Chemotherapy is a life-saving treatment, but it also causes side effects throughout the body’s systems.
After you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your first response may be to ask your doctor about chemotherapy, also known as “chemotherapy.”
After all, chemotherapy is one of the most common cancer treatments. But chemotherapy does much more than just kill cancer.
Although chemotherapy drugs are quite effective at killing fast-growing cancer cells, they can also harm healthy cells. This can cause a diversity of side effects. The harshness of these side effects depends on:
- your general health
- the stage of your cancer
- the type and quantity of chemotherapy you receive
Many side effects go away soon after treatment ends, but some may persist for months or years or may not go away at all.
It is important to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Depending on how your body responds, your doctor may need to adjust the type or amount of chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs can affect any system in the body, but they have a particular effect on the following systems:
- digestive tract
- hair follicles
- bone marrow
- mouth
- propagative system
It’s worth understanding how these anti-cancer drugs can affect the body’s major systems:
Circulatory and immune systems
Regular concentrated care of blood counts is essential during chemotherapy. The drugs can cause the loss of healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Indications of anemia may include:
- Exhaustion
- lightheadedness
- pale skin
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- rapid heart degree
Treatment for anemia caused by chemotherapy may include blood transfusions or medications. Your doctor may also recommend iron supplements.
Chemotherapy can also cause neutropenia, a condition with low levels of white gore cells in the blood. White blood cells are vital to the resistant system and help fight infections. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, taking precautions to avoid exposure to viruses and bacteria, including staying up-to-date with vaccinations, is essential.
Low platelet levels, called thrombocytopenia, can also occur with chemotherapy. Platelets help your blood clot. Low platelet levels mean you bruise and bleed easily. Symptoms may include:
- tiny red spots on your skin named petechiae
- hemorrhages
- minor cuts that keep bleeding
- heavier than usual menses
Some chemotherapy drugs can also injure the heart, which can lead to cardiomyopathy or heart muscle disease. They can also change the heart’s rhythm, causing arrhythmia. These conditions can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
When you start chemotherapy, your chances of developing these problems are reduced if your heart is strong and healthy.
Nervous and muscular systems
The central nervous system controls emotions, thinking, and coordination. Chemotherapy drugs can cause memory problems, making it difficult to concentrate and think clearly. This is sometimes called “chemo brain.”
Changes in the brain caused by chemotherapy are usually temporary, but in some people, these changes.
It can be long-term or permanent. Severe cases can worsen existing anxiety and stress.
Chemotherapy medications can also cause a variety of nervous system problems depending on which nerves are damaged. Symptoms may include:
- numbness or tingling in the pointers and feet, known as outlying neuropathy
- weakness and fatigue
- lack of balance
- erectile dysfunction
- slower reflexes
Unsteadiness and difficulty maintaining balance also increase the risk of falls. Consulting with an occupational or physical therapist can help you improve your motorized skills and coordination.
Digestive system
Frequent or high use of chemotherapy drugs increases the probability of pain and discomfort in your mouth or throat. Some types of chemotherapy also affect the mucosa (the inner lining of near structures) more than others. You may knowledge:
- dry entrance, or dry mouth
- bleeding
- swelling
- cavities
- a metallic or biochemical taste
- difficulty chewing and swallowing
You may also develop sores on your tongue or gums. These can make you more susceptible to infections, making eating and maintaining proper nutrition difficult.
If you have trouble eating or your treatment makes food taste unusual or unpleasant, this may lead to unintentional weight loss.
Chemotherapy drugs can also injure cells in the stomach tract. This can reason:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- pressure, bloating, and gas in the abdomen
You can lessen these indications by drinking plenty of water during the day.
Nausea is another common symptom of chemotherapy, which can lead to vomiting, which can cause dehydration and decreased appetite. Many cancer clinics prescribe anti-nausea medications as part of chemotherapy. If one medication doesn’t help, your doctor may try a different anti-nausea medication to help control the symptoms.
Even if you’re not hungry, you must continue eating healthy foods. Trying soft, easy-to-swallow foods may help.
A good way to increase your calorie intake is to eat small, frequent, nutrient-rich meals instead of large meals. This can also help counteract weight loss and fatigue. Protein shakes and smoothies with fruits and vegetables are a great way to enjoy these foods.
Integumentary system (skin, hair, and nails)
Hair loss is perhaps the most famous side effect of chemotherapy. Many chemotherapy drugs touch the hair follicles and can cause hair loss, recognized as alopecia, within days or weeks of the first treatment.
Hair loss can occur wherever on the body but most often on the scalp. New hair growth usually begins within a few weeks after the last treatment.
