Heart problems. These are most often caused by radiation therapy to the chest and/or chemotherapy, especially if the drugs doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) were used. People age 65 or older and those who received higher doses of chemotherapy have a higher risk of heart problems that may include inflammation (swelling) of the heart muscle, congestive heart failure (a condition where the heart has difficulty pumping blood), or heart disease.
Lung problems. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the chest may damage the lungs. Cancer survivors who received both chemotherapy and radiation therapy (for example, a person who has received both treatments for abone marrow/stem cell transplant) may have a higher risk of lung damage. Some of the drugs that are more likely to cause lung damage include bleomycin (Blenoxane), carmustine (BiCNU), prednisone (multiple brand names), dexamethasone (multiple brand names), and methotrexate (multiple brand names). The late effects may include the following:
- A change in how well the lungs work
- Thickening of the lining of the lungs
- Inflammation of the lungs
- Difficulty breathing
People with a history of lung disease and older adults may have additional lung problems.
- Cancer.net Editorial Board
- Cancer.net Editorial Board
Commentary :
I feel that people over the age 65 that recieve chemotherapy should have other ways to become safer from the negative effects caused by it. This just gives people a faster reason to die when they are not ready. People want to enjoy their lives and live it, even if they have cancer. Lung problems should be avoided because doctors should do more research on creating a different approach other than chemo and radiation therapy. This makes me feel that what if one day I find out I have cancer, chemotherapy is one thing i would not want to go through because as well as helping me get well, it can also help kill me.
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