Scleroderma Treatment: Chemotherapy Isn’t Just for Cancer
When most people think of chemotherapy, they immediately assume that it’s a treatment for cancer. Very few people realize that chemotherapy can also be an effective treatment for people with autoimmune diseases.
Chanel White writes in The Mighty about scleroderma and how she wants to raise awareness of chemotherapy as a treatment for her condition. Chanel wants to educate the world about the other uses of chemotherapy and wants to stress that undergoing chemo doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose all your hair, become infertile and be very sick, although all of those things can and do happen.
Often people suffering from autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma or lupus, find that people don’t believe them when they say they’re undergoing chemotherapy. Being accused of lying is an additional stress that scleroderma patients can really do without, and a little more understanding of what chemotherapy actually entails is needed.
Chanel explains that chemotherapy can be administered in different ways, although most people assume that it’s always done intravenously. Likewise, there are many different types of drugs (and combinations of drugs) used and these have different side effects depending on the type of drug and the dosage.
Many people like Chanel, who are battling scleroderma and lupus, may have to have chemotherapy treatment for the rest of their lives so need support and understanding, not accusations and comparisons.
Discover the reality of living with scleroderma from Crystal Guzman.
Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
About the Author
