While cancer treatments impact patients differently, most can expect some side effects. Our physicians at Oregon Oncology Specialists turned to trusted sources to collect the information on this page to help you manage any discomfort that might arise while undergoing treatment.
Please note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained here is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.
Appetite Changes
During treatment, you might notice you aren’t as hungry as usual, or that some foods taste different. And while you may not feel like eating, it’s important to maintain your weight and your strength. This article includes tips to make eating easier, and a list of foods and drinks high in calories and proteins.
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Source: National Cancer Institute
Chemo Brain
The phrase “Chemo Brain” has come to be used by cancer survivors to describe changes in memory, attention and concentration that result from chemotherapy treatments. In medical jargon, the effects of chemo brain are referred to as cognitive deficits or declining neuropsychological functioning. This article offers more information on the science behind “Chemo Brain,” and tips on how to try to mitigate its effects.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Constipation
Certain conditions or medications might cause constipation in patients undergoing treatment. Some patients might need more fiber or exercise. Some could be dehydrated. The linked article details the symptoms, possible causes and guidelines on when to contact your provider. The pdf file outlines steps you can take to minimize constipation and provides a constipation management protocol.
STEPS TO MINIMIZE CONSTIPATION Source: Oregon Oncology Specialists and Salem Health
MANEJO DEL ESTRENIMIEÑTO Source: Oregon Oncology Specialists and Salem Health
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a symptom, rather than a disease, often produced or induced in response to another condition or treatment (i.e. cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation). This article offers a number of ways to minimize or avoid chemotherapy-induced diarrhea.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Fatigue
Along with pain, fatigue (feeling really tired) is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. When you feel fatigued, even simple tasks can be extremely difficult. This article details causes, solutions, and includes questions to ask your doctor if you are feeling tired.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Fever and Chemotherapy
Fever (an abnormally high body temperature) is the body’s response to infection. Fever can be particularly concerning if it occurs at a time when the white blood count level is known or expected to be low. During those times, the body’s normal defenses against infections are down and fever should immediately be further evaluated. Find out more about fever in this article.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Chemotherapy can harm the cells that produce hair. This means the hair on your head (or anywhere on your body) may fall out. This article covers the questions and answers about potential hair loss during treatment.
Source: National Cancer Institute
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Hand-Foot Syndrome
This side effect, causing redness, tenderness and possibly the peeling of the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, can occur with several types of chemotherapy or biologic therapy drugs used to treat cancer. This article details how to prevent and manage hand-foot syndrome.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Heartburn (Gastric Reflux)
Heartburn is caused by reflux or backflow of food from the stomach into the esophagus, which results in a burning discomfort that radiates from the stomach upwards. Tips for managing heartburn include stopping smoking and eliminating or limiting alcohol intake.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Hypokalemia (Low Potassium)
Hypokalemia is an electrolyte imbalance indicated by a low level of potassium in the blood. Normal potassium levels are important for the maintenance of heart, and nervous system function. Causes, symptoms and things you can do for hypokalemia are covered here.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia is an electrolyte imbalance indicated by low levels of magnesium in the blood. This article looks at the reasons you might be suffering from hypomagnesemia, symptoms and solutions.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Itching
Itching can occur suddenly (acute), or over a period of time (chronic). It may occur alone or in combination with other symptoms. It may be localized or generalized. Acute itching during the infusion of chemotherapy could be an early sign of a hypersensitive reaction. This article details possible ways to manage itching.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Menopause
One change you may experience from chemotherapy is the development of symptoms of menopause. How chemotherapy impacts the onset of menopausal symptoms is not fully understood, but this article answers some of the questions you may have.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Mouth and Throat Changes
Call your doctor or nurse if you have trouble eating or swallowing, painful spots or sores in your mouth, or sores on your lips or mouth. You may experience changes in taste and smell, or dry mouth. This article details options to try to alleviate mouth- and throat-related side effects.
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Source: National Cancer Institute
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is when you feel sick to your stomach, like you’re going to throw up. Vomiting is when you throw up. You will most likely feel better on days you don’t get chemotherapy. This article details steps you can take to feel better when nausea hits.
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Source: National Cancer Institute
Numbness and Tingling
Certain chemotherapy drugs may affect the peripheral nervous system, causing numbness and tingling. Individuals at the greatest risk are those with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, alcoholism, severe malnutrition and previous experiences with chemotherapy. The following attachments detail ways you can prevent or minimize the numbness and tingling that results from peripheral neuropathy.
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READ ABOUT COLD THERAPY TO PREVENT PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Nutrition During Treatment
Eating well can improve the effectiveness of your cancer treatments, which can lead to better outcomes. The foods listed in this article can help you maintain a balanced diet, which can help maintain your weight, which is important during treatment.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Pain Management
Many cancer patients experience pain, which can make other symptoms and side effects feel worse. However, nearly all cancer-related pain can be managed, with or without the use of medication. This article details how.
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Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology
Sleep Problems
Often, chemotherapy drugs cause patients to feel tired and sleepy throughout the day. Therefore, patients undergoing chemotherapy can end up napping, which leads to difficulty sleeping at night. The stress and tension of cancer and treatment can also cause sleep problems. This article covers ways to help you sleep better at night.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Swelling
Swelling, also known as edema, is the build up of fluid in the body. Swelling most often affects the feet, ankles and hands, but can also include other parts of the body, such as the abdomen. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause swelling. If swelling occurs along with signs of breathing difficulties, seek help immediately. This article details symptoms and some possible remedies to swelling.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
Taste Changes
There are four main types of taste: sweet, sour, bitter and salt. Taste changes are common during chemotherapy, affecting about 50 percent of patients, though the exact reasons aren’t clear. This article offers some ways to manage taste changes.
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Source: ChemoCare.com
