The word “chemo” often causes fear because of its associated side effects. Sometimes these side effects may be difficult to deal with—both physically and emotionally.
Side effects are caused by the damage that occurs to healthy cells during chemo. This happens because certain normal cells, like blood cells, digestive tract cells, and hair follicle cells, multiply quickly—and chemotherapy drugs are designed to destroy rapidly dividing cells.
Depending on the type of chemo you receive and how your body reacts, the severity of side effects can vary. Side effects are often temporary and usually subside following treatment.
Some of the side effects that have been seen with chemotherapy can include:
- Fatigue and anemia
- Gastrointestinal and bladder problems
- Neuropathy
- Pain and muscle effects
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Nail and skin problems
- Memory and attention problems
- Infection
- Bleeding and bruising
- Mouth, gum, and throat problems
- Hot flashes
- Allergic reactions
- Loss of appetite
- Decrease in white blood cells (neutropenia)
- Sensory neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet)
Although most types of chemo share similar side effects, each treatment can be different. You and your doctor will choose the chemotherapy that’s right for you based on a number of factors, which can include:
- Side effects experience with previous treatments
- Your medical history
- The side effects specific to the chemo treatment
- The drugs you’ve already received and how they will interact with the chemo
I want to learn more about the classes of chemo and how they work. Tell me more about my chemo options.
How long do the side effects of chemo last?
Generally speaking, most side effects are temporary. Some of them will subside when normal cells have recovered from the damage caused by chemo and have had a chance to re-grow. The type of chemo you receive and your overall health are also factors in how quickly you recover from side effects.
Sometimes, chemo can cause permanent changes or may have delayed effects. While you should be aware of these potential long-term effects of chemotherapy (such as damage to the heart, lungs, nerves, or kidneys), your focus should be on the here and now—fighting cancer with everything you’ve got.