What are the main side effects of chemotherapy?
Here’s a list of many of the common side effects, but it’s unlikely you’ll have all of these.
- Tiredness. Tiredness (fatigue) is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy.
- Feeling and being sick.
- Hair loss.
- Infections.
- Anaemia.
- Bruising and bleeding.
- Sore mouth.
- Loss of appetite.
What is the most common type of side effect with chemotherapy drugs?
What are common side effects of chemo?
- Fatigue.
- Hair loss.
- Easy bruising and bleeding.
- Infection.
- Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Appetite changes.
- Constipation.
What are the side effects of chemo tablets?
Some of the most common side effects of oral chemotherapy are:
- trouble sleeping.
- fatigue.
- general weakness.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- a loss of appetite.
- diarrhea.
- weight loss.
What is the most serious side effect of chemotherapy?
Low blood cell counts is the most common and most serious side effect of chemotherapy. When it happens, the dose of chemotherapy is adjusted right away or chemotherapy may have to be stopped temporarily. A low white blood cell count (neutropenia or leukopenia) increases the risk for infection.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation?
What Are Common Side Effects of Chemo and Radiation?
- Fatigue. Tiredness (fatigue) is the most common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiation.
- Pain.
- Mouth, Gum, and Throat Sores.
- Gastrointestinal Problems.
- Skin Changes.
- Weight Changes.
- Hair Loss.
- Kidney and Bladder Problems.
How long do chemo side effects last?
Nausea, vomiting, and taste changes You may experience nausea (feeling like you might throw up) and vomiting (throwing up) after your last chemotherapy treatment. It should go away in 2 to 3 weeks. Your appetite may continue to be affected due to taste changes you may have experienced during your treatment.
Is chemotherapy Safe?
Chemotherapy is strong medicine, so it is safest for people without cancer to avoid direct contact with the drugs. Oncology nurses and doctors may wear gloves, goggles, gowns or masks because they are exposed to chemotherapy drugs every day.
Are chemo side effects permanent?
Most chemotherapy side effects are temporary and disappear once your treatment is over. For some people chemotherapy can cause long term changes in the body months or years after treatment. Many people feel more tired than usual for a long time after chemotherapy treatment.
When can you stop chemo?
Cancer treatment is at its most effective the first time that it’s used. If you’ve undergone three or more chemotherapy treatments for your cancer and the tumors continue to grow or spread, it may be time for you to consider stopping chemotherapy.
What are side effects of radiation?
Specific side effects of radiation therapy that affect parts of the body
- Headaches.
- Hair loss.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Hearing loss.
- Skin and scalp changes.
- Trouble with memory and speech.
What are 3 effects of radiation?
Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness”). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Can you kiss after chemo?
Chemotherapy can be found in saliva and vaginal secretions for 48-72 hours after treatment. During this time, do not do open-mouth kissing and use a condom or dental dam for oral sex or intercourse (vaginal or anal) so that your partner is not exposed. (This includes IV and oral chemotherapy).
Why do doctors stop chemotherapy?
If you’ve undergone three or more chemotherapy treatments for your cancer and the tumors continue to grow or spread, it may be time for you to consider stopping chemotherapy.