Recovery after chemotherapy – rehabilitation in the best clinics

Recovery from chemotherapy varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors, such as the type and dose of chemotherapy drugs used, the length of treatment, and the person`s overall health and fitness level.
Typically, the immediate side effects of chemotherapy may persist for several days or weeks after treatment and may include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and changes in appetite or taste. These side effects can be managed with medication, dietary changes, and other supportive treatments, and usually resolve with time.
There may also be long-term side effects of chemotherapy, such as nerve damage, hearing loss, and an increased risk of infection, which may persist for months or years after treatment. For individuals who have received chemotherapy, it is important to monitor these potential long-term effects and receive appropriate follow-up treatment.
During the recovery period after chemotherapy, it is important to eat a healthy diet, get enough rest and exercise, and manage stress and other emotional problems that may arise. Regular follow-up appointments with the treating physician are also important for monitoring any potential long-term effects of chemotherapy and for monitoring disease recurrence.
It is important to note that recovery from chemotherapy can be a gradual process and people may experience physical and emotional problems during this time. It may be helpful to seek support from family, friends, and healthcare providers, and to join support groups or other resources available to cancer survivors.

Recovery after chemotherapy. How to quickly boost immunity and cleanse the body

Chemotherapy recovery involves restoring the immune system and promoting overall health and wellness. In order to promote the recovery of the body and detoxification of the body, it is necessary to follow the general recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These recommendations include:

• Eating a healthy balanced diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the body with essential nutrients that support immune function and overall health. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. To achieve a clinically significant effect, it is necessary to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining immune function and overall health. You need to sleep at least 7-8 hours every night.
• Fight stress. Stress can have a negative impact on immune function and overall health. Public relaxation methods such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing should be practiced, and if they fail, medical assistance should be sought – psychotherapy, sedatives, sleeping pills and antidepressants, or a combination of them.
• Some supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics, may help support immune function. However, you should take any supplements only after consulting your doctor.
• Some people may benefit from detoxification therapies, such as sauna visits or colon cleansing, to help remove toxins from the body. Such detox methods should also be discussed with your doctor.

How long does it take to feel sick after chemotherapy?

The duration and severity of side effects after chemotherapy depend on various factors and, accordingly, the timing of feeling unwell after it can also vary significantly. However, there are a few general principles that characterize the most common side effects.
Immediate side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, usually appear within hours or days of treatment and may last for several days or weeks. However, some people may experience these side effects for a longer period of time.
There may also be long-term side effects of chemotherapy, such as nerve damage or an increased risk of infection, which may persist for months or years after treatment.

Recovery after chemotherapy at home

Recovery from chemotherapy often involves a combination of medical care, self- help, and support from family and friends. There are many measures that the patient can take at home that can affect the general condition and speed of recovery. These include:

• Strictly following treatment instructions: It is important to take all medications prescribed by your doctor, including any medications to treat side effects or other health conditions.
• Rest and relaxation – it is important to get plenty of rest and give the body time to recover. This recommendation is often neglected, but nevertheless it is of great importance.
• Avoid dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or broth, can help prevent dehydration and improve overall health, such as nausea.
• Following a healthy diet. A balanced and nutritious diet can help support overall health and recovery. The best dietary option is to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, but there may be variations on a case-by-case basis, so it`s important to discuss the diet with your healthcare provider and monitor how you feel based on the type and amount of food you eat.
• Deal with side effects. Side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting can be managed with medication or other treatments. You need to know how to react in the event of the onset of certain side effects and have the necessary drugs on hand.To do this, you need to regularly update the stock of medicines and receive
  prescriptions in a timely manner. Stay active: Light exercise, such as walking or stretching, can help improve energy levels and overall health. Most often, this does not apply to the first 2-3 days of chemotherapy and after it.
• Contact support. Recovery from chemotherapy can be difficult, so it’s important to seek support from family, friends, or a support group. It also makes sense to discuss any emotional or psychological needs for support that have not been fully realized, to discuss with your doctor, psychologist or in thematic communities.
  It is important to attend regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor for any potential long-term effects of chemotherapy and to monitor for cancer recurrence. If any new or worrisome symptoms appear, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

How to quickly remove chemicals from the body?

