Chemotherapy Side Effects: Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to common questions about chemotherapy side effects.
How will I feel during chemotherapy?
In the process of attacking cancer cells, chemotherapy
drugs may harm healthy cells, such as blood cells and cells in the mouth, stomach, intestines, esophagus and hair follicles. This harm to healthy cells is what causes side effects, and side effects might cause unpleasant feelings.
Chemotherapy affects individuals differently. Some people do not experience side effects, and others do. How you will feel may depend on the type of cancer you have, the kind of treatment you are receiving, and your overall health at the beginning of treatment.
Many people who receive chemotherapy may feel more tired then usual but are able to maintain their normal schedules. It is suggested that a friend or family member drive you to and from chemotherapy treatments, especially if you are taking additional medication for chemotherapy side effects, which might make you sleepy.
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What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy side effects, and the severity of side effects, vary from person to person. Most side effects disappear once treatment has stopped. Common side effects of chemotherapy may include the following:
- Hair loss
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain (mouth sores, headaches, muscle pain, shooting pains in fingers or toes)
- Increased chance of developing infection
- Fatigue
- Lower than normal blood cell count (such as anemia
and neutropenia
)
- Fluid retention (swelling in feet, hands, abdomen or face)
- Changes in skin (redness, itching, dryness)
- Changes in nails (cracking, darkening, yellowing)
Speak with your doctor about which chemotherapy side effects you may experience and how they may be managed effectively. There are medications available that may help prevent some chemotherapy side effects.
Remember to give your doctor a list of all medications you take (including over-the-counter
medications), as they may affect your chemotherapy treatment.
For more information about specific coping tips, please visit Coping Tips: Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects.
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