The American Cancer Society describes CHOP as an acronym used to abbreviate four drugs in a chemotherapy regimen for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. CHOP represents the drugs cytoxan, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone. Three are chemotherapy agents and prednisone is a steroid. Together the medications are designed to kill cancer cells that are generally faster growing than normal cells. Because some body cells grow quickly, they may also be damaged, leading to side effects from treatment.
Mouth Sores
The lining of the mouth can be damaged by chemotherapy treatment leading to openings or sores in the mouth. At times, they can be preventing with sucking on ice chips during treatment. If mouth sores do occur, pain medications and mouth swishes can provide comfort. The National Institute of Cancer also has several recommendations for comfort including avoiding certain foods and using lip balm.
Nausea and Vomiting
Like the lining of the mouth, the lining of the stomach can also be damaged by the CHOP regimen. Nausea and vomiting is common with this treatment but can be treated or prevented. Medications may be given before or after for relief. Keeping hydrated and eating a bland diet also help keep nausea at bay.
Hair Loss
The National Cancer Institute explains that hair will begin to fall out between two and three weeks after initial therapy. Patients may experience thinning, but are more likely to lose most of their hair, including eyebrows and body hair. Cutting hair short can make the loss less apparent and devastating. Wigs are available for purchase to replace lost hair.
Infections
CHOP kills white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections. Without protection of these cells, the body is more susceptible to infection. The National Cancer Institute recommends a fever higher than 100.5, chills, or sore throat should be reported to the doctor. Antibiotics may be used to fight infections that the body may be unable to fight.
Fatigue and Risk for Bleeding
Red blood cells and platelets are also killed by CHOP. Low amounts of red blood cells causes anemia, which leads to fatigue. Platelets are responsible for clotting blood and low numbers leaves the body susceptible to bleeding. Managing fatigue requires resting more often and limiting activity. Signs of bleeding or bruising need to be reported to the physician.
