what to expect after last chemo treatment

Side Effects After Chemotherapy

• Blood counts. After your last dose of chemotherapy, your white blood cell count will go down. ...
• Hair loss. If you lost your hair, you should start to see it grow back 14 to 21 days after your last chemotherapy treatment.
• Neuropathy. ...
• Nausea, vomiting, and taste changes. ...
• Fatigue. ...
• “Chemo brain” and stress. ...
• Fear of recurrence. ...

Full Answer

What to expect on your first day of chemotherapy?

May 23, 2019 · Fatigue. Fatigue is something you’ve battled throughout your cancer treatment, and it’s lingering effects can be felt after you’ve completed chemo as well. Fatigue is a common complaint – as such, there is much that can be done to help cope with it and mitigate its effects.

How long do symptoms last after chemo session?

Jun 08, 2009 · You lose your hair( Everywhere your hair noticeably grows in your Chemo time frame ) You lose ALL of your energy( Partly from the drugs ) Your stomach begins to ache non stop( Acid reflux and Heartburn are a daily battle ) Your skin stop regenerating( Hyperpigmentation and paleness – Your bruises cuts do not heal ) Your nails stop growing

Why you should refuse chemotherapy?

Fluctuation in weight is one of the most common things people expect after chemotherapy. According to research, some people gain more weight while others lose weight instead. In some case even the rate at which one gains or loses weight may change. Differences vary wildly.

When to stop chemo treatments?

Precautions in the home after chemotherapy treatment Handling Trash or Laundry. Use Nitrile® gloves to handle laundry soiled with chemotherapy to keep it from coming in... Skin Care. Skin can become irritated from chemotherapy. If you get chemotherapy or body wastes on …

How long after chemo finishes Do you feel better?

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.Aug 9, 2017

What to expect after completing all chemo treatments?

In most cases though, your energy levels should return to normal within six months of completing treatment. If you're struggling with fatigue, you may be dealing with symptoms such as: Feeling sleepy throughout the day.May 23, 2019

How long do chemo side effects last after treatment ends?

How long do side effects last? Many side effects go away fairly quickly, but some might take months or even years to go away completely. 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.May 1, 2020

How do you know cancer is gone after chemo?

How Do You Know You're in Remission? Tests look for cancer cells in your blood. Scans like X-rays and MRIs show if your tumor is smaller or if it's gone after surgery and isn't growing back. To qualify as remission, your tumor either doesn't grow back or stays the same size for a month after you finish treatments.Jul 18, 2020

What should I ask my oncologist after treatment?

Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have Finished TreatmentHow long will it take for me to get better and feel more like myself?What kind of care should I expect after my treatment?What long-term health issues can I expect as a result of my cancer and its treatment?What is the chance that my cancer will return?More items...•Nov 5, 2019

Does chemo make you look older?

The study authors said a wide-ranging review of scientific evidence found that: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other cancer treatments cause aging at a genetic and cellular level, prompting DNA to start unraveling and cells to die off sooner than normal.Dec 18, 2017

Why would Dr stop chemo?

Cancer treatment is at its most effective the first time that it's used. If you've undergone three or more chemotherapy treatments for your cancer and the tumors continue to grow or spread, it may be time for you to consider stopping chemotherapy.

What is chemo belly?

Bloating also can be caused when the movement of food through the digestive tract slows as a result of cancer treatments, including gastric surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other medications. The bloating associated with chemotherapy is often referred to as “chemo belly.”Jan 19, 2022

What is the most common side effect of chemotherapy?

Tiredness (fatigue) is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Many people having treatment feel tired a lot of the time or get tired very easily doing everyday tasks.

What are the signs of cancer coming back?

Common signs of active cancer include:Unexplained weight loss.Fatigue.Fever.Pain.Skin changes.Change in bowl habits or bladder function.Sores that do not heal.Hoarseness or trouble swallowing.More items...

Can you live a long time with stable cancer?

Some people have cancer that can be controlled with treatment and they can live for a long time. If treatment stops working, the hope may change again. It may be hope for time to prepare family and loved ones who will be left behind, for telling them what they have meant to you and what you hope for their futures.Jan 14, 2019

What are signs that cancer has returned?

A distant (metastatic) recurrence means the cancer has traveled to distant parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver and lungs. Signs and symptoms include: Persistent and worsening pain, such as chest, back or hip pain. Persistent cough.Jan 21, 2021

What happens after chemo is over?

