will have become increasingly aggressive over time, with greater potential toxicities and related
 Johnson 1
8 of 13

problems, for other cancers they will have become less so. Some between center variations in

commonness of treatment‐associated problems may be explained by differences in treatment

regimens used and drugs such as anti‐emetics (a medicine or other substance that causes

vomiting) used for management of their side‐effects. Different socio‐demographic

(characteristics of a population) characteristics and patient expectations may also play a part in

variations. (“Incidence and severity of self-reported chemotherapy side effects in routine care”)

FIGURE 2: What causes chemotherapy side effects

In the diagram above it shows what the side effects of chemotherapy causes to the body

internally. (mesothelioma guide)

The fifth topic I learned about Is Understanding and Managing Erectile Dysfunction in Patients

Treated for Cancer. This is about how Cancer can cause sexual effects by direct and indirect

pathways. It can involve sexual organs, indirectly affect body image, or cause fatigue or

depression with subsequent effects on libido which is sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction (ED),

the inability to obtain or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse, can also result

from adverse effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, pain, or anxiety about therapy
 Johnson 1
9 of 13

Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, and radiation can all cause sexual adverse effects.

Additional factors that play a role include patient age and degree of ED before starting cancer

treatment. During chemotherapy, fatigue or other side effects including effects on hormonal

levels may decrease your interest in sex. Some men experience a loss of desire for sex, an

inability to achieve or maintain an erection, inability to reach orgasm or have a change in orgasm

(duration, intensity or dry ejaculation), experience pain during sex or just do not find sex

pleasurable. Sexuality is an important factor in quality of life for many men it is important to

know that these concerns are not uncommon from chemotherapy. (“Understanding and

Managing erectile dysfunction in patients”).

Some of the other parts of the patient's body that is affected is the brain, for example if you feel

a little foggy when your treatment is done, you might have a touch of chemo brain. You may

notice that you find it hard time to concentrate or remember names and dates. You may also

forget things easily or have trouble doing more than one thing at a time. Doctors aren't sure of

the exact cause of chemo brain. It seems more likely to happen if you had higher doses of

chemotherapy. Certain chemo drugs can damage cells in your heart. Chemotherapy may also

increase your odds of having heart problems, such as Weakening of the heart muscle which is

cardiomyopathy. Problems with your heart rhythm could occur this is known as arrhythmia and

you could also experience a Heart attack from chemotherapy. During and after chemotherapy

patient's hair will be affected if you lost some or all your hair after chemo, it will typically start

to grow back in a month or two. But it's possible that at first it may not look like it used to Its

texture, shape, and color may be different. Over time, as the effects of the chemo on your hair

follicles wear off, your hair will probably go back to the way it was before treatment. In rare

cases, such as after years of strong chemotherapy, your hair follicles could shut down. This can
 Johnson 1
10 of 13

prevent new hair from growing, and you may become permanently bald. Some types of chemo

can make you put on extra pounds. after treatment and during treatment patients also experience

change in weight. You may find that the weight stays on even when your treatment ends. For

instance, some drugs that treat breast cancer can cause you to lose muscle and gain fat, which

makes it much more difficult to get the weight off. (“How chemotherapy affects your body after

treatment").

I learned that the topic chemotherapy has more meaning than just being a cure for cancer. I now

know that the alternatives can be more effective than chemotherapy and that chemotherapy is

damaging to the body more than just patients experiencing losing their hair and fatigue. I know

now that chemotherapy damages other parts of the body like your organs and can damage

patients emotionally and physically. My grandmother has been affected from chemotherapy and

radiation she lost her hair all over her body like eyelashes, eyebrows as well and hair on other

parts of the body. Some of the things she experienced with chemo caused her diet to change she

now has a gluten allergy which causes her to have a limited food selection. When doing

radiation, she received lots of dark spots on her breast as well as the different stages of doing

chemotherapy she now receives things to help so she wouldn’t be as sick and tired. She now has

neuropathy which has something to do with the functioning of her nerves. This causes pain in her

feet and hands from having to receive chemotherapy which causes her to take a lot more

medicine.
 Johnson 1
11 of 13

Works Cited

“How chemotherapy affects your body after treatment". WebMD, 2 November 2016.

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/post-chemo-body-changes#1, Accessed 09 November

2018.

“How is chemotherapy given”. Chemo Care, 2002. http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/what-

is-chemotherapy/how-chemotherapy-is-given.aspx, Accessed 09 November 2018.

“Incidence and severity of self-reported chemotherapy side effects in routine care”. NCBI, 10

October 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5634543/, Accessed 09

November 2018.

Break, Jonathan S. “Nonepithelial ovarian cancer”. NCBI, 2003.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK13342/, Accessed 09 November 2018

 Johnson 1
12 of 13

John Wiley & sons. “Classification of Tumors”. UICC, 2017.

https://www.hoofdhalskanker.info/wpavl/wp-content/uploads/TNM-Classification-of-

Malignant-Tumours-8th-edition.pdf, Accessed 09 November 2018.

Cheung-Ong, Kahlin.” DNA- Damaging agents in cancer chemotherapy”. Science Direct, 23

May 2013 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1074552113001312, Accessed 09

November 2018.

“Managing chemotherapy side effects”. Chemo Care, 2002.

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/what-is-chemotherapy/how-chemotherapy-is-

given.aspx, Accessed 09 November 2018.

“Stages of cancer”. Cancer. Net, 03 November 2018. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-

care/diagnosing-cancer/stages-cancer. Accessed 09 November 2018.

“Types of Cancer treatment”. National cancer institute, 06 April 2017.

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types, Accessed 09 November 2018.

Voznesensky, Maria. “Understanding and Managing erectile dysfunction in patients”. NCBI, 12

April 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015452/, Accessed 09

November 2018.

Whalen, Jeanne. “Making Chemo More Tolerable.” Wall Street Journal - Online Edition, 28

June 2016, p. 1. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.wittenberg.edu/login?

URL=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=116412750&si

te=ehost-live.
 Johnson 1
13 of 13

Pearce, Alison, et al. “Incidence and Severity of Self-Reported Chemotherapy Side Effects in

Routine Care: A Prospective Cohort Study.” PLoS ONE, vol. 12, no. 10, Oct. 2017, pp.

1–12. EBSCOhost, doi: 10.1371/journal. Pone.0184360.

Lorusso, Domenica, et al. “Patients’ Perception of Chemotherapy Side Effects: Expectations,

Doctor-Patient Communication and Impact on Quality of Life - An Italian Survey.”

European Journal of Cancer Care, vol. 26, no. 2, Mar. 2017, p. n/a-N.PAG. EBSCOhost,

doi:10.1111/ecc.12618.

Dicato, Mario editor. “Side effects of medical cancer therapy: Prevention and Treatment”.

London; New York, 2013.

Johnson, Carolyn. Personal interview. 31 October. 2018.

"What causes Chemotherapy side Effects”. Mesothelioma Guide, 13 August 2018.

https://www.mesotheliomaguide.com/treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects/, Accessed 09

November 2018.

“The side effects of chemotherapy on the body”. Rise earth, 13 August 2018.

https://www.riseearth.com/2016/03/the-side-effects-of-chemotherapy-on-body.html,

Accessed 09 November 2018.