While these drugs are powerful enough to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, they also can harm healthy cells. This may cause a number of side effects. The severity of these side effects depends on your overall health, age, and type of chemotherapy.
Common side effects of chemotherapy
Different drugs cause different side effects. Certain types of chemotherapy often have specific side effects. But each person’s experience is different. Tell your doctor about all the side effects you notice. For most types of chemotherapy, side effects do not show how well treatment is working. But they can for some types of drugs called targeted therapies. Below is a list of common side effects of traditional chemotherapy.
Fatigue. Fatigue is feeling tired or exhausted almost all the time. It is the most common side effect of chemotherapy. Learn about how to cope with fatigue. Pain. Chemotherapy sometimes causes pain. This can include: Headaches Muscle pain Stomach pain Pain from nerve damage, such as burning, numbness, or shooting pains, usually in the fingers and toes
Sexual and reproductive system
Chemotherapy drugs are known to alter hormones in both men and women. In women, hormonal changes can bring on hot flashes, irregular periods, or sudden onset of menopause. You may experience dryness of vaginal tissues that can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful. The chance of developing vaginal infections also increases. Many doctors do not advise getting pregnant during treatment. While some women may become temporarily or permanently infertile as a side effect, chemotherapy drugs given during pregnancy may also cause birth defects. In men, some chemo drugs can harm sperm or lower sperm count. Like women, men can have temporary or permanent infertility from chemo. While symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and hormonal fluctuations may interfere with sex drive in both men and women, many people on chemotherapy are still able to have active sex lives.
Reduced number of blood cells
Chemotherapy can reduce the number of blood cells made by the bone marrow. Bone marrow is a spongy material that is found in the middle of your bones. It makes special cells called stem cells which develop into the different types of blood cells: white blood cells, which fight and prevent infection red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body platelets, which help the blood to clot and prevent bleeding and bruising. You will have regular blood samples taken to check the number of these cells in your blood (called a full blood count).
Losing your hair
Some chemotherapy drugs cause all or most of your hair to fall out, which can be very upsetting. There are lots of ways you can cover up, if you choose to, such as using wigs, hats, turbans, scarves or bandanas. With certain types of chemotherapy, you may be able to prevent hair loss by using a cold cap. Hair loss usually starts within a few weeks of starting chemotherapy or, very occasionally, within a few days. You may lose underarm, body and pubic hair as well. Some chemotherapy drugs also make the eyelashes and eyebrows fall out. Your hair will usually grow back over a few months after you have finished treatment. It will be very fine at first and may be a slightly different colour or texture than before. You will probably have a full head of hair after 3 to 6 months. To begin with, you should try to look after the condition of your hair.
Diarrhoea
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause diarrhoea, usually in the first few days. Tell your nurse or doctor if this happens. They can prescribe medicine to help. Make sure you drink plenty of liquid to replace the fluid you are losing with diarrhoea. Try to drink 2 litres (3½ pints) a day. Sometimes, diarrhoea can be more severe. It is important to contact the hospital if this happens. If you have more than 4 episodes of diarrhoea a day, contact the hospital on the telephone numbers you have been given and speak to a doctor or nurse.
Mouth problems
Chemotherapy can cause different mouth problems, such as a sore mouth, mouth ulcers or infection. Your chemotherapy nurse will explain how to look after your mouth to reduce the risk of problems. Some chemotherapy drugs can make your mouth sore and you may get mouth ulcers about 5 to 10 days after they are given. Mouth ulcers can become infected or you may develop an infection in your mouth. The most common mouth infection is called thrush (or candidiasis). It shows as white spots on your mouth and tongue, or your tongue and mouth lining become red and swollen. Thrush is treated with anti-fungal tablets. Some people are prescribed these tablets to prevent thrush. Always let your doctor or chemotherapy nurse know if you have mouth ulcers, or any problems with your mouth. They can give you mouthwashes, medicines and gels to heal ulcers and clear or prevent any infection. It is a good idea to see your dentist before you start treatment. Dental treatment may need to be delayed during chemotherapy because of the risk of infection and a sore mouth.
