Chemotherapy, a common treatment for breast cancer, is accompanied by side effects. Many of these side effects are similar to those of chemotherapy for other cancers, but others, such as cardiac problems, happen more often to people being treated for breast cancer. Before you start treatment for breast cancer, talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have, and ask what can be done to minimize side effects of chemotherapy.
Menstrual Changes/Fertility Changes
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause temporary or permanent cessation of menstrual periods, which can put women into premature menopause and cause infertility. The older a woman is at the time of treatment, the more likely this is to occur, according to the American Cancer Society. Premature menopause can cause osteoporosis and have adverse effects sexual functioning, but medications can help with both issues. Chemotherapy can cause serious adverse effects on a developing fetus, and while a woman is on chemotherapy it is still possible to get pregnant. Using birth control is strongly suggested.
Cardiac Toxicity
Doxorubicin (brand name Adriamycin) is used in the treatment of breast cancer, and this drug, along with epirubicin, can cause heart damage even after treatment has ended. Before treatment with these drugs starts, the patient's heart function is tested. During treatment, patients are closely monitored to look for any effects on the heart. Since these adverse effects may take years to develop, regular checkups post-treatment are strongly recommended.
Chemo Brain
Many cancer survivors, including breast cancer survivors, report a kind of "mental cloudiness" during and after chemotherapy. This has come to be known as "chemo brain." Symptoms of chemo brain include difficulty multi-tasking, trouble remembering words, slower processing time, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating, according to Cancer.org. Chemo brain is temporary in some people, but for other people, it can be long-lasting. Right now, it is not known what exactly triggers chemo brain or what can be done to prevent it from occurring.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of breast cancer chemotherapy exist, and not everyone will get every side effect. Typically, the side effects depend on the drugs given, the dosage, and the specific regimen. The American Cancer Society lists side effects, including hair loss, mouth sores, low blood cell counts (increasing risk of infection and anemia), nausea and vomiting, fatigue and neuropathy (pain, tingling, and numbness in fingers and toes).
