Chemotherapy is a necessary and beneficial segment of most cancer treatment plans. When entering into chemotherapy treatment, you may be wondering about the side effects of chemotherapy and how these will impact your day to day life.

You may still be wondering what is chemotherapy? Simply, it is the process of using drugs to combat cancerous cells. Because chemotherapy works with drugs that attack cancerous cells throughout the entire body, health cells are often damaged in the process. The damage to these cells is the cause of nearly all the side effects of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy side effects vary between the different types of chemotherapy. There are many types of chemotherapy, using various drugs and treatment courses. Which drug is used will determine the specific side effects, although there are many that are common to most drugs.

The most common side effects of chemotherapy are nausea, vomiting, fatigue and hair loss. You may also experience symptoms such as anemia, or low iron, or a greater risk of infection and bleeding disorders. These side effects, while unpleasant, can be managed with additional drugs and therapies.

Other common chemotherapy side effects may affect specific bodily symptoms. Disorders that result from chemotherapy are a direct result of damaged healthy cells, and they usually subside or disappear after your treatment is complete. These include skin conditions, intestinal upset and disorders, kidney discomfort and fertility problems.
There are other, rarer side effects that will be covered by your doctor during your treatment consultations.

You may be concerned about managing the side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects can often be treated with vitamin supplements, lifestyle changes and additional medications. Your doctor will assist you in planning to deal with these changes, but there are several possible home options to prepare yourself for the possibility of these symptoms.

For weight change, eating habit disturbances, fatigue and even mood changes, it is important to keep your body active, even during treatment. You should try to take short walks, in warm sunlight, if possible and your doctor approves it. Moderate physical activity will increase your metabolism, and sunlight has been proven to help regulate moods. You should seek out healthy foods you enjoy that will keep your body fueled and energized. This will not only keep you nourished, but will help your body function at its best.

If you experience intestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea or stomach upset, focus on the quality of your diet. It may be difficult to eat certain foods, especially if you are experiencing a loss of appetite, but a diet high in fiber will help your digestive system function normally and offer relief from the side effects. Since fiber is a natural body cleanser, it has an added benefit of making your entire body feel better after several days on such a diet.

While chemotherapy has many adverse side effects, the benefits typically outweigh the risks. Only you and your doctor can make the decision if treatment is a viable option for you. Your doctor can also refer you to support groups and information available to chemotherapy recipients to mitigate the impact of your treatment.