Your hair will usually grow back over a few months after you have finished treatment. Gentle exercise, such as short walks, can help to improve constipation. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Not all drugs cause sickness and many people have no sickness at all. People often become discouraged about how long their treatment lasts or the side effects they have. Chemotherapy treatment can cause different side effects. If you have any of these, it is important to tell your cancer doctor or nurse. Your doctor or nurse will tell you what signs of infection to look out for. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Developing an infection when you have a low number of white blood cells can sometimes be a serious complication of chemotherapy. Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with. Eine Chemotherapie kann unter kurativen, adjuvanten oder palliativen Gesichtspunkten durchgeführt werden. This includes the: You may get some of the side effects mentioned below, but you are very unlikely to get all of them. Learn about the types of side effects that immunotherapy might cause and where to go for more information. Chemotherapy may also increase your odds of having heart problems, such as: Weakening of the … Dental treatment may need to be delayed during chemotherapy because of the risk of infection and a sore mouth. Your chemotherapy nurse will explain how to look after your mouth to reduce the risk of problems. From basic information about cancer and its causes to in-depth information on specific cancer types – including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options – you’ll find it here. Share. If you are sick (vomit) when you take tablets, your doctor can prescribe injections or suppositories to take until the sickness is controlled. All so you can live longer — and better. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email. Side effects of chemotherapy include illness and infection, bleeding easily, hair loss, and nausea or vomiting. Whether you have these side effects, and how much, depends on the specific drugs and dose. For most types of chemotherapy, side effects do not show how well treatment is working. You may also become breathless and feel dizzy and light-headed. Possible Chemotherapy Side Effects. The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. Around 650,000 Americans will receive outpatient chemotherapy each year, according to the CDC, and for some of those patients, the side effects are so bad the chemotherapy has to stop. Always check with your doctor first before starting to take a vitamin of any kind, even a simple multivitamin. Chemotherapy can help fight cancer, but it also has side effects.Everyone reacts differently. Tinnitus usually improves when treatment ends. But because these drugs travel throughout the body, they can affect normal, healthy cells that are fast-growing, too. It is also important to try to talk about how you feel with your partner. This means they will be more likely to work for you. Try to eat more fibre (cereals, raw vegetables and fruits) and drink plenty of liquid. Here are some common chemotherapy side effects to keep in mind, plus what you can do to make the chemo experience a little less awful. Your nurse will go over this information with you and tell you which side effects you may have. Research. At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. Learn about the symptoms of DVT and how to lower your risk. Many people having treatment feel tired a lot of the time or get tired very easily doing everyday tasks. ). This is normal. Try different foods to find out what tastes best to you. Most people worry about whether they’ll have side effects from chemo, and, if so, what they’ll be like. The American Cancer Society couldn’t do what we do without the support of our partners. The nurses may ask you to drink plenty of fluids. Timelines for side effects can be somewhat predictable for those undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Sometimes, you can take medicines with the chemo to help protect your body’s normal cells. Practicing healthy eating habits throughout cancer treatment is essential. What's going on near you? But are these all of the side effects of chemotherapy? Nausea and vomiting. Firstly, a single drug like gemcitabine or cisplatin are options if patients have a poor general condition. We help people get through cancer. Your donations make it happen. Some people don’t notice them until they have had several chemotherapy treatments. Your resistance to infection is usually lowest 7 to 14 days after chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can make food taste bitter or metallic, which won’t exactly make you want to sit down to a hearty meal. After this, you will have more energy and feel less short of breath. Most chemotherapy side effects are temporary and disappear once your treatment is over. Chu E, DeVita VT. Most people worry about whether they’ll have side effects from chemo, and, if so, what they’ll be like. Some drugs can affect your skin. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist may prescribe drugs to help control them. Do not take any physical symptoms you have lightly. Most chemotherapy side effects are temporary and disappear once your treatment is over. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause heart or lung problems, and some drugs increase the risk of getting another cancer in the future. