what are the reactions to chemotherapy

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Doctors may prepare a person for the short-term side effects of chemotherapy, such as hair loss and fatigue, but there may also be long-term side effects. Long-term side effects of chemotherapy may occur months or years after treatment. Long-term side effects, also called late effects, can vary depending on the person and treatment.

What are the long-term side effects of chemotherapy?

Contact your cancer care team right away if you have any of the following symptoms during chemo treatment: A fever of 100.5°F or greater (taken by mouth) Bleeding or unexplained bruising A rash or allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mouth or throat, severe itching, trouble swallowing Intense chills

What are the symptoms of cancer during chemo treatment?

Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cells, including healthy cells in your hair and inside your mouth. Hair loss. This happens most often on the scalp but your eyebrows and eyelashes may thin, too. Mouth sores. Damage to the cells in your mouth can create sores that make it difficult to eat and drink.

What happens to your body when you have chemo?

Some drugs will cause changes in the nails, darkening of the tongue, gums, and over finger joints. Most skin reactions occur within two to three weeks of initiation of chemotherapy and resolve 10 to 12 weeks after stopping treatment. Hyperpigmentation most commonly accompanies use of alkylating agents and antitumor antibodies.

What are the effects of chemotherapy on the skin?

What are the three most common side effects of chemotherapy?

Here's a list of many of the common side effects, but it's unlikely you'll have all of these.Tiredness. Tiredness (fatigue) is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. ... Feeling and being sick. ... Hair loss. ... Infections. ... Anaemia. ... Bruising and bleeding. ... Sore mouth. ... Loss of appetite.More items...

Do the side effects of chemo get worse with each treatment?

The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.

How does your body react to chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, bowel issues such as constipation or diarrhoea, hair loss, mouth sores, skin and nail problems. You may have trouble concentrating or remembering things. There can also be nerve and muscle effects and hearing changes. You will be at increased risk of infections.

When do chemotherapy side effects start?

Sickness caused by chemotherapy can start within a couple of hours of starting your treatment and only last a day or so. Or it can come on more than 24 hours after the start of treatment. This is called delayed onset nausea and vomiting and usually lasts about a week.

What are the hardest days after chemo?

For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.

What should you not do after chemo?

9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•

How do u feel after first chemo treatment?

The most commonly reported side effect after receiving chemotherapy is fatigue. 7 Give yourself time for extra rest and sleep in the days after a session. Tell your healthcare provider if your fatigue begins to affect your ability to function or complete basic tasks, like bathing.

How many rounds of chemo is normal?

During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.

How long does a course of chemo last?

In general, chemotherapy can take about 3 to 6 months to complete. It may take more or less time, depending on the type of chemo and the stage of your condition. It's also broken down into cycles, which last 2 to 6 weeks each.

What helps chemo patients feel better?

Here's what they had to say.Get some rest. ... Stay hydrated. ... Eat when you can. ... Create a sense of normalcy in your routine. ... Look to your support and care teams to have your back through treatment. ... Keep things around that bring you comfort. ... Stay ahead of your nausea. ... Stay positive.More items...•

Is chemo painful?

The actual chemotherapy process is usually painless. Some chemo drugs may cause a slight burning as they enter your vein. For example, if the IV is in your hand or wrist, you may feel the burning sensation moving up your arm. This is perfectly normal and will ease as the infusion progresses.

How long does it take for chemo side effects to go away?

Many side effects go away fairly quickly, but some might take months or even years to go away completely. These are called late effects. Sometimes the side effects can last a lifetime, such as when chemo causes long-term damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or reproductive organs.

What are the signs that chemo is not working?

Here are some signs that chemotherapy may not be working as well as expected: tumors aren't shrinking. new tumors keep forming. cancer is spreading to new areas.

Do the side effects of Taxol get worse with each treatment?

There is no relationship between the presence or severity of Taxol side effects and the effectiveness of the medication. The Taxol side effects and their severity vary depending on how much of the drug is given, and/or the schedule in which it is given.

How many rounds of chemo is normal?

During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.

What body systems are most affected by chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy drugs can affect any body system, but the following are most susceptible: digestive tract . hair follicles. bone marrow. mouth. reproductive system. It’s worth understanding how these cancer drugs can affect your major body systems.

