What are Chemotherapy Side Effects?

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Chemotherapy is most often
used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body.

Many different chemotherapy drugs are available. Chemotherapy drugs can be used alone or in combination to treat a wide variety of cancers.

Though chemotherapy is an effective way to treat many types of cancer, chemotherapy treatment also carries a risk of side effects.
Some chemotherapy side effects are mild and treatable, others can cause serious complications.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms include:

Pain, burning or tingling in fingers, toes, hands and feet
Loss of sensation to touch
Difficulty picking things up or buttoning clothes
Weakness, cramping or pain in hands and/or feet
Sensitivity to temperature extremes
Muscle weakness and balance problems
Constipation
Decreased reflexes
Hair loss
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Lump or thickening that can be felt under the skin
Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Persistent cough
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain

Western Medicine Treatment

Common tips and advice:

Save your energy.
Choose the most important things to do each day.
Ask for help.
Balance rest with activity.
Take short naps during the day. Short naps of less than 1 hour are best.
Sleep at least 8 hours every night.
Talk with your doctor or nurse to learn what foods and drinks are best for you.
Wear shoes all the time, to protect your feet.
Blow your nose gently.
Brush your teeth with a very soft toothbrush.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have hard bowel movements or feel constipated.
Be as active as you can.
Try to exercise every day. Even 15 to 30 minutes a day can help give you energy.
Take a walk or ride an exercise bike every day.
Listen to your body. Rest when you feel tired.
Wash your hands well with soap and water.
If you have a catheter, keep the area around it clean and dry.
Get help to remember things.
Ask your nurse or social worker for help to keep track of medicines and clinic visits.
If you are very confused, have someone stay with you. Don't stay home alone.
Use only mild soaps that are gentle on your skin.
Use lotions and creams. Ask your nurse when to use them.
Don't use products on your skin that have alcohol or perfume in them.
Protect your skin from the sun.
Keep your nails clean and cut short. Check with your nurse before you get a manicure.
Wear gloves when you wash the dishes, work in the garden, or clean the house.
Wear loose clothing and shoes that are not too tight.
Raise your feet.
Try not to stand or walk too much at one time.
Stay away from salt.


Adopted from Wei Laboratories, Inc.