Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly multiplying cancer cells, but they can't distinguish cancer from hair, skin or blood cells. Targeted therapies are available for certain cancers, but all drugs have side effects. Although the symptoms experienced after chemotherapy vary with the drug, dose, age, gender and overall health of each individual, there are a number of common side effects following treatment. Frequent and honest communication with your doctor allows him to address symptoms as they occur.
Appetite and Weight Loss
The American Cancer Society lists nausea and vomiting as a common problem for patients after chemotherapy. A loss of appetite, trouble swallowing and a sore mouth, gums or throat are contributing factors to a decrease in food intake. Weight loss and muscle weakness result.
Changes in Hair and Skin
Not all patients experience full hair loss from the scalp during chemotherapy. Hair growth often becomes thin, brittle or even curly in the short term, and loss may occur with progressive doses. Facial hair may grow faster and eyelashes become longer than usual. An acne-like rash on the scalp, face, neck, chest or upper back initially starts with redness and swelling but disappears about one month after treatment.
Sensations in Hands and Feet
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy caused by damage to the peripheral nerves results in tingling, burning, pain or numbness that usually begins in the toes and progresses to the feet and hands. Some patients report lack of sensation, while others are hypersensitive to pressure or cold in their extremities. This affects both sides of the body equally. Hand-foot syndrome causes painful sensitivity in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Redness and swelling that mimic sunburn may blister. Difficulty in picking up objects or tripping and stumbling when walking can result.
Lowered Blood Cell Counts
Decreased white blood cell counts leave the patient susceptible to infection and unable to mount a full immune response. Low red blood cell count results in anemia, fatigue and shortness of breath. Lowered platelet counts slow clotting and increase bruising and uncontrolled bleeding.
Urogenital Changes
Chemotherapy drugs may cause kidney, bladder or bowel irritation resulting in loss of control. Patients have reported difficulty in passing or holding urine, constipation or diarrhea. Sexual function and fertility problems vary widely among individuals after chemotherapy.
Brain Function and Memory
Patients call the mild cognitive impairment they experience after chemotherapy "chemobrain." A general mental cloudiness manifested in memory lapses, trouble concentrating, inability to multitask, poor balance and difficulty in recalling details and words is common. The American Cancer Society reports measurable changes in the brain regions that control memory and planning during treatment, which usually recover over time.
Mood
Patients experience a range of emotions. Feelings of helplessness, anger and depression increase with the physical side effects. Some feel scared and question whether the treatment is effective.
