Chemotherapy medications work by interfering with cell division. Cancer cells are continuously dividing and therefore most susceptible to these medications, but some normal cells that divide frequently, such as those lining the stomach and mouth, hair follicles, and bone marrow, are also affected. This accounts for many of the common side effects related to chemotherapy.
Everyone experiences chemotherapy differently depending on the medications used and other factors, such as your age, sex, and general health. You may have several of these symptoms or you may not experience any symptoms at all. Make sure to let your cancer team know any symptoms you are experiencing during chemotherapy, so they can work with you to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Management of chemotherapy side effects has made remarkable progress over the last few decades, and many of these can be controlled with medications and other therapies. Common side effects include:
Digestive Tract
Cells throughout the digestive tract are continuously dividing and being replaced by new cells. The effect of chemotherapy on these cells accounts for some of the well-known symptoms found with some of these medications.- Mouth pain and sores (mucositis)
Mouth sores often develop a week or so after beginning chemotherapy. - Loss of appetite (anorexia)
Loss of appetite can occur due to cancer treatment or due to the cancer itself. Other symptoms, such as a sore mouth or nausea, can make eating difficult as well. - Change in taste
Individuals receiving chemotherapy often note a change in taste. This can be described as a metallic taste that does not go away or the perception that food is too bitter or too sweet. - Nausea and vomiting
Management of nausea from chemotherapy has come a long way in recent years. Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medications at the time of your chemotherapy treatment. - Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur during chemotherapy and poses the risk of dehydration. Make sure to contact your health care team if this occurs. Sometimes your medication doses will need to be lowered or your therapy changed.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is usually more of a nuisance than a symptom, but it can be distressing nonetheless. According to research, hair loss is one the most feared side effects of chemotherapy. Some medications are more likely to cause hair loss than others, and hair loss can range from a little thinning to total baldness. It helps to be aware (and frequently comes as a surprise) that all hair can be affected, and it is not uncommon to lose eyebrow hair, facial hair, and even pubic hair. Hair loss usually begins a week or so after the start of chemotherapy and begins to grow back 6 to 8 weeks after completing therapy. Talking about options such as wigs and other head coverings before you loss your hair can ease some of the anxiety at this time.Bone Marrow Suppression
Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are continuously produced in the bone marrow and often affected by chemotherapy. Your oncologist will monitor these cells with blood counts during your therapy.Fatigue
Fatigue is one the most distressing symptoms for those going through chemotherapy. Unlike ordinary tiredness, chemotherapy-related fatigue is frequently described as tiredness that does not resolve with rest, “whole body” tiredness or a feeling where even the most mundane activities require effort. Fatigue may begin shortly into treatment and can persist for up to a year following completion. The first step toward coping with cancer-related fatigue is to understand that it is normal and common.Peripheral Neuropathy
Some chemotherapy medications can cause symptoms of numbness, tingling or burning in the hands and feet. With lung cancer, this is most commonly seen with cisplatin (Platinol®), vinorelbine (Navelbine®), docetaxel (Taxotere®) , and paclitaxel (Taxol®). These symptoms may occur early on in treatment and go away, or they may occur weeks to months after treatment, and in some cases may be permanent. Clinical trials are in progress to find ways of preventing peripheral neuropathy related to chemotherapy.Sources:
National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy and You: Support for People with Cancer. 06/29/07.
National Cancer Institute. Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy. 04/03/07.
