The side effects of your chemotherapy treatments depend on the type and dose of chemotherapy you are getting, and how your body reacts. Your side effects may be severe, or they may be mild.
Before you begin chemotherapy, talk to your doctor about what drugs you will be receiving and what the usual side effects are. Be sure that you understand the treatment and the possible side effects before agreeing to start chemotherapy.
Most side effects will fade after chemotherapy is over — your cells will have the opportunity to grow and divide normally. Your overall health will also play a part in getting over the side effects. Most people do not have serious long-term problems from chemotherapy. As medicine advances, new drugs and treatments fight cancer more effectively yet do less harm to the body’s healthy cells.
The most common symptom reported by cancer patients is fatigue. Doctors don’t know the exact cause for this feeling of tiredness — it may be due to the disease itself, the chemotherapy, low blood count, sleeping problems, stress, pain, poor appetite, or many other things. You can cope with fatigue in different ways:
- Schedule rest time into your day
- Take several short rests or naps
- Save your energy for important things
- Light exercise (like short walks) may help you feel more energized
- Eat well and drink plenty of water
- Let friends and family take on some of your normal activities
- Talk to your doctor about other ways to fight fatigue
Number two on the side effect hit list is nausea and vomiting. New drugs are making this less of a problem, but different drugs work for different people. Work with your doctor to find the antinausea drug that works best for you. You may need to adjust what and how you eat — smaller meals, slower chewing, eating more dry foods like toast and crackers. Drinking ginger ale or sucking on a peppermint can help settle an upset stomach. If nausea usually comes during chemotherapy, try to avoid eating for a few hours before your treatment. Breathe slowly and deeply when you feel nauseated to help calm things down.
Hair loss is another common side effect of chemotherapy. Your doctor can warn you in advance if hair loss might occur with the drugs you will be taking. Although you can lose hair from all parts of the body, it will grow back. Be gentle with your hair during chemotherapy — use a mild shampoo and a soft brush, avoid dyes and perms, and avoid high heat. Losing your hair can make you feel angry or depressed; keeping in mind that this is only a temporary loss can help.