There are many possible side effects of chemotherapy. Not all people experience
all of the possible side effects. Some people have mild side effects and some
have more severe side effects. No two patients react alike, even if they get
the same medicine. Many of the side effects are specific to the type of chemotherapy you receive, the amount of chemotherapy you receive, and your own body’s response to the chemotherapy. Other types of treatment may also influence the side effects. For example, if you receive radiation therapy as well as chemotherapy, you may have a different response than patients who receive chemotherapy only.
Many of the side effects occur because of the ability of chemotherapy to kill
cells. Remember chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells or by slowing or
stopping the growth of cancer cells. While the chemotherapy is killing cancer
cells, it may also kill other fast growing cells in the body. The cells in the
body that are the most likely targets of the chemotherapy are the fastest growing cells. These include cells in the bone marrow that make blood, cells in the hair and skin, and cells in the digestive system like the mouth, stomach, and intestines.
It is important to remember that many of the side effects of chemotherapy can
be well controlled. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will discuss the possible
side effects of your chemotherapy with you, and will suggest ways that you can
help to prevent or treat these side effects.
Following is a list of the possible side effects of chemotherapy:
Effects on your Blood
- Decrease in calcium level or other electrolytes in blood
- Decrease in platelets, which may cause increased risk of bleeding
- Decrease in red blood cells (anemia)
- Decrease in white blood cells, which may cause increased risk of infection
Skin and Nail Effects
- Abnormal facial or body hair
- Acne
- Changes in the color of nail beds
- Dry skin or mucous membranes
- Hair loss
- Hot flashes
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection
- Redness, swelling or tingling on the palms of hands and soles of feet
- Skin may sunburn easily
- Tenderness, redness, blisters, itching, darkening or rash of skin
Digestive System Effects
- Changes in appetite (Increase or loss of)
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Temporary liver damage
Sexual Effects
- Decrease in sexual desire
- Enlarged breasts and breast tenderness
- Impotence
- Infertility
- Menstrual abnormalities in women
Mouth, Gum, Throat and Ear Effects
- Dry mouth
- Hearing loss or ringing the ears
- Increase in saliva, tearing or sweating
- Metallic taste
- Redness or sores in the mouth, on tongue or on lips
Nerve and Muscle Effects
- Muscle Weakness
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in arms or legs
Kidney and Bladder Effects
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Reddish urine
- Temporary kidney damage
Pain
- Back, stomach, jaw or bone pain
- Headache
Other
- Cough
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fever and chills
- Fluid Retention
- High blood pressure
- Inability to sleep
- Lower heart rate or irregular pulse
- Nervousness or mood changes such as irritability, depression or confusion
- Nightmares
- Swelling in legs
- Weight gain or loss
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