Once chemotherapy treatment is over, some might expect that they’ll jump for joy and throw a survival party. Many patients, however, are surprised to find out that their feelings aren’t as consistently cheery as they’d hoped. Patients also often continue to feel the side effects of treatment, which can be difficult as they adjust ...

How to stay healthy after chemo?

Here are some tips to help you take care of your physical health after chemotherapy: Take care of your mouth. Chemotherapy can cause dry mouth or sores. This can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth which can cause an infection.

How to treat a sore mouth after chemo?

Take care of your mouth. Chemotherapy can cause dry mouth or sores. This can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth which can cause an infection. Here’s how to protect your oral health: 1 Brush your teeth two to three times per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 2 Let your toothbrush dry in between brushings to prevent bacteria growth. 3 Use a flouride toothpaste. 4 Floss gently once a day.

Why is follow up care important?

Follow-up care is very important so your doctor can monitor your health after treatment. It’s also important to talk to your doctor about complications, further side effects, and warning signs to look out for. Certain symptoms, such as fever, chills, or abdominal pain, may warrant an emergency doctor visit.

How to prevent infection in mouth?

Here’s how to protect your oral health: Brush your teeth two to three times per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let your toothbrush dry in between brushings to prevent bacteria growth. Use a flouride toothpaste.

Is ice cream good for weight loss?

There are many healthy high-calorie foods to choose from (think avocados and nuts), but even ice cream and Oreos are useful tools to keep weight up. For people with extremely low appetites, any calories are better than no calories. Eat whenever you’re hungry, even if it’s not a typical meal time.

How to stop nausea from eating?

Eat whenever you’re hungry, even if it’s not a typical meal time. Avoid low-calorie foods. Eat several small meals a day. Drink mint and ginger teas to soothe nausea. Eat bland foods if you have upset stomach, such as oatmeal, white bread, applesauce, eggs, broth, or low-fat dairy products.

Your body after Chemo – 5 months after my last treatment

About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I went through my surgery and began Chemotherapy shortly after I recovered. I was in Chemo for a little over 3 months about 7 days a week 8 hours a day.

Chemotherapy

Let me start by listing what changes your body goes through from JUST the Chemo ( Not of the meds ) in little detail.

Closing

Right before I started chemo I researched on the Internet about the long term effects it would have on my body. I found very little encouraging news and scared myself quite a bit. There where people saying “you will never be the same”, “your hair will come back different”, “your energy will never come back” etc… This was all untrue for me.

How to swallow a syringe?

Here is what to do: 1 Process your food using a blender to make sure it is as soft as possible. 2 Eat moistened and soft foods. Foods such as, applesauce, soup, or pudding are good for making swallowing easier. 3 Try doing neck exercises as you swallow food. Twist you neck slowly as you swallow. 4 Always consult your doctor about a plan that will be best for you.

Can you swallow after chemo?

Only a few people will undergo this effect after chemotherapy. If you undergo chemotherapy of the neck or head or radiation therapy then you are likely to have difficulties swallowing. However, this may not last for a long time. Taking the right steps can help deal with this within a very short time.

How long does it take for chemo to leave the body?

Most chemotherapy medications will be out of your body in less than 48 hours. We have outlined general precautions that you should follow during your infusion and for 2 days (48 hours) after your chemotherapy is done.

How to get rid of chemo rash on skin?

Skin Care. Skin can become irritated from chemotherapy. If you get chemotherapy or body wastes on your skin, wash the body part with soap and water, then dry. Call your doctor if there is redness or irritation on the skin that lasts longer than one hour.

How to stop infection in hands?

Hand washing is one of the most important things you can do to stop infection. Wash your hands before and after: 1 Eating 2 Making food 3 Going to the bathroom 4 Touching body fluids (yours and others) such as blowing your nose 5 Working with plants or soil 6 After touching garbage 7 Using gloves for a task or procedure

What is the U-M Rogel Cancer Center?

It has been created to answer many of the questions you may have about your treatment, how to prepare and what it will be like. It also has suggestions about caring for yourself during treatment.

What is the number for HomeMed?

The HomeMed™ Number is 800-862-2731.

How to wash gloves?

If possible, wash contaminated laundry right away. If you cannot wash it right away, place it in a leak-proof double plastic bag and wash as soon as possible. Run them through the washer twice using laundry soap and color safe bleach.

Can you have sex after chemo?

Do not have sexual activity for 48 hours after getting chemotherapy because body fluids may contain chemotherapy. It is very important that you or your partner not get pregnant while having chemotherapy. You should use 2 forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. This is very important for both men and women. Tell your doctor if pregnancy occurs while you are getting cancer treatment.

