Lung cancer is a disease that is treated with chemotherapy which can cause considerable side effects. The types of chemotherapy drugs used specifically to treat lung cancer have distinctive side effects that may be more or less severe than other chemotherapy drugs. Some patients may experience little disruption in their daily lives, while others may feel completely run down and require assistance. The newest chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer are designed to be complemented by other medications that help alleviate some of the more debilitating symptoms of chemotherapy treatment.
Low Blood Count
Patients undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer often experience low blood counts as a side effect. Chemotherapy works by inhibiting the types of cells in the body that replicate quickly and often. White and red blood cells and platelets replicate often in order to supply the body with oxygen, regulate the immune system and deliver nutrients. Because chemotherapy inhibits regular blood production, patients feel fatigued, have a weakened immune system and easily bruise. The American Cancer Society suggests that patients should avoid strenuous exercise, eat a balanced diet, and avoid crowded places where infection risks are high.
Hair Loss
Some of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat lung cancer are known to cause hair loss. The types of hair on the body that replicate the most often are found on the head and therefore patients often lose most or all of their hair. Some patients use topical solutions to stimulate new hair growth, while others may temporarily adopt wigs and hats. The National Cancer Institute suggests that patients protect their head from the hot sun as well as from the winter cold. Hair will typically grow back within two or three months after finishing treatment and may be curlier, straighter or a different color than before. The body has a natural memory system and is temporarily disrupted by the chemotherapy. After a while, the patient's hair color, type and original traits will be restored.
Digestive Complications
Patients going through chemotherapy often experience digestive complications during treatment. These complications can occur along every point of digestion, from the mouth all the way to the rectum and anus. The digestive cells in the body require constant turnover due to a neverending workload. Cancer Help, an online cancer resource guide, states that patients may experience changes in the way food tastes. Other related side effects include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. Patients are may benefit by using a gentle mouthwash, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber and refraining from alcohol, which can further weaken digestive cellular production.