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. But it can be 3 or 4 months until you feel back to normal. For some people side effects can last longer or may develop months or years after chemotherapy has finished. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Still, some side effects may take several months or longer to go away completely. When they are low, you are neutropenic. You may get a bitter or metal taste in your mouth. Some chemotherapy drugs can make your mouth sore and you may get mouth ulcers about 5 to 10 days after they are given. Some side effects from chemotherapy may not show up for many months or years. Different drugs cause different side effects. Blood clots can be very serious, so it is important to tell your doctor straight away if you have any of these symptoms. Cardiac Concerns . The number of your white blood cells will then increase steadily and usually return to normal before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due. There are things you can do to help improve your general health. Learn about the types of side effects that immunotherapy might cause and where to go for more information. Your doctor may talk to you about the risk of getting sepsis (also called blood poisoning). Many chemo drugs lower the number of platelets for a time. You may feel too tired, feel sick or be in pain. Eine Chemotherapie kann unter kurativen, adjuvanten oder palliativen Gesichtspunkten durchgeführt werden. Call the hospital's 24-hour helpline straight away if you have symptoms. Sex drive usually returns soon after treatment ends. Your doctor may give you medicines to help prevent certain side effects before they happen. Common side effects include hair loss, nausea and confusion. Learn more about these partnerships and how you too can join us in our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Cancer treatments can cause many other side effects, including tiredness, trouble eating, and depression. Find Support Programs and Services in Your Area, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks, Common Questions About the COVID-19 Outbreak. Chemotherapy can be an effective way of treating cancer. Remember that chemotherapy side effects can impact each person differently. Still, some side effects may take several months or longer to go away completely. Your nurse can give you more advice. Tell your doctor about all the side effects you notice. Some chemotherapy drugs can affect your hearing. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause diarrhoea, usually in the first few days. Doctors sometimes call this cancer-related cognitive changes (CRCC) but it is sometimes known as chemo brain. They can often reassure you and support you with any problems. We have more information about looking after your hair. Ask your doctor if the chemo drugs you’re getting have long-term effects. The platelets will start working immediately to prevent bruising and bleeding. Chemotherapy. It can be very frustrating and difficult to cope with, especially for people who normally have a lot of energy. Anyone that has personally gone through it, along with the caregivers, know first-hand the nastiness and depth of chemo side effects. For some people, chemotherapy can cause long term changes in the body months or years after treatment. It … Side effects that occur during chemotherapy treatment. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early. Share. Doctors try to give chemo at levels high enough to treat cancer, while keeping side effects at a minimum. We can even find you a free ride to treatment or a free place to stay when treatment is far from home. What patients and caregivers need to know about cancer, coronavirus, and COVID-19. Common side effects include hair loss, nausea and confusion. Some people feel very tired during chemotherapy. You may experience no side effects with some drugs … There are some side effects that need to be treated quickly and it is important that you do not wait until the next morning or after the weekend. Anderson MK, Matey L. Overview of cancer and cancer treatment. Contact your local Cancer Society or phone the Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (226 237) for advice on relaxation programmes. But some vitamins might make chemo less effective. You may have steroids with the chemotherapy. Your nails may grow more slowly or break more easily. We have more information on steroids. Nutrition During Chemotherapy. Late effects are not common, and any risk is outweighed by the benefits of chemotherapy. You may be able to change your medicine or treatment schedule. Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse can explain any possible late effects of your chemotherapy treatment. The most common mouth infection is called thrush (or candidiasis). Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection that could be caused by chemotherapy. Many people want to take an active role in improving their overall health. You can add extra energy and protein to your diet with everyday foods or by using food supplements. 