Treatment FAQ

what side effects will a person have after kimo treatment

by Mrs. Corrine Steuber Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

  • Bone conditions. Chemotherapy drugs may contribute to bone conditions, including osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones.
  • Lung conditions. Research from 2017 notes that some side effects like cardiovascular (heart and vessel) complications may not occur until 20 years after cancer treatment.
  • Cognitive problems. Lung problems may be more likely with specific drugs or when treatment targets the lung area, such as chest radiation therapy for lung cancer.
  • Mental health conditions. A group of cognitive issues, sometimes known as “chemo brain,” may occur as a late side effect of chemotherapy in some people.
  • Hair loss. Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and issues with body image, are common in cancer survivors.
  • Fatigue. Hair loss is common with chemotherapy treatment. Research from 2017 notes that up to 65% of people on chemotherapy experience hair loss.
  • Endocrine symptoms. Fatigue occurs with chemotherapy treatment but may also linger after treatment. ...
  • Infertility. These symptoms may go away after cancer treatment. In younger females, menstrual periods may come back with time.
  • Nerve damage. Infertility may be a risk for some people receiving chemotherapy. A person should discuss infertility risks with a doctor before having chemotherapy treatment.
  • Dental issues. Nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy is a potential side effect of chemotherapy with various cancer types and treatments.

Here are some of the more common side effects caused by chemotherapy:
  • Fatigue.
  • Hair loss.
  • Easy bruising and bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Appetite changes.
  • Constipation.
May 1, 2020

Full Answer

What are the side effects of chemotherapy for cancer?

Chemotherapy may cause late side effects in the heart for some people, such as: 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 late effects of chemo?

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. Certain types of chemo sometimes cause delayed effects, such as a second cancer that may show up many years later.

What are the long-term effects of chemotherapy on the 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 happens to your skin when you have chemotherapy?

Read the Mouth Health and Cancer Treatment fact sheet, available from your local Cancer Council website, or call 13 11 20 for information. Some chemotherapy drugs may cause your skin to peel, darken or become dry and itchy. During treatment and for several months afterwards, your skin is likely to be more sensitive to the sun.

What are the side effects after finishing 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 3 side effects a person can have with chemotherapy treatments?

Here's a list of many of the common side effects, but it's unlikely you'll have all of these.Tiredness. Tiredness (fatigue) is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. ... Feeling and being sick. ... Hair loss. ... Infections. ... Anaemia. ... Bruising and bleeding. ... Sore mouth. ... Loss of appetite.More items...

How long does it take for your body to get back to normal after chemo?

The rule of thumb I usually tell my patients is that it takes about two months of recovery time for every one month of treatment before energy will return to a baseline. Everyone is different but at least this gives you a ballpark.

When are chemo side effects the worst?

Blood cell counts often reach their lowest level about 7 to 14 days after chemotherapy. Low blood cell counts is the most common and most serious side effect of chemotherapy. When it happens, the dose of chemotherapy is adjusted right away or chemotherapy may have to be stopped temporarily.

What is the most life threatening side effect of chemotherapy?

Intense chills. Pain or soreness at the chemo injection site or catheter site. Unusual pain, including intense headaches. Shortness of breath or trouble breathing (If you're having trouble breathing call 911 first.)

What is the fastest way to recover from chemotherapy?

Tips: fighting fatiguePlan your day. ... Save your energy by changing how you do things. ... Take short naps or rest breaks between activities.Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.Do what you enjoy, but do less of it. ... Let others help you. ... Just say "no" to things that do not matter as much to you now.More items...

What is life like after chemotherapy?

Life after cancer treatment can present its own challenges. You may have mixed feelings when treatment ends, and worry that every ache and pain means the cancer is coming back. Some people say that they feel pressure to return to “normal life”.

Does chemo shorten your life?

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).

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What body systems are most affected by chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy drugs can affect any body system, but the following are most susceptible: digestive tract . hair follicles. bone marrow. mouth. reproductive system. It’s worth understanding how these cancer drugs can affect your major body systems.

How long does it take for hair to grow after chemo?

Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body, from eyebrows and eyelashes to your legs. Hair loss is temporary. New hair growth usually begins several weeks after the final treatment.

How to tell if kidneys are damaged?

Symptoms of kidney damage include: 1 decreased urination 2 swelling of the hands 3 swollen feet and ankles 4 headache

Does chemotherapy cause hot flashes?

