What are the contraindications during chemotherapy for ovarian cancer?

The taboos during chemotherapy for ovarian cancer mainly include avoiding infection, controlling diet, prohibiting strenuous exercise, using drugs with caution, and prohibiting sexual intercourse, etc. Chemotherapy may cause a decrease in immunity, and patients need to pay special attention to contraindications to reduce the risk of complications.

1. Avoid infection

Chemotherapy will inhibit the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow and lead to a decrease in white blood cells. Patients need to avoid exposure to pathogens. Do not go to crowded places, wear a mask when going out, and wash hands and disinfect frequently. Monitor blood routine regularly and seek medical treatment promptly if white blood cells are found to be low. Avoid contact with pet excrement or raw and cold food to prevent bacterial and viral infections.

2. Control your diet

It is forbidden to eat raw, cold, spicy and irritating foods, such as sashimi, peppers, etc., to avoid irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa. Limit the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods and choose easily digestible high-quality protein such as fish and egg whites. On the day of chemotherapy, you can eat small meals frequently to avoid vomiting caused by taking medication on an empty stomach. Keep the daily water intake at 1500-2000 ml to promote drug metabolism.

3. No strenuous exercise

Symptoms such as fatigue and anemia may occur after chemotherapy. High-intensity exercises such as running and skipping should be avoided. You can choose low-intensity activities such as walking and yoga, no more than 30 minutes at a time. When thrombocytopenia occurs, bumpy exercise is prohibited to prevent continued bleeding. If you experience palpitation and shortness of breath, you need to stop activities immediately and lie down to rest.

4. Use drugs with caution

It is forbidden to take antipyretics, antibiotics and other drugs without your doctor's permission to avoid interactions with chemotherapy drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine tonics need to be evaluated by an oncologist. Some medicinal materials may affect liver and kidney function. The use of painkillers must be strictly followed by the doctor's instructions. Adjusting the dosage on your own may mask changes in the condition.

5. No roommate sex

During chemotherapy, the body's resistance is low, and sexual intercourse may cause reproductive system infections. Some chemotherapy drugs are teratogenic, and strict contraception is required during treatment and within six months after stopping the drug. When vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge occurs, you should promptly inform your doctor for treatment. After treatment, a review is required to confirm that there is no residual tumor before resuming sexual life.

During chemotherapy, you need to maintain a regular schedule and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day. The living environment should be kept ventilated and dry, and the room temperature should be maintained at 24-26 degrees Celsius. Measure and record your weight every week. If your weight drops by more than 5%, you need to seek medical attention. Review blood routine, liver and kidney function and other indicators as planned, and deal with any abnormalities in a timely manner. You can relieve anxiety by listening to music, taking deep breaths, etc., and seek psychological counseling support if necessary.