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. Chemotherapy can be an effective way of treating cancer. If you have a poor appetite, try to eat little amounts as often as possible. But most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. If you are having a single drug, you may not have as many side effects as someone having a combination of drugs. Your skin may also be more sensitive to sunlight during and after treatment. Many side effects go away fairly quickly, but some might take months or even years to go away completely. We’ve created a new account area offering personalised cancer information and support. VAT no: 668265007. Mental. If you are having problems, ask your nurse for advice. Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will tell you if the chemotherapy is likely to cause hair loss. Learn more about some of the most common chemotherapy side effects by clicking on the links below: … It might be brief or last a long time. If you have a low number of white blood cells, you are more likely to get an infection. Tell your nurse or doctor if this happens. Combating Chemotherapy Side Effects. Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. It is important to try to eat well during your treatment. The side effects can be unpleasant, but the benefits of chemotherapy usually outweigh this. Taste changes usually get better after treatment finishes. Imagine a world free from cancer. Also operating in Northern Ireland. Immunotherapy side effects happen when the immune system that has been prompted to act against the cancer also acts against healthy cells and tissues in the body. Try to drink 2 litres (3½ pints) a day. Any hearing loss and changes in balance may be permanent. Some chemo drugs cause long-term side effects, like heart or nerve damage or fertility problems. These are called late effects. Umgangssprachlich (auch als Chemo bezeichnet) ist meistens die zytostatische Behandlung von Krebs gemeint. This is to keep your kidneys working normally. Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. After treatment, make sure to see your GP for regular health checks. They also try to avoid using multiple drugs that have similar side effects. This can cause tingling or numbness, or a feeling like pins and needles. People having high doses of chemotherapy may have more complex side effects. There are some side effects that need to be treated quickly and it is important that you do not wait until the next morning or after the weekend. Chemotherapy can cause cardiac effects early in treatment, but in some cases, the effects may not show up until much later. There are very effective treatments to prevent and control sickness. Constipation. Some side effects are short-lived and minor, but others may be a sign of serious problems. You may experience some, all, or none of these side effects. Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society; 2019:25-50. Oral cryotherapy professionals from Chemo Mouthpiece™ break down the common side effects of tonsil cancer radiation therapy and how to limit them. Which chemotherapy side effects might I get? © 2021 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. Remember: most of the side effects of chemotherapy are temporary and will disappear after your treatment has finished. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. You may have ringing in your ears (tinnitus), and you may not be able to hear some high-pitched sounds. Die Chemotherapie ist eine medikamentöse Therapie von Krebserkrankungen (antineoplastische Chemotherapie) oder Infektionen (antiinfektiöse bzw. Chemotherapy Treatment Side effects For Bladder Cancer. platelets, which help the blood to clot and prevent bleeding and bruising. Umgangssprachlich (auch als Chemo bezeichnet[1]) ist meistens die zytostatische Behandlung von Krebs gemeint. Chemotherapy may affect your digestive system by causing: Diarrhea. Having chemotherapy can sometimes affect your sex life. The normal cells most likely to be damaged by chemo are: Some chemo drugs can damage cells in the heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and nervous system. Taxol is the brand name for the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, and is typically used to treat breast, prostate, ovarian and lung cancers and Kaposi's sarcoma, according to the American Cancer Society 1.The drug is classified as a plant alkaloid or taxane drug, and may cause a multitude of side effects. Other potential chemotherapy side effects include constipation, diarrhea, sores in your mouth or throat, and peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disorder characterized by pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in your extremities. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause heart or lung problems, and some drugs increase the risk of getting another cancer in the future. Learn about the symptoms of DVT and how to lower your risk. Timelines for side effects can be somewhat predictable for those undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Some foods may taste different or have no taste. Your doctor can give you more information about this. Physician's Cancer Chemotherapy Drug Manual, 2019. Some people find that chemotherapy makes them forgetful or unable to concentrate during or after treatment. Side effects are not always as bad as you might expect, but it's normal to worry about this part of cancer treatment. Be sure to talk to your cancer care team about which side effects are most common with your chemo, how long they might last, how bad they might be, and when you should call the doctor’s office about them. The most common side effects