Chemotherapy: What to Expect

by Stefanie Zinchiak M.Ed.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Linda Lemay M.D.

Understanding Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, or ‘Chemo’ is a cancer treatment in which drugs are administered to destroy cancer cells.  While surgery and radiation therapy are used to remove or kill cancer in a certain area, chemotherapy is used to battle cancer throughout the entire body, killing cancer cells that may have metastasized (spread to other parts of the body away from the original tumor).

Chemo is also used to stop the cancer cells from spreading and slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be the only course of treatment, or it may be combined with other treatments. Often times, chemotherapy will be done either before surgery to shrink a tumor, or after surgery to further destroy and prevent cancer cells from growing and/or spreading. 

Chemotherapy can be given through an IV (intravenously) or a port, via injection, a pill, liquid, or a cream.

The type of chemotherapy drugs, the length of the treatment and the location of where a patient is treated (i.e. home versus hospital or clinic) will all depend on the kind of cancer, the goals of the treatment, the drugs being used and how your body responds to the treatment.

Common Side Effects

Listed below are a few of the more common side effects associated with chemotherapy. Side effects and the intensity with which they can occur will vary from person to person, but most symptoms will subside after chemo ends.

Side Effect: Fatigue

Solution: Rest often, try to modify your workday, allow for rest periods, exercise (this actually helps reduce fatigue), eat healthy and drink lots of water, and ask family and friends for help!

Side Effect: Hair Loss

Solution: Hair loss can happen on all parts of your body and usually doesn’t happen until after a few treatments. It can fall out slowly or in clumps. You may opt to shave your head but a few other tips include using mild shampoo, cutting your hair shorter, using a satin pillowcase, a soft-bristled brush, putting low heat on a hair dryer, etc.  You may choose to use a scarf or a wig from specialty stores until your hair grows back. 

Side Effect: Bruising/Bleeding

Solution: Due to a reduction of platelets in the blood, which help with blood clotting, it’s easier to bruise and bleed. Be cautious of sharp objects like razors and knives, use a soft bristle brush for your teeth, and be careful of certain medications like aspirin. Also avoid high contact sports and be cautious of burns when ironing or cooking.

Side Effect: Anemia

Solution: Anemia is when there are too few red blood cells, and your body tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen. Since this may cause fatigue, dizziness and weakness, take care to get up slowly from sitting or lying down. Also, limit activities, get plenty of rest, and eat a well-balanced diet. Anemia can be treated with medication to stimulate red blood cell production (i.e. Epogen). 

Side Effect: Nausea & Vomiting

Solution: Eat smaller meals more frequently instead of eating large meals, eat and drink slowly, stay away from high fat foods, fried foods and too much sugar, and drink clear liquids like water, apple juice, tea or ginger ale. What you eat and taking anti-emetics (drugs to relieve these nausea and vomiting) will help. Nausea and vomiting may also respond to medical marijuana, acupuncture, and acupressure such as sea sickness wrist bands.

Side Effect: Loss of Appetite

Solution: Eat small meals and snacks and try to add variation to your meals and routine.

Side Effect: Mouth & Throat Problems/Sores

Solution: Keep up with good dental hygiene, see a dentist for tips on how to minimize discomfort, and have your teeth cleaned at least a few weeks prior to treatment.

Side Effect: Digestive Issues (Diarrhea/Constipation)

Solution: For diarrhea, avoid foods high in fiber as well as coffee, alcohol, fried foods, spicy foods and sweets. For constipation, eat foods high in fiber, drink hot fluids and get some exercise- even just going for walks can help.

Safety Precautions

Medications and supplements can affect your chemotherapy treatment, so it’s important to share all medications you are taking with your doctor. These include everything from prescription and non-prescription medications to herbs, vitamins, etc. 

Chemotherapy drugs remain in the body for about 48 hours and are disposed through bodily fluids such as urine, stool and vomit. Safety precautions in the home include washing soiled items in a separate load, keeping the toilet lid down when flushing, washing the toilet seat after usage, using rubber gloves to clean, keeping medications in a safe area away from kids and pets, using protection during intercourse, and avoiding pregnancy,

Chemotherapy often causes a low white blood cell count. White blood cells are your body’s defense against infection. Therefore, it’s very important to stay away from anyone who is sick and to take additional health precautions. Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and ask those around you to wash their hands. You may also need to stay away from people who have had recent vaccines, and be sure to wear gloves when cleaning up or gardening. 

Where to Go

With more than 1.7 million new cancer cases expected to be diagnosed, finding the best care is crucial. “The very first step on a cancer journey is determining where to go for care. We’re empowering women to make confident decisions about the best hospital cancer centers for themselves and their loved ones. We help them make smart, informed choices during a stressful time.” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award and a breast cancer survivor. The Women’s Choice Award, America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care have met the highest standards across the U.S.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor:

Q: What is the goal of chemo for my cancer? What is the success rate? 

Q: How will we know if the chemo is working and what is my treatment plan? Will I need surgery and/or radiation therapy as well?

Q: How will chemo affect my lifestyle and what will I need to do to prepare? 

Resources:

Women’s Choice Award America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute: Chemotherapy and You
Know Where to Go, Know What to Do

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice or to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease or condition.  Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

Sources: 

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-landing
http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/chemotherapy