How does the kidney work during chemotherapy?

The kidneys work to excrete the powerful chemotherapy drugs as they move through your body. In the process, some kidney and bladder cells can become irritated or damaged.

How long does it take for hair to grow after chemo?

Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body, from eyebrows and eyelashes to your legs. Hair loss is temporary. New hair growth usually begins several weeks after the final treatment.

Why is blood count important for chemo?

Routine blood count monitoring is a crucial part of chemotherapy. That’s because the drugs can harm cells in the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced. Without enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues, you may experience anemia.

Does chemotherapy cause hot flashes?

Sexual and reproductive system. Chemotherapy drugs are known to alter hormones in both men and women. In women, hormonal changes can bring on hot flashes, irregular periods, or sudden onset of menopause. You may experience dryness of vaginal tissues that can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.

Does chemo cause bone loss?

Most people lose some bone mass as they age, but with chemo, some drugs increase this loss by causing calcium levels to drop. Cancer-related osteoporosis tends to affect women more than men, especially post-menopausal women and those whose menopause was brought on suddenly due to chemotherapy.

Does chemotherapy affect digestion?

Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy affect digestion. Dry mouth and mouth sores that form on the tongue, lips, gums, or in the throat can make it difficult to chew and swallow. Mouth sores also make you more susceptible to bleeding and infection.

Why does chemotherapy cause side effects?

Cancer cells are active, but so are some healthy cells. These include cells in your blood, mouth, digestive system, and hair follicles. Side effects happen when chemotherapy damages these healthy cells.

How long does it take for a person to have trouble with memory after chemotherapy?

And some people have trouble with thinking, concentrating, and memory for months or years after treatment. Nervous system changes can develop after treatment. Children who had chemotherapy may develop side effects that happen months or years after treatment. These are called late effects.

Why is chemotherapy important?

It is an important part of cancer treatment. Doctors and scientists work constantly to develop drugs, drug combinations, and ways of giving treatment with fewer side effects. Many types of chemotherapy are easier to tolerate than they were a few years ago.

How long does it take for nerve damage to go away from chemo?

However, nerve damage often gets worse with each dose. Sometimes the drug causing the nerve damage has to be stopped. It can take months or years for nerve damage from chemotherapy to improve or go away. In some people, it never completely goes away. Treatment of pain often differs based on what is causing it.

What is it called when you have to follow up after a long term treatment?

Your health care team can help you treat long-term side effects and watch for late effects. This is called follow-up care . Your follow-up care might include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both.

Can chemo cause constipation?

Chemotherapy can cause constipation. This means not having a bowel movement often enough or having difficult bowel movements. Other medicines, such as pain medication, can also cause constipation. You can lower your risk of constipation by drinking enough fluids, eating balanced meals, and getting enough exercise.

Does chemotherapy make blood cells?

It makes new blood cells. Chemotherapy affects this process, so you might have side effects from having too few blood cells. Usually the number of blood cells return to normal after chemotherapy is complete. But during treatment, low numbers of blood cells can cause problems and must be watched closely.

What are the side effects of chemo?

Its side effects depend on the type of chemo drug involved, but infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and hair loss are some of the more common ones. Other common side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting. fatigue. neuropathy, or pain caused by nerve damage. constipation.

How to help with nausea after chemotherapy?

Dietary changes, such as eating smaller meals or avoiding certain foods, can help. Antinausea medications can also help, especially if a person experiences the side effects at predictable intervals, such as immediately after chemotherapy.

Why does chemotherapy weaken the immune system?

Infection and a weakened immune system. Cancer and the treatment of it can weaken the immune system. Because chemotherapy kills healthy immune cells, it can make a person more vulnerable to infection. And because the immune system is weakened, any infections may last longer than usual.

Why does chemotherapy cause digestive problems?

Chemotherapy may trigger digestion problems because it can damage cells that help digestion.

What to do if you have a bruise after cancer treatment?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends contacting the cancer team right away about any bleeding or unexplained bruising during cancer treatment or any blood in stool or urine.

Does chemotherapy cause hair to fall out?