Sexual and reproductive system. Chemotherapy drugs are known to alter hormones in both men and women. In women, hormonal changes can bring on hot flashes, irregular periods, or sudden onset of menopause. You may experience dryness of vaginal tissues that can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.

Does chemo cause bone loss?

Most people lose some bone mass as they age, but with chemo, some drugs increase this loss by causing calcium levels to drop. Cancer-related osteoporosis tends to affect women more than men, especially post-menopausal women and those whose menopause was brought on suddenly due to chemotherapy.

Does chemotherapy affect digestion?

Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy affect digestion. Dry mouth and mouth sores that form on the tongue, lips, gums, or in the throat can make it difficult to chew and swallow. Mouth sores also make you more susceptible to bleeding and infection.

Can you get pregnant with chemo?

Many doctors do not advise getting pregnant during treatment. While some women may become temporarily or permanently infertile as a side effect, chemotherapy drugs given during pregnancy may also cause birth defects. In men, some chemo drugs can harm sperm or lower sperm count.

What are the side effects of cancer treatment?

Childhood cancer survivors experience some of these late side effects: Heart problems, including an increased risk of heart attacks. Blood vessel problems, including an increased risk of stroke.

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 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.

Can radiation affect your body?

Late effects of radiation and surgery will affect only the area of the body exposed to them. So, for example, if you had radiation to a part of your body other than your head or neck, then you won't be at risk of cavities and tooth decay as a result of your radiation therapy.

Can chemotherapy cause infertility?

Different chemotherapy drugs cause different late effects. So if you didn't take the chemotherapy drugs that can cause infertility, then you aren't believed to be at risk of that particular late effect. Late effects of radiation and surgery will affect only the area of the body exposed to them.

How to lose weight after chemo?

Work with a dietitian or nutritionist and add strength training exercises to your workout routine to help you shed some pounds. Energy. You probably remember the fatigue that hit you while you were getting chemo. But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends.

How long does chemo rash last?

Some side effects of chemotherapy only happen while you're having treatment and disappear quickly after it's over. But others can linger for months or years or may never completely go away. Watch out for signs of chemo's long-term changes, and let your doctor know how you feel.

Does chemo cause heart problems?

Heart. Certain chemo drugs can damage cells in your heart. Chemotherapy may also increase your odds of having heart problems, such as: Weakening of the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy) Problems with your heart rhythm ( arrhythmia) Heart attack.

Does hair go back to normal after chemo?

But it's possible that at first it may not look like it used to. Its texture, shape, and color may be different. Over time, as the effects of the chemo on your hair follicles wear off, your hair will probably go back to the way it was before treatment. In rare cases, such as after years of strong chemotherapy, your hair follicles could shut down.

Does chemo make you gain weight?

Weight. Some types of chemo can make you put on extra pounds. You may find that the weight stays on even when your treatment ends. For instance, some drugs that treat breast cancer can cause you to lose muscle and gain fat, which makes it much more difficult to get the weight off.

Can you have children after chemo?

If chemo kills the immature stem cells in your testicles that become new sperm, you may become infertile, which means you can't have children . If you're a woman, chemotherapy can damage your eggs and harm your ovaries. You may stop having regular menstrual cycles after treatment.

Can chemotherapy make you tired?

But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends. You may find that even when you get enough rest, you still feel sluggish. Talk to your doctor for suggestions on how to raise your energy level. Chemotherapy can affect your ability to have children, whether you're a man or woman.

What are the side effects of chemo?

Its side effects depend on the type of chemo drug involved, but infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and hair loss are some of the more common ones. Other common side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting. fatigue. neuropathy, or pain caused by nerve damage. constipation.

Why does chemotherapy weaken the immune system?

Infection and a weakened immune system. Cancer and the treatment of it can weaken the immune system. Because chemotherapy kills healthy immune cells, it can make a person more vulnerable to infection. And because the immune system is weakened, any infections may last longer than usual.

Can chemo cause rashes?

Chemotherapy can alter the immune system in ways that cause rashes and other skin changes. The drugs can also trigger skin changes directly. Severe rashes can cause painful, intense itching. If a person scratches until their skin bleeds, there is a risk of infection.

Can chemotherapy cause a bruise?

Chemotherapy can cause a person to bruise or bleed more easily. Many people having chemotherapy experience this side effect. Bleeding more heavily than usual can be dangerous. It is a good idea to take precautions, such as wearing gloves when gardening or cutting food.

Does chemotherapy kill cancer cells?

