Most side effects slowly go away after treatment ends because the healthy cells recover over time. The time it takes to get over some side effects and regain energy varies from person to person and depends on many factors, including your overall health and the drugs you were given.

Although many side effects go away fairly quickly, some may take months or years to completely go away. Sometimes the side effects can last a lifetime, such as when chemo causes long-term damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or reproductive organs. Certain types of chemo sometimes cause delayed effects, such as a second cancer that may show up many years later.

Patients often become discouraged about how long their treatment lasts or the side effects they have. If you feel as if you are becoming discouraged, talk to your doctor. You may be able to change your medicine or treatment schedule. If needed, your doctor should be able to suggest ways to reduce any pain and discomfort you have.

Last Medical Review: 03/08/2008
Last Revised: 05/15/2008