Long-term side effects of chemotherapy may occur months or years after treatment. Long-term side effects, also called late effects, can vary depending on the person and treatment. There is no exact timeline for when long-term side effects will appear or go away, and it may not always be possible to treat them if they do arise.
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How long do people live after chemotherapy?
On the other extreme, I came off chemo in January 2014 and my inoperable and incurable Stage 4 Oesophageal cancer and the secondaries have been dormant since that time. I was never told I was terminal as such, but I was told I should expect to live between 2 and 18 months depending on how effective the chemo was.
What are the long term effects of chemotherapy?
- Chemotherapy may affect tooth enamel and increase the risk of long-term dental problems.
- High doses of radiation therapy to the head and neck area may change tooth development. It can also cause gum disease and lower saliva production, causing a dry mouth.
- Steroid medications may increase the risk of eye problems. ...
How long does chemotherapy stay in your system?
There are hundreds of different kinds of chemotherapy medications and some are used individually while others may be combined for treatment. Chemotherapy can be administered a number of ways but common ways include orally and intravenously. The chemotherapy itself stays in the body within 2 -3 days of treatment but there are short-term and long-term side effects that patients may experience.
How long does it take chemotherapy to start working?
How long does chemo usually take to work? Chemotherapy is administered over the course of several weeks. For example, your doctor might recommend chemo daily for up to 1 week, and then 3 weeks off ...
What is long-term chemotherapy?
These include: Hearing loss from high doses of chemotherapy, especially drugs like cisplatin (multiple brand names) Increased risk of stroke from high doses of radiation to the brain. Nervous system side effects, including damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, called peripheral neuropathy.
Is chemotherapy a long-term treatment?
Chemotherapy is the most common form of treatment for cancer. It uses aggressive drugs to slow the growth of cancer cells. You might already be aware of the short-term side effects of chemotherapy, like hair loss and nausea. The long-term side effects — also called “late effects” — are less well-known.
What is the longest you can take chemo?
In general, chemotherapy can take about 3 to 6 months to complete. It may take more or less time, depending on the type of chemo and the stage of your condition. It's also broken down into cycles, which last 2 to 6 weeks each.
What are long-term effects of chemotherapy?
What cancer treatments cause late effects?TreatmentLate effectsChemotherapyDental problems Early menopause Hearing loss Heart problems Increased risk of other cancers Infertility Loss of taste Lung disease Nerve damage Osteoporosis Reduced lung capacity5 more rows
What is the life expectancy after chemotherapy?
During the 3 decades, the proportion of survivors treated with chemotherapy alone increased from 18% in 1970-1979 to 54% in 1990-1999, and the life expectancy gap in this chemotherapy-alone group decreased from 11.0 years (95% UI, 9.0-13.1 years) to 6.0 years (95% UI, 4.5-7.6 years).
Can you be on chemo for years?
Still, it's important to know that even those who are not cured of cancer may go on living for months or years, even though there may be changes in their lives. Many families adjust to this kind of treatment schedule.
How many rounds of chemo can a person have?
During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.
Which is harder on the body chemo or radiation?
Since radiation therapy is focused on one area of your body, you may experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. However, it may still affect healthy cells in your body.
How many courses of chemo can a person have?
You may need four to eight cycles to treat your cancer. A series of cycles is called a course. Your course can take 3 to 6 months to complete. And you may need more than one course of chemo to beat the cancer.
Does your body ever fully recover from chemotherapy?
If you were treated with certain types of chemotherapy, you can also have many of the same problems. Some problems go away after treatment. Others last a long time, while some may never go away. Some problems may develop months or years after your treatment has ended.
What happens after your last chemo treatment?
Nausea, vomiting, and taste changes You may experience nausea (feeling like you might throw up) and vomiting (throwing up) after your last chemotherapy treatment. It should go away in 2 to 3 weeks. Your appetite may continue to be affected due to taste changes you may have experienced during your treatment.
Does chemo age your face?
So, it is not surprising that many people feel that they age dramatically during chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, the epidermis loses its ability to hold on to moisture, which leads to fine lines in the skin's surface. In the dermis, the collagen and elastin break down, which weakens the skin's support structure.
Bone conditions
Chemotherapy drugs may contribute to bone conditions, including osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones.
Heart-related conditions
Chemotherapy may cause late side effects in the heart for some people, such as:
Cognitive problems
A group of cognitive issues, sometimes known as “chemo brain,” may occur as a late side effect of chemotherapy in some people. Cognitive issues may include problems with memory, concentration, or focus.
Mental health conditions
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.
Hair loss
Hair loss is common with chemotherapy treatment. Research from 2017 notes that up to 65% of people on chemotherapy experience hair loss. This percentage may also increase depending on the drug.
Fatigue
Fatigue occurs with chemotherapy treatment but may also linger after treatment. If long-term fatigue is ongoing after chemotherapy, a person should talk to a doctor to explore possible reasons or options for managing symptoms.
