Chemotherapy… a treatment method for malignant cancer that not only destroys cancer cells but can also affect normal cells. This causes side effects from the treatment, with the severity of side effects varying among patients depending on the type of drugs and treatment each time. Some patients may experience severe side effects, while others may have none. Most side effects that occur during the first week of treatment are usually temporary and manageable. However, if side effects worsen, patients should promptly see a doctor to plan further treatment.
Symptoms as Side Effects from Chemotherapy
- Feeling tired and weak
Fatigue, feeling tired and weak, is the most common side effect of chemotherapy. Fatigue includes feelings of weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, sluggishness, confusion, and irritability. Fatigue may occur immediately and rest may not relieve it. You may still feel tired for weeks or months after finishing a treatment cycle.
Managing Side Effects
- Rest and avoid activities
- Have others help you with some activities such as shopping, childcare, driving, and housework
- Take two to three weeks off work during or after chemotherapy, or reduce working hours
- Do light exercise such as walking and your usual exercise
- Try to get more sleep at night
- Try to eat healthy and nutritious food
Mouth Sores
Some chemotherapy drugs may cause mouth sores such as ulcers or infections. The chance of mouth sores increases in patients who have received or are receiving radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest, or in cases with dental or gum problems.
Managing Side Effects
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day. Use mouthwash to help prevent infections in the mouth
- Do not use regular mouthwash containing alcohol as it may cause dry mouth or irritation
- Try to eat healthy and nutritious food
- Sometimes sucking on ice during drug administration can help reduce mouth sores
- Drink water and eat soft foods
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods as they can worsen mouth sore pain
Loss of Appetite, Nausea, or Vomiting
Appetite changes during chemotherapy. Sometimes you may not feel like eating or may not like foods you used to enjoy.
Managing Side Effects
- Eat small frequent snacks instead of large meals
- Drink small amounts of fluids frequently after treatment and eat ice or jelly
- Adjust meal times. If you feel hungrier in the morning, eat a main meal then and eat light foods such as rice porridge or cereals when appetite decreases
- Avoid fatty and fried foods. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to aid digestion
- Avoid smells that increase nausea such as food odors or smoke
- Inform your doctor to prescribe anti-nausea medication to take at home regularly
Constipation or Diarrhea
Chemotherapy drugs, painkillers, and some anti-nausea medications may cause constipation or diarrhea. If constipation lasts more than two to three days, inform your treating doctor.
Managing Side Effects
- If constipated, eat more high-fiber foods such as bread and pasta, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
- Drink enough water to help relieve constipation and replace fluids lost in diarrhea
- If you have diarrhea, avoid spicy foods, grain products, thick sauces, fruits, or raw vegetables with skins or seeds
Hair Loss and Scalp Problems
Many patients receiving chemotherapy worry about hair loss. Some lose all their hair quickly, some lose hair after several treatments, and some may have slight or no hair loss at all.
Managing Side Effects
- Keep hair and scalp clean using mild shampoo such as baby shampoo
- Wear a headscarf or a thin cotton head covering
- Avoid perming, dyeing, blow-drying, curling, and harsh hair products
- Wear wigs, hairpieces, hats, headscarves, or head wraps that make you feel comfortable and confident
- If eyelashes fall out, wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight and dust when outside
- Comb or brush hair gently using a wide-tooth comb or soft-bristled brush
- If planning to buy a wig, do so early in treatment to match your hair color and style
Itchy Skin and Other Skin Problems
Skin may darken, peel, or become dry and itchy during chemotherapy. It is also more sensitive to sunlight, so sunscreen with high protection (SPF 30+) should be applied along with wearing hats and sun-protective clothing.
Managing Side Effects
- Use gentle soap for bathing
- Use lotion or cream to moisturize and prevent dry skin
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that are not too tight
