After Effects of Cancer Treatment

United States
January 24, 2016 1:42pm CST
You’re probably familiar with the immediate effects of certain cancer treatments, the hair loss and nausea, that come with chemo, or the skin changes brought on by radiation. But, what cancer survivors need to be on the lookout for, are long term, or late, side effects. I am a cancer survivor who refused chemotherapy and radiation after surgery and I am still here after six years. It was my personal decision and each person has to make their own decisions. Not all cancer patients are the same. SURGERY Lyphodema following breast cancer surgery. I did not have this. CHEMOTHERAPY Decreased heart function Altered brain function (chemo brain) Infertility Premature menopause Osteoporosis Risk of developing secondary cancers RADIATION (depending on the area targeted) Cavities and tooth decay Skin sensitivity Thyroid problems Osteoporosis Lung issues Decreased heart function Bladder, bowel and sexual problems Risk of cancer
5 people like this
4 responses
Patsie Hatley
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Jan 16
wow I did not realize there were so many scaye side effects Im learning soething new here every day
2 people like this
paigea
@paigea (35678)
• Canada
24 Jan 16
Certainly those were all explained to my late niece before she underwent treatment. And surgery pain that lasts for a long time even years is another one.
1 person likes this
marcyaz
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
24 Jan 16
I had radiation for lung cancer and have recently found out I have a lot of scar tissue that they are keeping a close watch on. With my breathing problems this is not a good thing but I am still around.
Judy Story
@jstory07 (134448)
• Roseburg, Oregon
24 Jan 16
That is good that you are a survival and that is a good thing.
1 person likes this
Alice Henry
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
24 Jan 16
Yes, officially, they say, you can call yourself a survivor after five years. I'm still here, but I'm not suffering any of the after effects of chemo or radiation, because I did not submit to have those treatments. It was my decision and some people did not think it was the right decision, but I do.