Endocrine symptoms
Cancer treatments that affect the endocrine system may cause a person to have symptoms of menopause, such as:
What are the long term side effects of chemotherapy?
You might already be aware of the short-term side effects of chemotherapy, like hair loss and nausea. The long-term side effects — also called “late effects” — are less well-known. They usually appear after chemotherapy is finished. Late effects of chemotherapy vary according to the individual, type of cancer, and type of chemotherapy drug used.
When was the last time chemo was reviewed?
If you’re receiving chemotherapy, speak to your healthcare team about potential side effects. Last medically reviewed on April 21, 2021.
How to take care of lungs after chemo?
It may not be possible to prevent lung damage caused by chemotherapy, but you can take care of your lungs by exercising regularly, avoiding lung irritants, and quitting smoking.
How to help with cognitive problems after cancer diagnosis?
You may be able to alleviate cognitive difficulties by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and doing brain exercises.
Does chemotherapy cause cognitive problems?
Cognitive difficulties. One of the short- and long-term side effects of chemotherapy is mental fogginess, often referred to as “ chemo brain .”. It includes problems with memory, concentration, and multi-tasking. In some cases, these cognitive challenges persist for several years after treatment is complete.
Is chemo permanent?
Some complications of chemotherapy are permanent. These can include damage to your respiratory, circulatory, sensory, excretory, and reproductive systems. Before receiving chemotherapy, ask your doctor or oncologist about the likelihood of long-term or permanent side effects.
Can chemo cause infertility?
Men may experience erectile dysfunction. A number of chemotherapy drugs, such as alkylating agents, can cause infertility.
What are the side effects of cancer treatment?
Talk with your doctor about any new symptoms or side effects that you experience. Fatigue. Fatigue is a constant feeling of physical, emotional, or mental tiredness. It is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Some cancer survivors have fatigue for months or even years after finishing treatment.
How long after cancer treatment do side effects occur?
Many people who have had cancer treatment have a risk of developing long-term side effects. These side effects can happen months or years after treatment. Evaluating and treating late effects is an important part of cancer survivorship care.
What are the side effects of radiation?
Increased risk of stroke from high doses of radiation to the brain. Nervous system side effects, including damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, called peripheral neuropathy. Cancer survivors should have regular physical examinations and hearing tests after treatment to check for these effects.
What medicine did you receive for Hodgkin lymphoma?
Are 65 and older. Received higher doses of chemotherapy. Received certain medicines, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin, Ogivri) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxil) Below is a list of common heart conditions.
Can cancer patients have dental problems?
Cancer survivors may have dental and oral health and vision problems, depending on the treatments they received: Chemotherapy may affect tooth enamel and increase the risk of long-term dental problems. High doses of radiation therapy to the head and neck area may change tooth development.
Can you have your spleen removed from Hodgkin lymphoma?
Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma, especially those diagnosed before 1988, often had their spleens removed. The spleen is a vital organ for the immune system. Removing it is linked with a higher risk of infections. Survivors of bone and soft-tissue cancers may have lost part or all of a limb.
Can cancer patients have post traumatic stress disorder?
Cancer survivors, caregivers, family, and friends may also have post-traumatic stress disorder. This is an anxiety disorder. It may develop after living through a very frightening or life-threatening event, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. Each person’s post-treatment experience is different.
How long does chemotherapy last?
When cure is the treatment goal. Adjuvant chemotherapy (therapy after surgery has removed all visible cancer) may last 4-6 months. Adjuvant chemotherapy is common in cancers of the breast and colon. In cancers of the testis, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemias, length of chemotherapy treatment may be up to a year.
How is the length of chemotherapy determined?
Length of Chemotherapy Treatment. The length of chemotherapy treatment is determined by a variety of factors. These include the type of cancer, the extent of cancer, the types of drugs that are given, as well as the expected toxicities of the drugs and the amount of time necessary to recover from these toxicities.
What happens if chemo doesn't disappear?
If the disease shrinks but does not disappear, chemotherapy will continue as long as it is tolerated and the disease does not grow. If the disease grows, the chemotherapy will be stopped. Depending on the health and wishes of the patient, either different drugs will be given to try to kill the cancer, or chemotherapy will be stopped and ...
How often does chemotherapy repeat?
Frequency of the Cycle. Chemotherapy may repeat weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Usually, a cycle is defined in monthly intervals. For example, two bi-weekly chemotherapy sessions may be classified as one cycle.
How long does a drug last?
Treatment could last minutes, hours, or days, depending on the specific protocol.
What is the purpose of chemotherapy?
After other treatments, to kill hidden cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used after other treatments, such as surgery, to kill any cancer cells that might remain in the body. Doctors call this adjuvant therapy. To prepare you for other treatments. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink a tumor so that other treatments, such as radiation and surgery, ...
Why is chemotherapy used?
