What are the negative effects of chemotherapy?
This can cause the following nerve or muscle symptoms:
- Tingling
- Burning
- Weakness or numbness in the hands, feet, or both
- Weak, sore, tired, or achy muscles
- Loss of balance
- Shaking or trembling
- Stiff neck or headache
- Problems seeing, hearing, or walking normally
- Feel clumsy
What effects can be expected from chemotherapy?
- Lower blood cell production. Your bone marrow's ability to make blood cells might decrease. ...
- Gastrointestinal symptoms. Your body's ability to absorb nutrients from food and get rid of waste might be affected. ...
- Hair loss. Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cells, including healthy cells in your hair. ...
- Whole-body effects. ...
- Work with your health care team. ...
How does chemotherapy affect the body?
Side effects of chemotherapy
- Skin and nail changes. Some chemotherapy drugs may cause your skin to peel, darken or become dry and itchy. ...
- Thinking and memory changes. Some people say they have difficulty concentrating, focusing and remembering things after they have had chemotherapy.
- Anaemia. ...
- Infections. ...
- Bleeding problems. ...
- Nerve and muscle effects. ...
- Changes in hearing. ...
- Sex and fertility. ...
What causes side effects from chemotherapy?
Why probiotics might help tackle the side-effects of chemotherapy As well as killing off the bugs that cause the infection, antibiotics destroy good bacteria that help keep the body healthy and working well. msnback to msn homelifestyle web search
Can you be around someone doing chemo?
Unless your health care team tells you differently, you can usually be around family and friends during the weeks and months you're getting chemo. On treatment days, family and friends can often come with you.
Can chemo affect my partner?
Remember – the changes to your sex life don't usually last long. There's usually no medical reason to stop having sex during chemo. The drugs won't have any long term physical effects on your performance or enjoyment of sex. Cancer can't be passed on to your partner during sex.
Can someone on chemo Make You Sick?
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can cause nausea and vomiting. Some other drugs, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy can cause nausea and vomiting too. There many different kinds of each type of treatment. Some can make you have nausea and/or vomiting while others might not.
What happens if someone is exposed to chemo?
Acute exposure to body fluids or the cancer medicine itself can cause rash, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, headache, nasal sores and allergic reactions.
Can you use the same bathroom as someone getting chemo?
For 48 hours after receiving chemotherapy, patients and caregivers should follow these precautions: Flush toilets twice each time they are used. If possible, patients should use a separate toilet from others in the home. Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet.
Can you kiss someone having chemo?
Chemotherapy is strong medicine used to fight cancer. While taking chemotherapy, it is safe to touch other people (including hugging or kissing).
How many days after chemo are you sick?
Acute nausea and vomiting happens within a few minutes to a few hours after you get chemo. It is usually worst during the first 4 to 6 hours after treatment and goes away within 24 hours. Delayed nausea and vomiting usually does not start until 24 hours or more after you get chemo. It can last for several days.
Can chemo patients be around toddlers?
You may worry about the safety of family and friends while you are having chemotherapy. There is little risk to visitors, including children, babies and pregnant women, because they aren't likely to come into contact with any chemotherapy drugs or body fluids.
What precautions should be taken after chemotherapy?
Safety precautions can vary depending on the drugs you receive, so ask your treatment team about your individual situation.Use a plastic bucket. ... Clean up spills. ... Take care going to the toilet. ... Wear disposable gloves. ... Keep tablets whole. ... Handle laundry carefully. ... Use protection. ... Put medicines in a safe place.More items...
Why do you have to flush toilet twice after chemo?
Small amounts of chemotherapy are present in your body fluids and body waste. If any part of your body is exposed to any body fluids or wastes, wash the exposed area with soap and water. People in your household may use the same toilet as you, as long as you flush all waste down the toilet twice with the lid down.
Do you need someone to drive you home after chemotherapy?
In most cases, your healthcare provider will ask you to get a ride home after your first session to see how you will tolerate the chemo. If you feel well the first time around, you may be advised that it's okay to drive home for future sessions.
Should chemo patients avoid crowds?
