Chemotherapy is a type of treatment used to destroy cancer cells. In the process, it also destroys healthy cells, resulting in a myriad of side effects for the patient. According to the American Cancer Society, side effects will vary according to the drug used, its dose, the way it is given and how the body responds to it.
Hair Loss
Although it's not a life-threatening side effect, hair loss is one that can have adverse emotional and psychological repercussions. If you are going to be affected by hair loss, you will generally notice small amounts of hair loss within the first two to three weeks of your treatment. It may fall out from the hair follicle or break off at your scalp. Some lose their eyelashes. In most cases, this is temporary; once your treatments are complete, your hair should grow back. However, your hair may be a different texture; it could be curly instead of straight, or it may be a different color.
Changes in Taste
Chemotherapy drugs can change the taste receptors in the mouth, altering the way certain foods taste and smell. This can lead to changes in weight, poor nutrition and anemia. Some of the more common signs of taste changes include a dislike for tomatoes, beef and pork, an increase or decrease in your liking of sweet foods, a dislike in bitter foods or a constant metallic taste in your mouth that leaves everything you eat tasting the same way. According to the American Cancer Society, it can take several weeks after your treatments have ended for your taste buds to return to normal.
Nausea and Vomiting
Chemotherapy causes these side effects for a variety of reasons. One is that the drugs used irritate the lining of the stomach; another is that certain drugs activate the brain center responsible for inducing vomiting. As stated by the American Cancer Society, there is no way to predict the onset of these side effects, although certain drugs are more likely to cause them. These include, but are not limited to, bendamustine, cisplatin, carmustine, lomustine, methotrexate, amifostine, melphalan and ifosfamide. Because this is such a common side effect, drugs are now being given to patients before treatment is started to help prevent nausea and vomiting from occurring.
Fatigue
Fatigue, one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, is not the average feeling of being tired and does not improve with rest. It can be last for long periods of time and affect your health and quality of life. Some of the most common symptoms include lack of energy, weariness, weakness, forgetfulness and problems concentrating.
