What to expect after chemo and how long side effects last
The side effects ofchemotherapydiffer from person to person.
Not everyone will experience the same side effects or to the same degree.
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Why Side Effects Happen
Chemotherapy works on active cells.
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Active cells are cells that are growing and dividing into more of the same key in of cell.
Cancer cells are active, but so are some healthy cells.
What Are the Side Effects?
Certain classes of chemotherapy drugs are more frequently associated with side effects.
Common Side Effects
Dry Skin
Chemotherapy agents may induce dryness and peeling of the skin.
Dry skin is extremely common with radiation treatments.
This is because your skin may not have enough time to regenerate healthy cells following the radiation damage.
If your skin is already damaged, such as from sun exposure, these side effects may be worsened.
It is estimated that 95% of those undergoing radiation treatment will experience some form of skin reaction.
Rashes
Rashes appear as discoloration of the skin and can be smooth or flat.
Often, rashes cause irritation such as itching.
Colloidal oatmeal suspensions can be found in a variety of products, such as available in bath soaps.
Studies have demonstrated that colloidal oatmeal can help with skin inflammation.
Some chemotherapies can make you extra sensitive to sunlight.
This is called photosensitivity.
It can mean you become red or burn from the sun more easily.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment.
Stay hydrated and keep up with whole foods.
Nausea
Chemotherapy drugs can trigger thechemoreceptor trigger zone(CTZ), which can cause nausea.
Avoid foods with a strong smell (such as anchovies) and greasy foods.
Eat small meals and rest after each meal.
Consume beverages at room temperature.
Your healthcare provider may be able to help prescribe a medication to help with nausea.
Hydration is very important because nausea may induce vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
Constipation
Constipation happens when bowel movements are infrequent, dry, and hard.
Fiber, stimulant laxatives, or enemas are potential treatments.
Auricularacupressurewas found to be effective in reducing constipation in one study.
Hair Loss
Certain drugs have been deemedmore likely to cause hair lossthan others.
Hormonal therapies are most associated with hair thinning.
Diarrhea
Chemotherapy may damage the cells that line your intestines and cause loose stools.
In certain cases, you may need to have IV therapy for remedial hydration.
Remember the acronym BRAT: It stands for bananas, rice, apples, and toast.
These are foods that are generally well-tolerated by an upset stomach.
Our bodies also have healthy cells which grow rapidly.
When healthy cells are damaged by chemotherapy, side effects often occur.
A number of long-term effects are associated with chemotherapy treatment.
It is important to speak with your oncologist about these concerns.
A respiratory grating is a technique used for left-sided breast cancer that can help mitigate these effects.
Fatigue
Many people feelfatiguedlong after their chemotherapy has finished.
It is important to share this with your provider.
Infertility
Infertility following treatment varies by treatment bang out and dose.
It is important to let your care team know if you want to have children or may want to.
They can discuss options with you, such as sperm preservation, embryo preservation, and freezing eggs.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy may present as numbness and burning in your feet and hands and constipation.
Some drugs that are more likely to cause peripheral neuropathy are docetaxel and paclitaxel.
The medications cisplatin, vincristine, and vinorelbine can also result in peripheral neuropathy.
Hearing Loss
Cisplatin is commonly linked to hearing loss (ototoxicity).
This can result in a decreased ability of your kidneys to filter your blood.
Damage to the bladder can also occur and may be temporary or permanent.
Symptoms of bladder irritation may include pain or urgency with urination, or blood in your urine.
Vision Loss
People on chemotherapy often receive steroids, which can hasten the development ofcataractsin some people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many side effects go away when you are no longer receiving chemotherapy.
For example, a person might experience hair loss as a side effect of chemotherapy.
When the chemotherapy treatment is done, hair can start to regrow within one to three months.
There are medications that can be given to minimize and even prevent many side effects of chemotherapy.
A Word From Verywell
Concerns about side effects prior to beginning treatment for chemotherapy are normal.
There is a wealth of information available on the specific symptoms associated with personal factors and specific chemotherapy agents.
Every treatment path is unique.
Maintaining an optimistic attitude and relying on your support system can help to significantly reduce anxiety.
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