One of the more common risks of infection during chemotherapy occurs when people are in close contact with others. Oncologists frequently recommend avoiding crowds, but what exactly does that mean? Close contact in enclosed quarters carries a higher risk than being out-of-doors.
What are common side effects of chemo?
Most people worry about whether they’ll have side effects from chemo, and, if so, what they’ll be like. Here are some of the more common side effects caused by chemotherapy:
Why does chemo cause side effects?
Cancer cells tend to grow fast, and chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells. But because these drugs travel throughout the body , they can affect normal, healthy cells that are fast-growing , too. Damage to healthy cells causes side effects. Side effects are not always as bad as you might expect, but it's normal to worry about this part of cancer treatment.
What do I need to know about side effects?
Every person doesn’t get every side effect, and some people get few, if any.
How long do side effects of chemo last?
These are called late effects. Sometimes the side effects can last a lifetime, such as when chemo causes long-term damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or reproductive organs.
What are the side effects of cancer?
Urine and bladder changes and kidney problems. Weight changes. Chemo brain, which can affect concentration and focus. Mood changes. Changes in libido and sexual function. Fertility problems. Learn more about these and other problems in Managing Cancer-related Side Effects.
Why do doctors give you medicine?
Your doctor may give you medicines to help prevent certain side effects before they happen .
Can you take vitamins for chemo?
But some vitamins might make chemo less effective. More research is needed, but until more is known about the effects of vitamins on chemo, keep these points in mind: If your doctor has not told you to take vitamins, it’s best not to take any.
How long does chemotherapy last?
People may take the medication intravenously or orally, with the course of treatment typically lasting several months. Doctors may recommend chemotherapy to people if there is a risk of cancer spreading or it has already started spreading.
Why do people with young children worry about the best way to manage their relationship with them during chemotherapy?
People with young children might worry about the best way to manage their relationship with them during chemotherapy because toddlers and children pick up on emotional changes and instability around them.
What is the treatment for cancer?
Chemotherapy is a medical treatment for cancer that people may sometimes be able to undergo at home.
How long does it take for chemo to leave the body?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), chemotherapy medications will usually leave the body within 48–72 hours of treatment.
Does chemotherapy cause low blood count?
Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, nausea , or a low blood count. Everyday tasks may be challenging to think about, let alone complete, when experiencing these side effects. Practical support may help, which people can provide by:
Is chemotherapy stressful?
Chemotherapy may be stressful for people going through treatment and those around them. Extra, professional support may be beneficial for everybody involved, and people may need different types of support at different stages.
Does chemotherapy weaken the immune system?
Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, which can increase the risk of infection. Family or household members can take simple steps to help reduce the risk of spreading an infection. These include:
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy is a potential side effect of chemotherapy with various cancer types and treatments.
What are the cognitive issues associated with chemotherapy?
Cognitive issues may include problems with memory, concentration, or focus.
How long do side effects last after chemo?
Side effects may appear during therapy and can last long after therapy is over. In some cases, long-term chemotherapy side effects may not occur until months or years after treatment.
How long after cancer treatment do side effects occur?
Research from 2017 notes that some side effects like cardiovascular (heart and vessel) complications may not occur until 20 years after cancer treatment.
What are the most common mental health issues in cancer survivors?
Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and issues with body image, are common in cancer survivors. Research from 2018 notes that up to 20% of people with cancer experience depression, four times as common as the general population.
Does chemotherapy cause osteoporosis?
Chemotherapy drugs may contribute to bone conditions , including osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones.
Does chemotherapy affect teeth?
Chemotherapy may affect the enamel of the teeth or how it forms. The long-term side effects of this may include an increased risk of dental issues such as cavities and sensitivity. Other cancer therapies may also affect the gums or lower saliva production.
What are the effects of chemotherapy on the bones?
Skeletal Effects. Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) is the most common late effect of chemotherapy. Most chemotherapy drugs cause bone loss to accelerate and changes in diet that accompany cancer and its treatment can amplify the problem. The greatest concern over the long run are fractures that can result from this bone loss.
Why do you keep a record of your chemotherapy?
Keep a record of your chemotherapy regimen with you in case you see a healthcare provider who is unfamiliar with your medical history.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk of Long-Term Side Effects?