To prepare you for other treatments. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink a tumor so that other treatments, such as radiation and surgery, are possible. Doctors call this neoadjuvant therapy. To ease signs and symptoms. Chemotherapy may help relieve signs and symptoms of cancer by killing some of the cancer cells.
Why is chemo used for bone marrow transplant?
Chemotherapy is often used to prepare for a bone marrow transplant. Immune system disorders. Lower doses of chemotherapy drugs can help control an overactive immune system in certain diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the best treatment for skin cancer?
Chemotherapy creams. Creams or gels containing chemotherapy drugs can be applied to the skin to treat certain types of skin cancer. Chemotherapy drugs used to treat one area of the body. Chemotherapy drugs can be given directly to one area of the body.
How is chemotherapy given?
Chemotherapy is most often given as an infusion into a vein (intravenously). The drugs can be given by inserting a tube with a needle into a vein in your arm or into a device in a vein in your chest.
What is the treatment for cancer?
Overview. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Many different chemotherapy drugs are available.
What doctor do you see during chemotherapy?
You'll meet with your cancer doctor (oncologist) regularly during chemotherapy treatment. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you're experiencing, since many can be controlled. Depending on your situation, you may also undergo scans and other tests to monitor your cancer during chemotherapy treatment.
How long does chemo last?
Chemotherapy infusions can last several hours or days. Your healthcare provider can let you know how long each session will likely take. Here’s what you can do to feel more comfortable during each session: Bring reading material. If you enjoy reading, pack a book or magazine to stay occupied.
How long does it take for chemo to work?
In general, chemotherapy can take about 3 to 6 months to complete. It may take more or less time, depending on the type of chemo and the stage of your condition. It’s also broken down into cycles, which last 2 to 6 weeks each.
How does chemo work?
Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a type of drug that’s used to treat cancer. It works by stopping the division and growth of cancer cells. Chemo is given in specific intervals, also known as cycles or schedules. The duration of one cycle depends on several factors, including the: type of cancer. stage of cancer.
How long does it take for a syringe to deliver chemo?
A syringe is used to deliver the drug in a few minutes. IV infusion. The drug flows into your body over a period lasting several minutes to several hours. Continuous infusion. A continuous infusion takes a day to several days. Oral and topical chemotherapy are less time-consuming.
Is oral chemo more time consuming than topical chemo?
Oral and topical chemotherapy are less time-consuming. That’s because they can be done at home on your own. In oral chemo, you take the drug by mouth. The drug might be in the form of a: liquid. pill. capsule. Topical chemo is an ointment or gel that you rub on your skin.
Can you wear a wig during chemotherapy?
Finding a therapist in advance may help you cope with the side effects. Look for wigs. If you expect to lose hair during chemotherapy, you may choose to wear a wig. Before considering your options, ask your health insurance if they cover wigs.
Does chemo cause cancer?
As chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, it also harms healthy cells. This includes cells in your digestive system and hair, along with cells that produce blood. In turn, chemo can cause various side effects. Some side effects go away quickly, while other side effects can last longer than the actual treatment.
How long is a chemotherapy cycle?
Treatment cycles and courses of treatment. Cancer drugs such as chemotherapy are usually given in cycles over several months. A series of cycles is called a course of treatment.
What is a cycle in cancer treatment?
A cycle means that you have a single cancer drug or a combination of drugs and then have a rest to allow your body to recover. You might have some chemotherapy injections over a day or two and then have some time with no treatment. The treatment and rest time make up one treatment cycle.
How often should I take cancer pills?
If you're having some cancer drugs as tablets you might take them every day for the whole cycle, or just for a few days or weeks and then have a rest period.
What parts of the body are affected by chemotherapy?
In general, chemotherapy damages cells that are dividing, so the parts of the body where normal cells divide frequently are likely to be affected by chemotherapy. The mouth, intestines, skin, hair, bone marrow (the spongy material that fills your bones and produces new blood cells) are commonly affected by chemotherapy.
Is chemotherapy long term?
There are very few long term side effects of chemotherapy. Most are short-term. The side effects of chemotherapy can be unpleasant. But it can help to try to see the problems in relation to the benefits of the treatment. Chemotherapy does not cause side effects in everyone. It causes different reactions in different people.
Does chemotherapy have side effects?
As with most drugs, chemotherapy drugs do have side effects. Side effects of chemotherapy are unwanted things that happen as a direct result of taking a drug. It is easy to confuse drug side effects with symptoms of cancer. Symptoms are the things that happen as a direct result of the cancer and have nothing to do with the drug.
Is chemotherapy bad for you?
Some side effects of chemotherapy are serious medical conditions that need to be treated. Some side effects are inconvenient or upsetting but are not damaging to your health. Discuss side effects with your health care team. If you are worried about a side effect call your doctor or the contact at the center where your treatment is being given ...
Can chemotherapy cause cancer?
And when cells are dividing, chemotherapy drugs can attack them. Although most anti-cancer drugs have side effects, not everyone will get these effects. A person may experience no side effects of chemotherapy, some side effects, or all of them.