Chemotherapy kills regular cells , as well as cancer cells, and this is why side effects occur. Many people experience these adverse effects, but some people have few or none. Below, we explore 10 of the more common side effects of chemotherapy. 1.

Does chemotherapy cause hair to fall out?

Chemotherapy can damage hair follicles, causing the hair to weaken, become brittle, and fall out. Any hair that regrows may be of a different texture or color. This usually continues until the treatment ends, after which hair almost always regrows.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Feeling tired and lacking energy (fatigue) is the most common side effect of chemotherapy. Fatigue can include feeling exhausted, drowsy, confused or impatient. You may have a heavy feeling in your limbs, get worn out quickly, or find it difficult to do daily activities.

How does chemotherapy affect the body?

Chemotherapy affects all cells that grow and divide quickly in the body. This includes cancer cells and normal cells, such as the new blood cells in the bone marrow or the cells in the mouth, stomach, skin, hair and reproductive organs. When chemotherapy damages normal cells, this causes side effects.

How to keep a record of chemo?

It can be useful to keep a record of your chemotherapy treatment in one place. This will help you recall details about when you experienced side effects, how long they lasted, and what helped to make them better. Some people use a notebook or a diary, while others prefer to use a smartphone or tablet.

How to reduce anxiety after chemotherapy?

For example, therapies such as meditation, relaxation, massage and counselling can reduce anxiety, and acupuncture can reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and fatigue. These therapies are part of guidelines for complementary therapies and breast cancer.

How to reduce fatigue from cancer treatment?

Light to moderate exercise can reduce treatment-related fatigue and improve mood. Talk to your health care team about suitable activities for you. See Exercise for People Living with Cancer. Ask for, and accept, offers of support from family, friends and neighbours.

What to wear for chemotherapy?

Wear a wig, hat, turban or scarf, or go bare-headed – whatever feels best to you. If you prefer to leave your head bare, protect it against sunburn and the cold. Consider choosing a wig before chemotherapy starts. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 for assistance in finding a wig library or shop.

How to help a cancer patient with diarrhoea?

Limit alcohol, fruit juice, soft drinks, strong tea or coffee, and dairy products, as these stimulate the bowel. Drink water to help replace fluids lost through diarrhoea. Talk to your cancer care team – they may change the treatment or suggest other solutions, such as using over-the-counter medicines.

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 side effects of chemo?

2. Nausea and vomiting. This is the second most common side effect and, for many, the most uncomfortable. Today's treatments include the latest anti-nausea/pre-chemo meds with added anti-anxiety meds for extra comfort. These anti-anxiety meds really did make a difference for me.

Why do I have bone pain after cancer treatment?

Bone pain comes from low or loss of bone density (calcium and vit D), nerve damage, and white cell boosters. Bone pain can also be from original cancer metastasis or a secondary cancer from the treatment. Some patients even end up with osteoporosis as a result of the bone damage.

Can you take pre-chemo meds every week?

Yes, this is true. Patients that are getting weekly or even bi-monthly treatments are given pre-chemo meds more often than others with different time treatments. Some patients that need anxiety meds to help their sickness at bay within their journey are possible to have some dependency as well. This becomes a vicious cycle even without the patient knowing!#N#Tip:

Does chemotherapy cause hair loss?

The most commonly known ones are hair loss and nausea with vomiting. But are these all of the side effects of chemotherapy? Not at all! Anyone that has personally gone through it, along with the caregivers, know first-hand the nastiness and depth of chemo side effects.

Can hair grow back after chemo?

Yes! Hair follicles are sensitive to any touch, even the pillowcase, causing pain until the root has reached past a certain length. Keep in mind that hair can also grow back a different color, texture and type such as curly or straight, opposite of what you naturally had, all from the chemo.

Can chemo cause nausea?

Being relaxed while receiving chemo is important and can make a big difference in nausea and vomiting. This is one of the reasons why anti-anxiety meds are added. These meds should be taken around the clock after an infusion for full benefits possible.

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.

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.

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.

Is it safe to have physical contact with someone while receiving chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy safety. Snyder says some patients wonder whether it’s safe to have close physical contact with another person while they are receiving chemotherapy. “When we talk about being safe with chemotherapy patients, we really are talking about exposure to the chemotherapy medication,” she says.

Can radiation therapy cause cancer?

Some cancer patients who receive radiation therapy worry that their bodies will become “radioactive” after they receive radiation treatment. Their concern is that close physical contact with others could expose them to radiation. “The general answer to this concern is that physical contact is fine,” Snyder says. However, there are some exceptions.

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