Until we know more about long-term survivorship issues following chemotherapy for adults, there are a few things you can do:
How long does it take to get tired after chemo?
Fatigue. During chemotherapy, most people deal with fatigue, yet a third of people continue to experience fatigue for months to years after chemotherapy is completed. It is important to share this symptom with your doctor because many causes of fatigue are reversible.
Can you have both chemotherapy and radiation on your chest?
If you will be having both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to your chest for cancers such as breast cancer, talk to your radiation oncologist about the option for respiratory gating for left-sided breast cancer, a technique that can reduce the amount of radiation to your heart.
Does chemo cause cardiac problems?
Cardiac Concerns. Chemotherapy can cause cardiac effects early in treatment, but in some cases, the effects may not show up until much later. One notable example is heart damage following treatment with Adriamycin (doxorubicin). With this drug, a possible long-term side effect is weakening of the heart muscle, resulting in a decreased ability ...
Can chemotherapy cause numbness in feet?
Peripheral Neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy is most often experienced as a sensation of numbness and burning in your feet and hands, along with constipation. This side effect occurs more commonly in people with a history of diabetes, alcoholism, or malnutrition, but may occur in anyone.
How does chemo affect your mood?
Chemo can greatly affect your moods. The stress of cancer treatment can be an emotional roller coaster, and the physical side effects could take a toll on your spirits. Here are some ways chemo might affect your mental state: Chemo brain.
How to get through chemo?
A healthy diet will help fend off the negative effects of the powerful medications in your body. Eating the right foods will give you energy, keep your weight up, help you deal with side effects, and lower your chances of getting an infection.
What to do if you lose appetite during chemo?
But what if you lose your appetite? That’s not uncommon during chemo. The goal is to get enough calories to maintain your weight and energy. High- protein, high-calorie shakes often work well if you can’t bring yourself to eat regular meals.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Side effects may include: 1 Fatigue and hair loss 2 Digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, appetite changes, nausea, and vomiting 3 Nerve and muscle problems like numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain 4 Loss of fertility or a pause in periods 5 Anemia 6 Easy bruising and bleeding 7 Mouth, tongue, and throat sores 8 Skin and nail problems 9 Infections 10 Weight loss 11 Fertility issues
Does chemo kill hair?
Chemo consists of powerful medications that can kill any kind of fast-growing cell. It can affect all areas of your body, especially your bone marrow, hair, skin, digestive tract, and reproductive system.
Can you take vitamins while on chemo?
Vitamins and supplements may provide nutrients. But always check with your doctor before taking them. You want to make sure they won’t cause your chemo to be less effective. If you need to keep working during your treatment, your doctor and employer should be able to make that happen.
Can you take protein shakes during chemo?
That’s not uncommon during chemo. The goal is to get enough calories to maintain your weight and energy. High- protein, high-calorie shakes often work well if you can’t bring yourself to eat regular meals. Vitamins and supplements may provide nutrients. But always check with your doctor before taking them.
How long does chemo stay in your system?
For the most part, after a patient receives chemotherapy, the medications stay in the patient’s body for about 24 hours to 48 hours. The body clears itself of the medications through body fluids such as urine or stool, so this means avoiding contact with these body fluids.
What happens if you leave a radiation source in place?
If the radiation source is left in place, the amount of radiation lessens over time. However, the possibility of exposure to others is present.
What are the two most common cancer treatments?
The two most common types of cancer treatment that patients and their family members worry about are chemotherapy and radiation therapy . Here Snyder explains what you and your loved ones need to know about each.
How long after chemo should you use a condom?
Kissing and more intimate physical contact is perfectly fine. Male chemo patients, however, should use a condom for the first 48 hours after a chemo treatment, she notes. Advertising Policy.
How long does radiation last?
“Small doses of radiation may be administered daily over a period ranging from several days to several weeks.
Why do some treatments need a little extra caution?
Why some treatments need a little extra caution. If you’re undergoing treatment for cancer, you know that the medicines and procedures have side effects. You may worry that these lifesaving treatments could somehow be harmful to your loved ones. It’s a concern that many cancer patients and their family members often have, ...
