Chemotherapy is a standard part of treatment for many cancers, and its effects can be far-reaching. Many effects tend to be cumulative, and get worse as treatment progresses. Side effects vary depending on the drugs used, the specific regimen and individual patient characteristics.
Low White Blood Cells
Because chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells in addition to cancer cells, it also kills fast-growing blood cells. As chemotherapy progresses, it can have a stronger effect on these blood cells, and neutropenia may occur. Neutropenia is when you have a low count of white blood cells, which are the cells that help your body fight infection. This can make you vulnerable to infections and illnesses, and may delay any further chemotherapy treatments until your counts are back to normal. Chemotherapy also affects your platelets, which help your blood clot. A low amount of platelets is called thrombocytopenia. This may cause easy bruising and bleeding. If you have a low red blood cell count, anemia may occur, causing fatigue.
Neurological Effects
Some people experience what they call "chemo brain," according to the American Cancer Society. This may include lapses in memory, trouble focusing or concentrating on things, difficulty multi-tasking, trouble remembering words or details, and generally feeling like you have cloudy thinking. Health professionals generally call this "mild cognitive impairment." The causes of this are not known, and for some people, it lessens over time. Up to 70 percent of people who receive chemotherapy will experience "chemo brain" according to Cancer.org.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage that is done to the peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that are part of the sensations in our arms and legs. Chemotherapy can damage these nerves, causing this condition. Symptoms include feeling "pins and needles,", numbness, temperature sensitivity, decreased reflexes, pain, and burning. It can be in your fingers and hands, or feet, and affects both sides of the body the same. This can happen at any point during chemotherapy treatments, and can get worse as chemo progresses.
Hair Loss
Losing your hair, or alopecia, does not happen immediately when you start chemotherapy. It generally starts after several treatments, and usually grows back after chemotherapy is finished. It occurs all over the body, and varies with each individual. Some people lose some of their hair, some people experience only a little thinning of their hair; it depends on the particular drugs used, as well.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, according to the American Cancer Society. It does not get better with rest or sleep, and tends to be worst at the beginning and end of treatment cycles. Once chemotherapy is over, it tends to be alleviated. Things that can be done to ease fatigue include having a balanced diet and adequate hydration, having people help you with errands and other things that need to be done, and getting some form of regular exercise.
