What are the side effects of chemotherapy, and how can I manage them?
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells and injures normal cells as well. This is why you may have some side effects. Depending on what chemotherapy drugs you are taking and how your body reacts, you may experience some of these side effects: • Fatigue • Nausea and vomiting • Pain • Hair loss • Anemia • Nervous system and muscle problems • Infection • Blood clotting problems • Mouth, gum, and throat problems • Diarrhea or constipation • Skin problems • Radiation recall How to manage fatigue Fatigue from chemotherapy can appear suddenly. Patients with cancer often use words such as “worn-out,” “drained” and “wiped out” to describe how tired they feel. To cope with fatigue: • Take short naps or breaks, rather than one long rest period. • Save your energy for the most important things. • Try easier or shorter versions of favorite activities. • Take short walks or do light exercise. • Try activities such as meditation, prayer, yoga or imagery. • Eat as well as you can and drink plenty of fluids. •