Does radiation continue after therapy?
The treated tissue does not continue to hold the radiation after the therapy session ends. So patients receiving external beam radiation need not worry about transmitting radiation to their loved ones.”. Internal radiation means that the radiation source is put into the body, Snyder says.
What is the purpose of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the delivery of toxic drugs into the body with the sole purpose of killing rapidly dividing cancer cells. Unfortunately, it also destroys other cells that divide quickly, including those that comprise hair, nails and skin.
How long do chemo drugs stay in your system?
She said chemotherapy drugs remain in a patient’s bodily fluids for up to 72 hours after therapy ends . This means the drugs are present in vomit, urine and excrement during that time. Skin rashes. Upset stomach. Headaches. Allergic reactions. In extreme cases, it can even lead to cancer.
How long should a patient sit in the toilet after chemo?
If there are two toilets in the home, the chemotherapy patient should use one, and the caregiver should use the other for at least 48 hours after treatment ceases. If there is only one toilet, male patients should sit when urinating to avoid splashing. When finished, they need to lower the lid and flush twice.
Where to wash chemo plates?
Chemotherapy drugs are present in saliva, semen and vaginal secretions. Wash plates and cups solely used by the chemotherapy patient in a dishwasher, or use disposable plates and utensils. If there is no dishwasher, make sure the water is hot and soapy. Dry the dishes thoroughly.
Is chemo at risk for caregivers?
The nurse warned me that caregivers of chemotherapy patients are at particular risk. She listed several precautions I should take to protect my health following each of Brian’s chemotherapy sessions:
Does nausea go away after chemo?
I was relieved to learn that healthy cells in the body recover more quickly than cancer cells and that some side effects, like nausea and vomiting, go away shortly after chemotherapy treatment comes to an end.
Can Chemo Affect a Caregiver?
Sitting next to Brian on the day he commenced treatment, I observed the nurses administering his chemotherapy drugs wearing purple rubber gloves and heavy aprons. The sight of that made me realize how toxic these drugs must be.
What late effects might people who were treated for childhood cancers experience?
If you underwent cancer treatment as a child, you may be at risk of many of the same late side effects of treatment as people who were adults during their cancer treatments.
What happens if you have cancer years ago?
Increased risk of other types of cancers. Nerve damage. If you were treated for cancer many years ago, you may assume any health problems you have are related to aging, not past cancer treatments. Tell your doctor what you know about your childhood cancer treatments.
What signs and symptoms might signal that you're experiencing late effects of cancer treatment?
Talk to your doctor about the late effects of your particular treatment. In some cases, your doctor will know what effects are at risk to you. But the late effects of many treatments still aren't known.
What can you do to prevent late effects of cancer treatment?
While this can be frustrating, you can take steps to help cope should you experience late effects of treatment. Exercising and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help make you stronger and healthier. Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol use and prolonged sun exposure also are very helpful.
What to do if you have cancer and no longer seeing a doctor?
If you were treated for cancer many years ago or are no longer seeing a cancer specialist for checkups, talk to your primary care doctor about late effects . If you think you might be experiencing late effects or your doctor isn't sure what late effects to watch for, ask for a referral to a cancer specialist.
How to get rid of cancer?
Exercising and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help make you stronger and healthier. Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol use and prolonged sun exposure also are very helpful. Long-term side effects of cancer treatment.
Can cancer cause late side effects?
But you may also be at risk of additional late side effects. That's because children's bones, tissues and organs are growing rapidly during treatment, so cancer treatment can interfere during this critical time of growth. As with late side effects in adult cancer survivors, late side effects in childhood cancer survivors will vary depending on ...
How long after chemo do you have to keep your body?
Body fluids that get on your skin or another's skin may cause damage. You can follow certain steps to keep you and others safe. Follow these steps for 48 hours after you get chemo or as directed by your healthcare provider.
How to reduce the risk of body fluids?
Use your own toilet: Have family and visitors use a separate toilet. This will decrease the risk that your body fluids will get on their skin. If it is not possible to use your own toilet, flush the toilet 2 times. Wear gloves and clean the toilet after you use it.