Medical Informative Booklets
Chemotherapy
What you wish to know about Chemotherapy
(General advise)
Professional life
Your treatment may allow you to go on with your professional life. You play a role at work and your work is important for your stability.Do not give in to temptation to put an end to your activities, if you can avoid it. Otherwise, you risk getting bored and moping around.
If, in spite of everything, you feel too tired, you may work part-time. This important step may help you to keep stable and to stay in contact with the outside world.
In some cases, however, it may be necessary to stop professional activities. In this case, enjoy your free moments and dedicate them to your family, to yourself, and to everything you like to do.
Family life
It is very important not to isolate yourself from your family life. Now is the time you need to rely on the people you love and on those who love you. Your close relations are ready to listen to you, if you feel like confiding in them.
If physically you feel less attractive than before, do not worry because anatomy is not everything. Moreover, you have kept, and even improved certain qualities of your personality.
Sexual life
It only depends on your desire and it is not contraindicated, neither for you nor for your partner.
Some of the drugs may influence your sexual desire, but only temporarily. In this case, tell yourself that sexual relations are only one way of showing your partner that you love him.
Other acts like tenderness, respect, sharing, listening, caresses, etc., will prove your partner that you care for him.
If the couple was stable before your disease, it will get out of this ordeal with increased stature.
Sports
If you feel physically fit, try not to change your habits. You can continue to play sports, except for violent sports (boxing, karate, etc.).
For any other sport you only need to be more careful and avoid blows, wounds and chills. It is always recommended to discuss the matter with your doctor.
Anxiety
Many patients are anxious, especially the day before the treatment, which is understandable. However, if you can no longer control your anxiety, talk to your doctor, he will prescribe you something to relax you on the day(s) before treatments.
Hours of sleep
You do not have to sleep a certain number of hours per night. Sleeping hours depend on the individual. Your body is your best indicator. If you feel tired during the day, do not fight against sleep, have a little rest
Drugs
Never forget to inform your doctor of any treatment you are following (vitamins, extracts of plants, etc.).
Dental care
Some dental care (drillings, extractions) may be dangerous during your treatment because of the risk of hemorrhage and infection. If you have to undergo such dental care, inform your doctor and especially your dentist.
Weight
Your doctor will check your weight regularly. It may in fact, increase with certain chemotherapies (especially those that cause an interruption of a woman's period) or decrease with others.
You will get dietetic advice.
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