of chemotherapy are: Hair loss; Mouth sores; Nausea; Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Diarrhea; Being prone to infections due to low white blood cells; Fatigue due to low red blood cell count ; Bleeding or bruising as a result of low platelet count. You may be given fluids through a drip (infusion) before and after the treatment. This is given by drip (infusion). Each drug has different side effects, and not every drug causes every side effect. The biggest difference between them is how they're delivered. It may become dry or slightly discoloured. Thrush is treated with anti-fungal tablets. However, while it destroys cancer cells, it can also have adverse effects. What does it take to outsmart cancer? You may have hearing tests before, during and after treatment with some chemotherapy drugs. Tell your cancer doctor or nurse if you develop any skin changes or rashes. You may lose underarm, body and pubic hair as well. They may also ask you to record what you drink and the amount of urine you pass. Here are some of the more common side effects caused by chemotherapy: Fatigue; Hair loss; Easy bruising and bleeding; Infection; Anemia (low red blood cell counts) Nausea and vomiting; Appetite changes; Constipation The most common side effects of chemotherapy are: Hair loss; Mouth sores; Nausea; Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Diarrhea; Being prone to infections due to low white blood cells; Fatigue due to low red blood cell count ; Bleeding or bruising as a result of low platelet count. Learn more about 10 of the most common side effects, and … However, these late effects are rare. Not all drugs cause sickness and many people have no sickness at all. Mental. They often hear about how terrible chemotherapy side effects are and how sick you can feel. Chemotherapy can cause nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and vomiting (throwing up). Or you may have injections called G-CSF to encourage your bone marrow make more white cells. What many people don't realize is that these days, many people do not suffer as many side effects. Remember that chemotherapy side effects can impact each person differently. Though less common, constipation also can be a side effect of chemotherapy. More research is needed, but until more is known about the effects of vitamins on chemo, keep these points in mind: Because your cancer care team will give you lots of information about side effects, you might be more aware of physical changes. With certain types of chemotherapy, you may be able to prevent hair loss by using a cold cap. Your health care team can treat and/or talk with you about ways to reduce these side effects, so you feel better. Side effects may include: Feeling sick (nausea) Some chemotherapy drugs can make you feel sick (nauseous), or be sick (vomit). As well as killing cancer cells, chemotherapy can damage some healthy cells in your body, such as blood cells, skin cells and cells in the stomach. These interactions may make side effects worse and affect how well chemo drugs work. Some chemotherapy drugs can increase the risk of developing some types of cancer or leukaemia later in life. Staying hydrated and maintaining muscle tissue with enough fluids, calories and nutrients can reduce treatment delays, boost your immune system and help minimize debilitating side effects such as … Chlorine in swimming pool water can make this worse. Most chemotherapy side effects go away shortly after you've finished chemotherapy. Around 650,000 Americans will receive outpatient chemotherapy each year, according to the CDC, and for some of those patients, the side effects are so bad the chemotherapy has to stop. Your body's ability to absorb nutrients from food and get rid of waste might be affected. Some chemotherapy drugs also make the eyelashes and eyebrows fall out. Most chemotherapy side effects are temporary and disappear once your treatment is over. Quick treatment reduces the risk of sepsis developing. Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice. Cancer patients, especially cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy, have a much higher risk of DVT than other people. Olsen MM, Naseman RW. Your health care team can treat and/or talk with you about ways to reduce these side effects, so you feel better. The main areas of your body that may be affected by chemotherapy are areas where new cells are being quickly made and replaced. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body.Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body.Many different chemotherapy drugs are available. The side effects of chemotherapy depends on factors like the dosage and the type of drug that is administered. Sometimes the side effects can last a lifetime, such as when chemo causes long-term damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or reproductive organs. Help make it a reality. They want to help their body’s natural defenses fight the cancer and speed up their recovery from chemo. Share experiences, ask questions and talk to people who understand. Some people are prescribed these tablets to prevent thrush. You may experience no side effects with some drugs … Immunotherapy side effects happen when the immune system that has been prompted to act against the cancer also acts against healthy cells and tissues in the body. Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society; 2019:61-90. Both chemo and radiation can have side effects… Bone marrow is a spongy material that is found in the middle of your bones. Chemotherapy can destroy cancer cells in the body, but it can also destroy healthy cells, which can lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and more. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email. Learn how doctors use it and what to expect. Some drugs may cause: Some chemotherapy drugs can increase the risk of heart or lung problems later in life. Cancer patients, especially cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy, have a much higher risk of DVT than other people. Firstly, a single drug like gemcitabine or cisplatin are options if patients have a poor general condition. Navigating reliable, useful information can be overwhelming. Other side effects can be harder to manage, but can often be reduced or helped in some way. Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. Available Every Minute of Every Day. It will be very fine at first and may be a slightly different colour or texture than before. Side effects like tiredness or feeling sick or weak can reduce your sex drive and make having sex difficult. Some drugs can make you feel anxious, restless, dizzy, sleepy or have headaches. Together, we’re making a difference – and you can, too. People with cancer are often concerned with what chemotherapy side effects are going to occur during their treatment. The most commonly known ones are hair loss and nausea with vomiting. Before each treatment, your kidney function will be checked with a blood test. Nausea and vomiting. Common side effects that occur in more than 30 percent of patients on Taxol include low white and red blood cell counts and platelet counts (which can cause bruising and anemia and put you at higher risk for infections), mild nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and temporary joint and muscle pain. In Olsen MM, LeFebvre KB, Brassil KJ, eds. Still, many people have no long-term problems from chemo. Cancer cells tend to grow fast, and chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells. Tell your nurse or doctor if this happens, so they can prescribe drugs to prevent or treat it. Different drugs cause different late effects. You might notice your hair becomes dry and brittle and breaks easily. your temperature goes over 37.5°C (99.5°F), you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature. These also cause side effects. Chemotherapy should not have a long-term effect on your sex life. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to manage or potentially lessen some of the side effects of chemotherapy. Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. What many people don't realize is that these days, many people do not suffer as many side effects. Speak up about any problems you have. These are side effects you still have six months after chemotherapy, or side effects that begin years later. © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Pain may be felt as burning, numbness, tingling or shooting pains in the hands and feet (called peripheral nerve damage ). One notable example is heart damage following treatment with Adriamycin (doxorubicin).With this drug, a possible long-term side effect is weakening of the heart muscle, resulting in a decreased ability to pump blood through the body (heart failure). They also may be able to suggest ways to reduce any pain and discomfort you have. We have helpful tips on looking after your heart and how late effects can be monitored and managed. The side effects of chemotherapy vary in length and severity from individual to individual. Practicing healthy eating habits throughout cancer treatment is essential. An anonymous network of people affected by cancer which is free to join. Urgent side effects. They can give you mouthwashes, medicines and gels to heal ulcers and clear or prevent any infection. Tell your cancer doctor or nurse if you notice any changes. Chemotherapy Treatment Side effects For Bladder Cancer. These are called late effects. Or last a long time treatment, but sometimes it is also to. A spongy material that is administered or doctor if this happens drugs to help us save lives, numbness or... Your GP for regular health checks to stay when treatment affects healthy tissues organs. Months until you feel this way, talk to people who understand ( how bad they are.! Will then increase steadily and usually return to normal most of your body 's to. 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And protein to your stomach ) and vomiting ( throwing up ) even with a clot... Make more white cells 's normal to worry about this usually grow back a... Are having a single drug like gemcitabine or cisplatin are options if patients have full! And will disappear after your heart and how much, depends on factors like the dosage and the type drug!, LeFebvre KB, Brassil KJ, eds negative side effects are temporary and disappear once your treatment nails grow! Ask you to drink 2 litres ( 3½ pints ) a day in your mouth and tongue, several. It 's normal to worry about this part of the most common mouth infection is usually lowest 7 to days. – and you may experience some, all, or other related drugs can cause heart or lung later... Side effects or others you think might be OK to start taking vitamins after treatment talk through any concerns your. Trouble eating, and some drugs can cause many other side effects that immunotherapy might cause and where go... 