Neuroblastoma
Stage 4
Ovarian
Cancer
Warnings
Pancreatic
Cancer
Symptoms
Kidney
Cancer
Symptoms
Brain
Tumor
Symptoms
Bladder
Cancer
Symptoms
Cancer Information Tips :: Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy Side Effects: The Most Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Custom Search
Chemotherapy side effects make up an incredibly long list because the type of therapy being offered differs depending on the cancer.
Thankfully, most side effects go away after the treatments stop, but in some rarer cases there can be long-lasting side effects.
Appetite changes, fatigue, pain, fluid retention and anemia are all well-known chemotherapy side effects. But there are also other side effects that target specific body functions.
Hair Loss
Along with vomiting and nausea, hair loss is among the most commonly known chemotherapy side effects. Hair loss can be slow or fast and it can be partial or complete.
It is different from patient to patient and with the different chemotherapy treatments.
Hair loss can include eyebrows and eyelashes as well as all other body hair. While it is one of the most physically painless side effects of chemotherapy, it can be one of the most psychologically damaging.
Kidneys & Bladder
Many drugs can have adverse affects on your kidneys or bladder, and that includes the drugs used for chemotherapy. Your doctor may ask for urine or blood samples to evaluate kidney function before beginning chemotherapy.
Some of the side effects on your bladder and kidneys include either the frequent need to or inability to urinate, painful or burning urination and blood in the urine. You may also experience fever or chills because of the irritation to these organs.
Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of fluids and incorporating more liquids into your diet - including things like soup, yogurt and ice cream - will help with urine flow.
Muscles & Nerves
Some of the side effects that involve your nervous system and muscles may include loss of balance or clumsiness, weak or sore muscles, shaking, trembling, and pain in your feet and while walking. Pain in your stomach or jaw, as well as hearing loss could develop as well.
Some of the chemotherapy side effects in muscles or nerves may seem like symptoms of other diseases or medical problems, so it is important to consult a doctor if any chemotherapy side effects appear. In some cases, additional pain medication can be given to a patient.
Sexual Organs
Chemotherapy can affect a cancer patient's sex life. They can cause both temporary or permanent infertility in men and women. Chemotherapy can also have an effect on women's menstruation periods and cause side effects similar to menopause.
It is incredibly important for both men and women to consult with their doctor to discuss their chemotherapy. Side effects can always be a symptom of another disease, so don't ever ignore them.
See also:
All Site Articles for Cancer Information Tips
Custom Search
Learn about alternative cancer treatments that could save your life with
Natural Cancer Treatments That Work
Order Online
24 Hours a Day
7 Days a Week
365 Days a Year!
Copyright 2008
CancerInfoTips.com :: Chemotherapy Side Effects