Treatments for cancer are often quite toxic. Drugs or radiation must kill cancer cells and in the process some normal cells are also damaged. This leads to the development of side-effects. Most side-effects of treatment are only temorary. They usually resolve soon after treatment is complete. Here is a list of common side effects and how to deal with them.
1. Fall in blood counts and infections
Often during a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, your blood counts may fall below normal levels. The white cells in your blood are the most commonly affected. When white cell counts drop, your body can develop an infection and you may have a fever. You should contact your doctor immediately if you have fever. You may need treatment to increase your counts and tackle infections. A fall in red blood cells or platelets may require transfusions.
2. Feeling sick
Some chemotherapy drugs can make you feel sick or nauseous. You may even have a few episodes of vomiting. This may also occur during radiotherapy to the abdomen. Most of the time the nausea is prevented or reduced by administering drugs (called anti-emetics) before each cycle of chemotherapy or an exposure of radiotherapy is given. With excellent new medicines available, nausea and vomiting can usually be controlled quite effectively. Find out more about this issue in the article
4 Questions on Chemotherapy Related Nausea and Vomiting.
3. Hair loss
Hair loss is common after chemotherapy. The extent of hair loss (also called 'alopecia') depends on the drugs being used in the chemotherapy. Some highly effective drugs also cause a lot of hair loss. Hair almost always starts growing back within a few months of completing treatment, though it may take up to a year before it can grow back to normal. You should discuss issues like wearing wigs or turbans with your doctor or counselor, during and after treatment.
4. Sore mouth
Radiotherapy to the neck, as well as some chemotherapy drugs may cause a sore mouth a few weeks into treatment. You may feel difficulty or pain in swallowing food or drinking fluids. Usually these symptoms are controlled well with pain medicines and temporarily switching to mashed food that is easier to swallow. This problem is always temporary, and reduces soon after treatment is completed.
5. Sore skin
Radiotherapy to the neck or chest occasionally causes a short duration of soreness on your skin. This is rarely severe because the radiotherapy doses in lymphoma are usually low. Consult your doctor if you have this problem. Often this requires no action. If severe enough, your doctor may stop radiation for a couple of days or change the area being treated.
6. Changes in taste and appetite
Many individuals on chemotherapy or radiotherapy develop a change in taste during treatment. Taste usually returns to normal after completing treatment. Most patients develop a loss of appetite. You may need to take small meals more frequently and drink plenty of fluids. It is very important to maintain your nutrition during treatment. Speak to your doctors and nurses and work out a diet that suits you best.
7. Fatigue
Treatment related fatigue is common, though not well understood. Any sort of cancer treatment may leave you feeling tired. This is sometimes aggravated by the loss of appetite that leads to many patients eating less than required. It is very important that you maintain a healthy diet and eat in sufficient quantity. Some light exercise on each day may also help you feel better.
