"Silence" to watch out for during chemotherapy. 😱

Many people think that the most painful symptoms of chemotherapy are nausea, vomiting, 🤢 or hair loss, 😢 but in fact, these symptoms, although physically and mentally tired, are not usually life-threatening. What to look out for is "bone marrow pressure," an invisible silence that can lead to severe infections or dangerous bleeding.

1. Know this silence more. 🏥

1) What is bone marrow pressure? ❓

Our bone marrow acts like a hematopoietic factory, 🏭 both erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, but chemotherapy drugs, in addition to destroying cancer cells, also affect this facility, causing a lower blood count than normal.

2) Why is it more dangerous than vomiting? ⚠️

Nausea, vomiting, although suffering 🤢, most often improves within days. The hair loss part does not directly affect life, but the bone marrow pressure is different.

If the white blood cells are very low, 🦠 even a small cold can spread into a severe infection. And if the platelets are low, 🩸 brushing your teeth can bleed non-stop. This is the most worrying condition during chemotherapy.

3) Which range is the most risky? 📅

Generally, after about 1-2 weeks of chemotherapy, the blood level drops to its lowest point. In this period, the body is weakest. 😷 Many people after giving new drugs still feel normal, but after several days, they become tired, exhausted, or feverish, so be extra careful.

2. How to observe and cope 👀

1) Alarm that should not be overlooked 🚨

• Fever, even more than 37 degrees. 🌡️

• Bruises or red spots for unknown reasons

• Scurvy is easier than usual

• Very tired. Walk a few steps and panting. 😮‍💨

These symptoms may be a sign that the blood cells are already too low.

2) Things to watch out for when at home 🏡

• Daily fever temple 🌡️

• Wash your hands with soap. 🧼

• Avoid crowded places

• Fruit should be peeled before eating. 🍎

• Food must always be cooked. 🍲

• Use an electric shaver instead of a blade

• Cut your nails short and avoid snatching your nose or ear.

3) When to rush to the hospital 🚑

• Fever exceeding 38 degrees 🔥

• Fever lasting more than 1 hour

• Non-stop bleeding

• The stool is black or bloody. 🩸

If there are these symptoms, don't wait to see them yourself. You need to be rushed to the hospital immediately.

3. Taking care of yourself in daily life. 💙

1) How to eat safely 🍳🐟🥩

Adequate protein such as eggs, fish and lean meat should be obtained. All foods should always be cooked, 🍲 abstain from raw or yum food first. Fruits should choose peelable types.

2) How to move the body safely 🚶

Can stroll gently, but should avoid crowded places and abstain from strenuous tasks such as lifting heavy objects or doing heavy housework, should use a soft toothbrush and brush sparsely. 🪥

FAQ ❓

Q: Bone marrow pressure precautions?

A: A blood test after chemotherapy 🏥 is the best way to prevent it. Don't wait until there are symptoms and then check it. Because if the blood cells are very low, it will be harder to treat.

Q: Can you eat something to boost leukocytes and platelets? 🍎

A: Diet only supplements nutrition. It clearly cannot increase hematopoiesis. The way it really works is medical treatments such as leukocyte stimulant drugs or platelets. 💉

Although nausea, vomiting and hair loss are clearly visible 🤢😢, "bone marrow pressure" is a more dangerous threat ⚠️, especially during the 1-2 weeks after chemotherapy. If you pay attention to the symptoms, measure the fever every day, and see a doctor when there are abnormal signs, it will help the treatment pass more safely. 💙

# Chemotherapy # Chemo # Cure cancer # Cancer # FUDA Cancer Hospital