This question is often asked by patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs are eliminated from the body through the liver and kidneys, which break down and remove the drugs from the bloodstream. The body naturally eliminates chemotherapy drugs from the body over time, usually within a few days to weeks after treatment.
There is no known way to get chemotherapy out of the body quickly, and trying to do so can be harmful. Some detoxification methods, such as a colon cleanse or liver flush, may claim to remove chemotherapy from the body, but these treatments are not supported by scientific evidence and may even be dangerous. Instead, it`s important to support the body`s natural detoxification processes by staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest and exercise, and avoiding exposure to additional toxins. In addition, it should be remembered that chemotherapy drugs have a positive effect on the body, destroying tumor cells, so you should not strive for their premature removal.

What can not be done after chemotherapy?

After chemotherapy, it is important to take certain precautions to support recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Here are some things to avoid after chemotherapy:

• Infection impact. Chemotherapy can suppress the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections. It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of infection, but it is necessary to reduce its risk as much as possible. It is important to avoid contact with people who are sick and practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face. Influence of toxins. Chemotherapy can also make the body more sensitive to environmental toxins, so it`s important to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, household chemicals, and other toxins.
• Excessive physical activity. Chemotherapy can cause fatigue and weakness, so it`s important to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting, which can overwork the body.
• Prolonged sun exposure: Chemotherapy can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is important to avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
• Bad habits. It is important to avoid bad habits, such as smoking, excessive
  drinking, and poor diet, which can negatively affect recovery from chemotherapy.

Restoration of the mucosa after chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can cause damage to the mucous membranes, which can lead to a number of side effects such as mouth ulcers, throat irritation, and gastrointestinal problems. Simple actions can significantly improve the symptoms of mucosal lesions:

• Avoid dehydration: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help keep
  mucous membranes moist and promote healing.
• Use a humidifier and do not abuse the air conditioner. A humidifier can humidify the air and help soothe dry or irritated mucous membranes.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods. Spicy or acidic foods can irritate mucous membranes and worsen symptoms. Instead, it`s best to focus on soft, tender foods that are easy to digest.
• Use mouthwash: Mouthwash can help reduce inflammation and soothe mouth ulcers. Mouthwash should not contain alcohol. Use saline solutions for the nose. A saline solution can help soothe irritation in the nose and sinuses and promote healing of mucous membranes.
• Applying a variety of topical products, such as aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly, can help soothe and protect mucous membranes.

Recovery of blood after chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can interfere with the bone marrow`s ability to make blood cells, resulting in a decrease in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy may take some time, and the recovery time may depend on the patient`s condition and the chemotherapy regimen. Actions that the patient himself can take to improve his condition:

• Follow a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid can promote red blood cell production.
• Take iron supplements: If blood tests show that iron levels are low, iron supplements may be given to support red blood cell production. This happens only when prescribed by a doctor – there is no need to take iron supplements for preventive purposes.
• Take blood cell growth factors: If your white blood cell or platelet count is low, blood cell growth factors may be given to stimulate your bone marrow to produce more cells. These drugs are also prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Avoid infections. chemotherapy can suppress the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections. It is important to avoid contact with sick people and follow the rules of hygiene.
• Monitor blood counts regularly. Regular blood tests can help determine your blood count and identify any abnormalities that may require treatment.

How to raise white blood cells after chemotherapy at home?

No special action is required for this. If the patient is undergoing chemotherapy, his blood counts are monitored by the attending physician. However, some supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, can help support the immune system and stimulate white blood cell production without being harmful.
However, it`s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as some may interact with medications or have side effects.

Restoration of blood vessels after chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can damage blood vessels and affect blood flow, leading to a number of vascular problems. The main actions that can be taken to restore blood vessels after chemotherapy:

• Get regular exercise. Regular exercise improves blood circulation and strengthens blood vessels. If at the moment there is not enough strength for physical exercises, or if they are contraindicated, you should include walks in the fresh air at a comfortable distance in your daily physical activities.
• Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, so it`s important to monitor your blood pressure by measuring it 1-3 times a day. If it is elevated, lifestyle adjustments should be made and antihypertensive medications should be taken if necessary.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase your risk of
  vascular disease, so it`s important to quit smoking, even if it`s hard.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of vascular disease, so it`s important to maintain a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
• Take medications as directed. If medications have been prescribed to treat vascular disease, it is important that you take them as prescribed and see your doctor regularly.

How to restore veins after chemotherapy?

Damage to peripheral veins as a result of chemotherapy is a special separate problem. In order to reduce inflammation and swelling in the damaged area, you must:

• Mechanically protect the affected area. If a catheter or IV port is present, the area should not be touched and must be protected from injury. First of all, care must be taken when lifting heavy objects or performing activities that can lead to overstressing the affected area.
• Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
  Raise the affected limb. If there is swelling in an arm or leg, raising the limb above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can improve circulation and strengthen veins. However, it`s important to talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program after chemotherapy.
• Wear compression stockings. Compression stockings can help improve blood flow and reduce leg swelling.
• Avoid dehydration. Drinking plenty of water can help ensure smooth blood flow and keep your veins healthy.

Recovery of the gastrointestinal tract after chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can damage the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a number of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Few people manage to completely avoid disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, however, following simple simple rules can significantly reduce them:

• Eating a Healthy Diet: Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, and focus on foods that are easy to digest, such as boiled vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids such as water, herbal tea and broth, avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
• Take probiotics. Probiotics can help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut and improve digestion. Both probiotic supplements and probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are a good option.
• Treatment of symptoms. If you have nausea or vomiting, talk to your healthcare provider about anti-nausea medications and other supportive treatments. For diarrhea, focus on low-fiber, easy-to-digest foods and discuss appropriate medications with your doctor.
• Avoid triggers. Foods or activities that cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as spicy foods, large meals, or strenuous exercise, should be avoided.

Recovery of microflora after chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can damage the gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis or an imbalance in the gut microbiome. In different patients, chemotherapy has a different effect on the gut microbiome, some patients do not experience such disorders at all. However, it will be useful for all patients during and after chemotherapy to follow the general rules:

• Follow a healthy diet. A healthy diet can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are especially important for beneficial gut bacteria.
• Probiotics. In the early stages, you can try to do without additives by increasing the consumption of foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. fermented foods. Fermented foods such as kimchi, kombucha, and kefir contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can help restore the microbiota in the gut. Avoid antibiotics whenever possible. Antibiotics can further disrupt the gut microbiome, so they should not be used unless absolutely necessary, however, it is also not worth refusing to prescribe them if necessary, since the benefits of antibiotics in patients undergoing chemotherapy usually outweigh the harm in the event of an infection.
• Cope with stress. Chronic stress can negatively affect the bacteria in your gut, so it`s important to manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and other stress-reducing activities.

Hair restoration after chemotherapy

Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and it may take some time for hair to regrow. Patients should
remain calm and understand that the hair will not grow back for more than a few months, but will not remain permanently. Some recommendations will help slow down hair loss and accelerate hair growth:

• Follow a healthy diet. A healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals can promote hair growth. High protein foods such as lean meats, fish, and legumes can promote hair growth.
• Avoid harsh hair treatments such as colouring, perm or straightening as these can damage the hair and slow down its regrowth. It is better to use mild hair products that do not contain sulfates and other aggressive ingredients.
• Head massage. Massaging the scalp can help improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles.
  Wear a wig or other head covering. If the patient is concerned about hair loss, consider wearing a wig or other head covering until the hair grows back.

Diet Tips After Chemotherapy

After chemotherapy, it is important to focus on a healthy diet, which can help restore strength, manage side effects, and promote overall recovery. It is also very important for patients to have information about products that
will be easier to digest during and after chemotherapy.
There are simple basic recommendations, which, however, turn out to be effective. In order to withstand the period after chemotherapy, it is possible:

• Eat in small portions, but more often;
• Eat foods that are well tolerated by the body, without causing disgust;
• During periods of nausea, consume lemons, limes, mint or mint gum;
• Drink plenty of water, including alkaline mineral waters;
• Take anti-nausea medications in consultation with your doctor.

If these recommendations are not enough, you should contact a professional dietitian to draw up an individual nutrition program. In Ukraine, the doctor who specializes in the recovery of patients after chemotherapy is Dr. Kirilenko Alexandra Evgenievna. It will help you choose a nutrition program that will be absorbed by the body and provide the required amount of calories from a combination of food or with the addition of therapeutic nutrition.

Modern methods of recovery after chemotherapy

It`s about stem cell therapy. Stem cells in chemotherapy treatment have been used for a long time and successfully, their main purpose is to enable the patient to survive the high-intensity chemotherapy. This procedure is called a bone marrow transplant. The essence of the procedure is to destroy all existing cells in the bloodstream of blood cells with the help of chemotherapy, and then restore them with stem cells isolated in advance from patients or taken from a donor with the same blood group, Rh factor and a number of other factors. For bone marrow transplantation, both own stem cells and donor ones are used.
In recent years, the effect of stem cells on the ability to restore blood cells has been studied, not only in such a difficult situation as the need to destroy all blood cells, and positive results have been obtained. Now for patients undergoing chemotherapy, there is a new opportunity to restore blood cells and mucous membranes with the help of stem cell injections. Most often this happens with the help of autologous (cells isolated from one`s own blood), less often with the help of donor ones.
To do this, using a needle with a special cannula, adipose tissue or bone marrow is taken (they can also use cord blood if it was stored after the birth of the patient), stem cells are isolated from this tissue, exposed to a special solution that causes an increase in their number and injected back into the body.
Stem cells, entering the patient`s body under the influence of special signals
received from damaged cells, differentiate into blood cells or mucous membranes, as a result of which the patient`s condition becomes better.

Is it possible to fully recover after chemotherapy?

The degree of recovery from chemotherapy can vary for each person depending on factors such as the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the type of chemotherapy, and the person`s overall health. Although it is not always possible to completely eliminate all side effects and long-term effects of chemotherapy, many people are able to recover and return to their normal activities and quality of life.

For some people, recovery may involve addressing long-term side effects such as fatigue or neuropathy. For others, recovery may include ongoing monitoring and follow-up to ensure the cancer does not return. In some cases, additional treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy, may be required to completely cure the cancer.

Our doctors are specialists

The medical tourism agency MedTour recommends Dr. Kovalchuk (Ukraine) and Dr. Badyin (Serbia) as specialists who have been successfully working with stem cells for both treatment and rehabilitation for a long time.

F.A.Q.

1. What is the cost of rehabilitation after chemotherapy with stem cells?

It depends on the type of stem cells needed for rehabilitation, the number of
injections, the patient`s condition and the location of the clinic. The price can vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

2. How many courses are required for rehabilitation after chemotherapy with stem cells?

This is also an individual matter, but usually 3-4 injections are required.

3. How long to expect before the onset of the first clinical effect in the recovery of the body after chemotherapy with stem cells?

Regarding instantaneous effects – their onset does not occur earlier than in a week, long-term, as a rule, after 1.5-2 months. But the effectiveness of treatment also depends on many factors, and only the attending physician can make predictions about a specific clinical situation.

For more information about stem cell recovery after chemotherapy, please contact a MedTour coordinating doctor for a free consultation.