How long do side effects last after chemo?

After you finish chemotherapy, you may have some remaining side effects. While most will go away soon after your last dose, others can last for weeks or months. Some of these side effects are listed below. For more information on each side effect, talk with your healthcare provider.

How long does it take for nausea to go away after chemo?

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.

Can breast cancer come back?

After treatment, many people might be afraid that their cancer will come back (recurrence). You may become concerned about new symptoms you’re having and wonder if they’re related to breast cancer. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about any new symptoms you notice.

What are the mental effects of chemotherapy?

This is sometimes called “chemo brain.” You may have problems such as poor memory, trouble finding words, difficulty focusing. This can affect parts of your life, including caring for your family and managing your job.

Do you have to wear a mask at MSK?

Masks Are Still Required at MSK. Patients and visitors must continue to wear masks while at MSK, including people who are fully vaccinated. MSK is offering COVID-19 vaccines to all patients age 12 and over. To schedule or learn more, read this.

What is the phone number for MSK?

If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after 5:00 pm, during the weekend, or on a holiday, call 212-639-2000.

How long does it take for a white blood cell count to go down after chemo?

After your last dose of chemotherapy, your white blood cell count will go down. It should start to go back to normal about a month after your last treatment. Your red blood cell count may also go down, but it should go back to normal around the same time.

What are the side effects of chemo?

Certain chemo drugs can damage cells in your heart. Chemotherapy may also increase your odds of having heart problems, such as: 1 Weakening of the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy) 2 Problems with your heart rhythm ( arrhythmia) 3 Heart attack

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 chemo make hair grow back?

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. This can prevent new hair from growing, ...

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.

Can chemo cause fertility issues?

Fertility. Chemotherapy can affect your ability to have children, whether you're a man or woman. For guys, the reason has to do with the way chemo drugs target fast-growing cancer cells. Since healthy sperm cells divide quickly, chemo can also damage them.

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.

Does chemotherapy affect fertility?

For both men and women, chemotherapy's effect on fertility depends on a number of things, including the type of drugs you used and the dose. The higher the dose of chemo, the more likely it is to have an impact. If you're having long-term effects from chemo, talk to your doctor to get tips on how to manage them.

What happens after cancer treatment?

A: We hear from many patients that the time after completing active cancer treatment is a time when they feel ‘unsettled’ and worry about an uncertain future. Some may even feel anxious about the possibility that the cancer could return and worry they may not be doing enough to catch any signs early enough. It is also important to note that many patients still have unpleasant symptoms related to their treatment for months or even years after treatment ends. Unfortunately, it is common for patients to experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping, problems with memory, persistent pain or tingling from neuropathy, and emotional distress.

How to deal with cancer fears?

Information and education are essential to regain some control. Sharing one’s fears and worries with loved ones, a support group, or seeking professional help can and will bring relief. It is normal to have many concerns after completing treatment for cancer and important to feel supported and accompanied in this journey.

Why do people have poor body image?

Some patients may also suffer from poor body image or low self-esteem because of the treatment they received and changes it caused. They often need help to learn to accept their new body.

Does cancer affect the family?

A: Cancer affects not just the individual who received the diagnosis, but the entire family unit . Caregivers and well-wishers help support a patient during cancer treatment, and their love, support, and worry will continue after treatment as well. This means they may also need their own emotional support during this time.

What to do before starting chemo?

Before Starting Chemotherapy. If possible, ask your healthcare provider for a tour of your infusion center. Some cancer treatment centers have private rooms for chemotherapy; at others, patients are in a common area. Seeing the space in advance will help you prepare mentally—and decide what to bring along during chemo sessions.

How is chemo administered?

Types of Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be administered via pills, capsules or medicated liquid. It can also be infused into the bloodstream via an IV or injected directly into the body. You and your doctor will discuss which chemotherapy drugs and administration process is most likely to successfully attack your cancer.

Where is the catheter implanted?

Some have a thin catheter implanted in their chest or forearm. Others have a port implanted under the skin of the chest; this port connects directly to a large vein and can be easily accessed with a needle. When needed, healthcare providers can draw blood samples from ports and implanted catheters.

Can chemo cause hair loss?

Nearly everyone knows chemo can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss and other unpleasant side effects. But your doctors and treatment team will guide you through the process and help you manage these symptoms. Learning more about chemotherapy drugs, how they’re administered, and chemo side effects may help put your mind at ease as you prepare ...