Minor skin annoyance is possible, too, including:
- dryness
- itchiness
- peeling
- rash
Your doctor can recommend topical balms to soothe irritated skin.
You may also develop compassion for the sun and burn more easily. Using sunscreen, wearing long sleeves, and wearing hats will help protect your skin outdoors.
Additionally, fingernails and toenails may turn yellow and develop brittle. In plain cases, they may separate from the nail bed. Creaming the cuticles and trimming the nails may be helpful.
Sexual and reproductive system
Chemotherapy drugs alter hormonal levels in both men and women. In women, chemotherapy can affect the ovaries, which can lead to:
- hot blazes
- irregular periods
- sudden onset of menopause
- dryness of vaginal tissues
- infertility
In men, some chemotherapy drugs can damage sperm or reduce sperm count. As in women, men may experience temporary or permanent infertility due to chemotherapy.
Doctors do not recommend getting pregnant while undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs can harm sperm and also the fetus if used during pregnancy, which can lead to problems with fetal development.
If you are already pregnant when you are diagnosed with cancer, you still have options. You will discuss the best course of action with your doctor. Treatment may include surgery instead of chemotherapy or a different length of treatment.
Although symptoms such as fatigue and anxiety can affect sex drive in both men and females, many people undergoing chemotherapy are still able to have an active sex life.
Excretory system (kidneys and bladder)
The kidneys remove chemotherapy drugs as they are distributed throughout the body. Some kidney and bladder cells may become irritated or damaged during this process.
Symptoms of food damage comprise:
- decreased micturition
- swelling of the hands or feet
- fatigue
- headache
- high blood pressure
- nausea
Some chemotherapy drugs can reason your urine to turn red or carroty for a few days. You may also experience bladder irritation, which causes burning when you urinate and more frequent urination.
Your doctor will likely endorse drinking plenty of fluids to help your body function.
Skeletal system
Bone mass is often lost as we age, but some chemotherapy drugs can increase this loss. In women, chemotherapy can damage the ovaries, causing them to stop producing estrogen. Low estrogen levels lead to bone loss.
According to a 2020 review, women undergoing breast cancer treatment have an improved risk of developing osteoporosis and bone fractures. The body parts most commonly affected by fractures include:
- spine
- hips
- wrists
You can help keep your bones robust by:
- eating a stable diet
- getting enough calcium and vitamin D
- exercising regularly
- quitting smoke if you smoke
Many cancer centers treat people at risk for chemotherapy-related osteoporosis with bone-building drugs and treatments to help prevent bone loss. Alternative therapies may also help prevent or alleviate osteoporosis.
Mental health
Living with cancer and going through chemotherapy can affect your mental health. It’s common to feel a variety of emotions, such as:
- fear
- stress
- denial
- anger
- hope
- depression
- anxiety
Talking to friends and domestic can help you cope with your emotions. Your doctor may also recommend a local cancer support group where you can connect with other people going through treatment.
If depression persists, seek professional therapy or consult with your doctor. Although emotional side effects are common, there are ways to reduce them and recover your quality of life.
Rare side effects of chemotherapy
In rare cases, chemotherapy may cause additional side effects. These comprise:
- pancreatitis (when the pancreas develops inflamed)
- neutropenic enterocolitis (irritation of the intestines that most often occurs in persons with neutropenia)
- hemolysis (injury to red blood cells)
- epiphora (wet eyes)
- acneiform eruptions (skin circumstances that look like acne)
Some rare side effects may be minor, while others may be life-threatening. Contact your doctor if you experience any rare symptoms.
Risks of chemotherapy
Some side belongings of chemotherapy can put you in danger of serious complications, such as neutropenia.
(low white blood cell count) can be life-threatening if you get an infection.
Chemotherapy may also cause lasting effects, such as:
- heart injury
- lung damage
- kidney problems
- nerve damage
- infertility
Some chemotherapy drugs may also increase the risk of developing a second cancer.
The chance of this happening increases if you receive higher doses of chemotherapy over a more extended time.
Once your treatment is complete, your healthcare team will likely provide a care plan.
, which will contain information for further identification of possible long-term complications.
How to prepare for chemotherapy
Side effects vary from person to person, so it’s hard to predict how chemotherapy will affect you. However, you can ask your doctor:
- Which side effects are familiar with your chemo medicine?
- When might you know the side effects, and for how long?
- Which symptoms or side belongings may need further treatment?
- When should you call your doctor if you have specific symptoms?
Once you know about possible side effects, you can prepare for them by planning rest, taking time off, or asking for help with energy-consuming tasks, such as child care, after chemotherapy.