Chemotherapy can damage hair follicles, causing the hair to weaken, become brittle, and fall out. Any hair that regrows may be of a different texture or color. This usually continues until the treatment ends, after which hair almost always regrows.

Can chemotherapy cause a bruise?

Chemotherapy can cause a person to bruise or bleed more easily. Many people having chemotherapy experience this side effect. Bleeding more heavily than usual can be dangerous. It is a good idea to take precautions, such as wearing gloves when gardening or cutting food.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy is a potential side effect of chemotherapy with various cancer types and treatments.

How long do side effects last after chemo?

Side effects may appear during therapy and can last long after therapy is over. In some cases, long-term chemotherapy side effects may not occur until months or years after treatment.

What are the risk factors for nerve damage?

Other risk factors for nerve damage may include diet, other conditions, and the type of chemotherapy drug.

What are the cognitive issues associated with chemotherapy?

Cognitive issues may include problems with memory, concentration, or focus.

What to do for sensitive teeth?

Regular checkups with a dentist may help identify and treat problem areas. Some topical creams and toothpaste may help with tooth sensitivity.

How long after cancer treatment do side effects occur?

Research from 2017 notes that some side effects like cardiovascular (heart and vessel) complications may not occur until 20 years after cancer treatment.

What are the most common mental health issues in cancer survivors?

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and issues with body image, are common in cancer survivors. Research from 2018 notes that up to 20% of people with cancer experience depression, four times as common as the general population.

What is an allergic reaction and is chemotherapy related?

An allergic reaction also referred to as a hypersensitivity reaction is an overactive or misdirected immune response that results in local tissue injury or changes throughout the body in response to a foreign substance. These reactions can be caused by many factors, including chemo treatments. Our body's immune response to a foreign substance is potentially a "two-edged sword" it can either protect or harm the host. It protects us from foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria, but it can also bring about an exaggerated (hypersensitive) response when previously sensitized individuals are exposed to the same foreign substance.

How to minimize allergic reactions to chemotherapy?

Things you can do to minimize the effects of chemotherapy-induced allergic reactions: Notify your healthcare professional of any allergies you may have, including food and drugs. Also let your healthcare professional know if you have had an allergic reaction to any drugs - specifically chemo treatments - in the past.

What is a type 1 reaction?

Type I Reaction - The most common associated with allergic reactions to drugs, such as chemotherapy medicine . These reactions are immediate may occur in seconds or minutes, especially if the body has been exposed to the foreign substance before and has been "sensitized."

How long does a hive last after chemo?

Hives (urticaria): raised, itchy, red blotches or wheals which may be pale in the center and red around the outside. This is also a common chemo drug reaction usually occurring within 36 hours of drug exposure. The lesions rarely last for more than 24 hours. However on giving the drug again the lesions may develop within minutes.

What is the redness of an allergic reaction?

A severe form of this type of allergic reaction would be a wide spread, red rash that blends together. Often associated with peeling of the skin, and desquamation (areas of wet or dry open sores). There may be other symptoms such as fever, lymph node enlargement, and loss of appetite.

How long does it take for a type III reaction to occur?

This is more widespread than the type II trigger. This process may occur in hours to days from the triggering substance .

How long does it take for a rash to appear after taking a med?

This rash can occur with almost any drug at any time up to two to three weeks after the drug has been given, but are most common within the first 10 days.

What are the side effects of chemo?

Chemotherapy drugs go through your bloodstream and can affect your whole body. That can cause symptoms such as: 1 Fatigue. Feeling tired or having little energy is a common side effect of many types of chemotherapy. 2 Memory and thinking problems. People who undergo chemotherapy sometimes report memory problems or a mental fogginess that's sometimes called chemo brain.

What is it called when you have memory problems after chemotherapy?

Memory and thinking problems. People who undergo chemotherapy sometimes report memory problems or a mental fogginess that's sometimes called chemo brain.

How does chemo work?

Chemotherapy works by killing rapidly dividing cancer cells. But as it wipes out cancer cells, chemotherapy can also destroy fast-growing healthy cells. This may cause you to experience side effects.

What causes nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting. Damage to your stomach and intestinal lining can also cause nausea and vomiting.

What to tell your doctor after you start a med?

After you start treatment, it's important to tell your health care team about all the side effects you experience. The earlier they know, the more likely they can prevent side effects from becoming more-serious problems.

Does chemotherapy affect your whole body?

Whole-body effects. Chemotherapy drugs go through your bloodstream and can affect your whole body. That can cause symptoms such as: Fatigue. Feeling tired or having little energy is a common side effect of many types of chemotherapy. Memory and thinking problems.

Does chemo cause hair loss?

Hair loss. Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cells, including healthy cells in your hair. Hair loss happens most often on the scalp but your eyebrows and eyelashes may thin, too. Fortunately, hair loss is almost always temporary.

How long after chemo do side effects appear?

Chemotherapy drugs can also cause side effects that don't become evident until months or years after treatment. Late side effects vary depending on the chemotherapy drug but can include:

How to know if you are ready for chemo?

Blood tests to check kidney and liver functions and heart tests to check for heart health can determine whether your body is ready to begin chemotherapy. If there's a problem, your doctor may delay your treatment or select a different chemotherapy drug and dosage that's safer for you. See your dentist.

Why is chemo used for bone marrow transplant?

Chemotherapy is often used to prepare for a bone marrow transplant. Immune system disorders. Lower doses of chemotherapy drugs can help control an overactive immune system in certain diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Overview. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Many different chemotherapy drugs are available.

How to prepare for chemo?

Prepare for your first treatment. Ask your doctor or chemotherapy nurses how to prepare for chemotherapy. It may be helpful to arrive for your first chemotherapy treatment well rested. You might wish to eat a light meal beforehand in case your chemotherapy medications cause nausea.

How does chemotherapy help with cancer?

To ease signs and symptoms. Chemotherapy may help relieve signs and symptoms of cancer by killing some of the cancer cells. Doctors call this palliative chemotherapy.

What to ask your doctor about chemo?

Ask your doctor if you'll need time off work or help around your home after treatment. Ask your doctor for the details of your chemotherapy treatments so that you can make arrangements for work, children, pets or other commitments.

What are the most common cytotoxic agents that are associated with infusion reactions?

The cytotoxic agents that are most commonly associated with infusion reactions are the taxanes, platinum drugs, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, asparaginase, procarbazine, etoposide, bleomycin, cytarabine, and ixabepilone. While these are often referred to as "hypersensitivity reactions," many do not have a proven immunologic mechanism. Thus, the term infusion reaction is preferred. In contrast, allergic reactions where a known immunologic mechanism can be demonstrated through blood or skin testing are clearly established for platinum drugs, taxanes, some monoclonal antibodies, and certain other chemotherapy agents, as discussed in this review.

Can Paclitaxel cause anaphylactic reactions?

A fatal anaphylactic reaction to paclitaxel is described, which was preceded by a possible delayed reaction to the initial infusion. Allergy Asthma Proc 2011; 32:79.

How long does it take for a skin reaction to resolve after chemo?

Most skin reactions occur within two to three weeks of initiation of chemotherapy and resolve 10 to 12 weeks after stopping treatment. Hyperpigmentation most commonly accompanies use of alkylating agents and antitumor antibodies.

When do toxic reactions resolve?

Toxic reactions, in contrast, are dose-dependent and skin reactions generally resolve fairly soon after the drug causing the reaction is stopped.

Which drugs are associated with photosensitivity?

Drugs associated with these photosensitivity reactions are dacarbazine, fluorouracil, methotrexate and vinblastine. Photoallergic reactions are less common than phototoxic reactions. A photoallergic reaction is similar to a phototoxic reaction but the reaction may spread beyond areas exposed to light.

How long does it take for a penicillin reaction to go away?

For example, with a hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin, the skin condition may worsen for seven to ten days after the drug has been stopped.

Does methotrexate cause hair color?

Methotrexate may produce a characteristic "flag sign" on the hair - horizontal hyperpigmented bands alternating with normal hair color in light-haired individuals.

Can a drug cause a rash?

All drugs may induce skin reactions, although if they do occur they are usually mild, however, some skin reactions are serious and potentially life-threatening. Because of this, all drug-associated rashes should be reported to your health care professional for evaluation.