|
|
|
 |
|
| What Are Common Side Effects? |
|
You are not alone if you have questions about side effects. Before
chemotherapy starts, most people are concerned about whether they will
have side effects and, if so, what they will be like. The most common
side effects of chemotherapy include:
- nausea and vomiting
- hair loss
- fatigue
- increased chance of bruising and bleeding
- anemia
- infection
How chemotherapy may affect parts of your body:
- intestinal problems
- appetite and weight changes
- sore mouth, gums, and throat
- nerve and muscle problems
- dry and/or discolored skin
- kidney and bladder irritation
- sexuality and fertility issues due to effects on
reproductive organs
Rules to Remember About Side
Effects
- Every person doesn't get every side effect, and some people
get few, if any.
- The severity of side effects varies greatly from person to
person. Be sure to talk to your doctor and nurse about which side
effects are most likely to occur with your chemotherapy, how long they
might last, how serious they might be, and when you should seek medical
attention for them.
- Your doctor may prescribe medications to prevent some side
effects before they appear.
- Many people have no long-term problems from chemotherapy.
And although side effects can be unpleasant, they must be measured
against the treatment’s ability to destroy cancer.
Revised: 12/09/2005
|
|
|
|
|
