Chemotherapy: Before, During, After & Palliative Care

Cancer is a formidable disease that affects millions of lives worldwide. In 2020 alone, over 40,000 cancer diagnoses were made in Malaysia. Chemotherapy, one of the most common treatments for cancer, plays a crucial role in combating this illness. While chemotherapy can be effective, it often brings about various side effects that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

However, advancements in medical research have paved the way for complementary therapies such as hydrogen therapy, which holds promise in improving the chemotherapy experience. In this article, we will delve into what to expect before, during, and after chemotherapy, and explore how hydrogen therapy can enhance this process, providing patients with a more comfortable and supportive journey.

What is Chemotherapy?

Before we can understand how Hydrogen can help you, let’s dive into what chemotherapy is and how it helps you fight cancer.

Coming from the words Chemical and Therapy, Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that involves the use of drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. A systemic treatment is a type of treatment that travels through the bloodstream to reach all parts of your body.

What Comes Before Chemotherapy?

After a cancer diagnosis is made, medical professionals may recommend chemotherapy as a means to treat the cancer. There are a few types of chemotherapy which are considered:

• Curative Chemotherapy

Curative chemotherapy is a treatment that is administered with the goal of completely neutralising the cancer and preventing the recurrence of cancer.

• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Also known as preoperative chemotherapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy refers to chemotherapy drugs that are administered before operations to remove a tumour. This is usually to shrink the tumour to make it more operable.

• Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Adjuvant Chemotherapy is administered after primary treatment programs to prevent or reduce the risk of the return of cancer.

• Palliative Chemotherapy

Palliative Chemotherapy is administered when the cancer is spread throughout the body and the goal behind the treatment is not to cure the patient but to improve their quality of life.

Before beginning chemotherapy, patients undergo thorough assessments and consultations with medical professionals to determine the best treatment plan. This includes:

• discussing potential side effects
• managing expectations
• ensuring patients are mentally and physically prepared.

During Chemotherapy

During chemotherapy, patients receive medications through different methods, such as oral pills, injections, or intravenous infusions.

The treatment works by interfering with the growth and division of cancer cells, but it can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects like hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.

After Chemotherapy

After completing a chemotherapy session, patients undergo regular follow-ups and assessments to monitor the progress of the treatment and manage any ongoing side effects. The duration and frequency of chemotherapy sessions vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual patient's response to treatment.

Palliative Care

Palliative care aims to enhance the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses, including cancer. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and side effects of the disease and its treatments, as well as addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the patient's journey. Palliative care can be offered alongside curative treatments like chemotherapy, providing support and comfort to patients and their families.

Hydrogen Therapy and its Benefits for Chemotherapy Patients

Hydrogen therapy, also known as hydrogen gas therapy or molecular hydrogen therapy, involves the administration of hydrogen gas to the body. This emerging field of research has shown potential in mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy and improving overall well-being.

Studies suggest that hydrogen gas possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help counteract the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by chemotherapy. This, in turn, may reduce the severity of side effects and improve the overall tolerance of treatment.

Moreover, hydrogen therapy has demonstrated the potential in supporting the immune system, promote tissue repair, and enhance overall recovery. By providing a protective effect on healthy cells, hydrogen therapy may help reduce damage caused by chemotherapy, allowing patients to better withstand their treatment regimen.

If you or a loved one is currently undergoing chemotherapy, you can consider Hi-Bliss Hydrogen Therapy as a complementary treatment program to improve your quality of life during your cancer treatment and a means to expedite your road to recovery.

If you are interested in trying out our Hydrogen Therapy, feel free to visit our branches at:

Bangsar Shopping Center

Lot F115C, First Floor,

Bangsar Shopping Centre,

285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya,

59000 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: +6012-687 8922

Starling Mall

S212 Level 2, The Starling Mall,

No 6 Jalan SS 21 /37, Damansara Uptown

47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Contact: +6012-716 8729

Jalan Macalister, Penang

No. 133, Macalister Road

10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Contact: +6012-637 8729

References:

1. Malaysia is seeing a surge in cancer cases | Pantai Hospital.
2. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/chemotherapy/what-chemotherapy
3. Curative, Life‐Extending, and Palliative Chemotherapy: New Outcomes Need New Names
4. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (Preoperative Chemotherapy).
5. adjuvant therapy | National Cancer Institute
6. What’s the Purpose of Palliative Chemotherapy? | Healthline
7. Chemotherapy Side Effects
8. Molecular Hydrogen: A Therapeutic Antioxidant and Beyond
9. Hydrogen, a Novel Therapeutic Molecule, Regulates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis