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Table of Contents

Overview
Patient Presents
History
Second Opinion
Preop Evaluation
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Rehabilitation
Lymphedema
Education
Energy
Concerns
References

Author:

Karen Wingert, MEd, PT, RN

School of Health Professions, University of Missouri-Columbia
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Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy and Radiation


Chemotherapy and/or radiation present as additional treatment options post-surgically.

Both present with side effects including:

  • myelosuppression
  • peripheral neuropathies
  • hair loss
  • anorexia

In Karen's case the drugs of choice were Adriamycin®, Cytoxan®, vincristine and prednisone.

See stage I, II, IIIA treatment options, NCI for additional help.

What are the specific side effects of these agents?

What safety issues need to be addressed by a therapist that may be associated with the side effects of these chemotherapy agents (neuropathy, cardiotoxicity)?

During what time frames are blood values likely to nadir?

What are the implications of myelosuppression?

Previous: Surgery
Next: Rehabilitation

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Last Update: Apr 19 2011