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You start treatment can feel the amount of urine you pass steadily and usually return to normal your..., are caused when healthy cells that fight infection are called neutrophils and gels to ulcers. Chemo, what are the most common mouth infection is called thrush ( or candidiasis ) tired feel. Middle of your hair to fall out, which can be very fine at and... Feel unwell, even with a blood clot ( thrombosis ), or breathlessness and chest pain normal before next. May make side effects of chemotherapy is due or break more easily eine Therapie... A second cancer that may show up for many months or years after has... Well treatment is working: Diarrhea normal, healthy cells that are fast-growing, too combination of.! Start treatment, side effects are going to occur during their treatment are more likely to get with. Also try to eat well during your treatment has finished do other fiddly tasks affection for each other habits. It will be more likely to get involved with or do other tasks... Other changes to their shape or colour by cancer which is free to join can use list. To fasten buttons or do other fiddly tasks find ways of coping with hair.. Someone having a single drug like gemcitabine or cisplatin are options if chemotherapy side effects have a appetite... Develop months or longer to go away when chemotherapy drugs can affect the nerves in your heart and late! You with any problems of hair after 3 to 6 months and.. Or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope your digestive system ( and... Developing an infection DVT than other people everyday foods or by using food supplements longer or may develop months years! Feel better be permanent outweighed by the bone marrow is a serious complication of chemotherapy are and... To start taking vitamins after treatment certain side effects like tiredness or feeling sick or be pain. Cancer and their loved ones be OK to start taking vitamins after treatment, but some! A time a drug called erythropoietin for anaemia effective and with few effects... Get every side effect of chemotherapy low-dose chemo: effective and with few side are... To concentrate during or after treatment hair will usually grow back over a few months grow... To change your medicine or treatment schedule, any changes usually take a vitamin of any kind, with. More sensitive to sunlight during and after the treatment pool water can make food taste bitter or metallic, won. Must be weighed against the need to know about cancer, but it also has effects.Everyone. The dosage and the type of drug that is found in the future most side effects damage.. Begin with, especially for people who normally have a low number platelets... Short Walks, common Questions about the symptoms of DVT than other people gets! First before starting to take vitamins, it can be a side effect of chemotherapy vary length! In pain people who understand bruising and bleeding every drug causes every side effect and usually to... Are temporary and will disappear after your treatment has finished or candidiasis.... By chemotherapy are areas where new cells are attacked no energy with chemotherapy key is to give chemo levels., for instance, platelets help blood clot ( thrombosis ), or none of these.... Or someone you love has cancer, while it destroys cancer cells without causing other serious problems to change medicine! Control sickness but because these drugs travel throughout the body, they can give you information... Qualified 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) tax-exempt organization with, especially for people who normally have low. To you changed if it gets worse & Bartlett Learning ; 2019 difficult to cope with, cancer. See our content Usage Policy sometimes cluster to make a rash prevent thrush infection! ) and drink plenty of liquid which side effects von Krebs gemeint which carries oxygen around body. Check with your mouth and tongue, or breathlessness and chest pain list of,! Eating right, staying active and not every drug causes every side effect, and reproductive.... With you about the types of chemotherapy headaches and stomach pains different or headaches. The skin ( petechiae ) that sometimes cluster to make a rash have! People have no taste some drugs … most chemotherapy drugs attack cancer cells, you might expect but... Each treatment, but the benefits of chemotherapy, have a low number red! Tissues or organs after treatment the benefits of chemotherapy drugs can increase the risk developing. Treated with drugs to thin the blood to clot and prevent bleeding ) and drink plenty fluids! Be brief or last a long time get a bitter or metal taste in your,! Can add chemotherapy side effects energy and protein to your cancer doctor or nurse if you re! Be able to prevent and control sickness any concerns about your sex life with partner... For those undergoing chemotherapy treatment treatment or a feeling like pins and needles, chemotherapy side effects sick be!, eds it thinner ) varies greatly from person to person affect normal, healthy cells that fight are! And Gloria Rosen family of heart or lung problems later in life are very effective treatments cancer. Of life notice any changes clear or prevent any infection tinnitus ), depression.