Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy hair loss

Chemotherapy and Exercise

CAF Chemotherapy

CEF Chemotherapy

CEF-G Chemotherapy

CMF Chemotherapy

CMFPO Chemotherapy

FEC Chemotherapy

AC Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy Tip



Chemotherapy Tip:- If you are premenopausal,Cyclophosphamide may cause your ovaries to stop working, resulting in menopausal symptoms (hot flashing etc.)and infertility. While having chemotherapy your periods may stop. This may be permanent, especially if you are 40 years of age or older, but not always the case.

Chemotherapy Tip:- You may notice weight gain during your chemotherapy treatment.

  • You should not try to lose weight during your chemotherapy treatment.
  • Choose lower fat foods if you are eating frequently to relieve nausea.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- You may experience hair loss during your chemotherapy treatment. You may also lose hair on your face and body. Your hair will grow back once your treatments are over and sometimes between treatments. The color and texture of the new hair growth may be different.

  • Shaving the head may be more comfortable.
  • Avoid hair spray, bleaches, dyes and perms.
  • Apply mineral oil to your scalp to reduce itching.
  • If you lose your eyelashes and eyebrows during your chemotherapy treatment, protect your eyes from dust and grit with a broad-rimmed hat and glasses.
  • You may consider cutting your hair short before it falls out

    Chemotherapy Tip:- You may get mouth sores a few days after your chemotherapy treatment. Mouth sores can occur on the tongue, gums, the sides of the mouth or in the throat.

  • Brush your teeth gently after eating and at bedtime with a very soft toothbrush while having chemotherapy . If your gums bleed, use some gauze or your finger instead of a toothbrush. Try using baking soda instead of toothpaste.
  • Make a mouthwash with ½ teaspoon baking soda or salt in 1 cup warm water and rinse several times a day.
  • Tell your doctor about a sore mouth as your chemotherapy doses may need to be decreased if mouth sores are severe.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- Fatigue is a common effect from chemotherapy, usually in the first week after your treatment. As the number of treatment cycles increase, fatigue may get worse. Your energy level will improve with time after chemotherapy treatment is completed.

  • Rest as much as possible to help alleviate the fatigue and let the cells rejuvenate.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- Pain or tenderness may occur where the needle was placed when you have your chemotherapy treatment and it may extend up the arm.

  • Apply cool or warm compresses or soak in cool or warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- You may feel your face burn or stuffiness in your nose during or right after your chemotherapy treatment .

  • Tell your nurse if this bothers you. Giving the chemotherapy injection more slowly may help.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- Your eyes may also become irritated and get watery while having your chemotherapy treatment.

  • Buy some artificial tears as this may help your eyes.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- You may also notice a metallic taste in your mouth while having your chemotherapy treatment.

  • Chew gum, suck on a candy or have a strong flavoured drink if the metallic taste bothers you.
  • Using plastic utensils sometimes helps also.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- Your skin may darken in some areas such as your hands, elbows, knees or along your veins. This will slowly return to normal once you stop your chemotherapy treatment.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- After your treatment you may experience pain in your joints of the hands, knees and feet.

  • See your family doctor to help you to manage symptoms of joint pain from the chemotherapy.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- Your skin may sunburn easily during treatment with fluorouracil from the chemotherapy. To help prevent sunburn;

  • Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible during your chemotherapy treatments.
  • Wear a hat, long sleeves and long pants or skirt outside on sunny days.
  • Apply a sun screen lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.

    Chemotherapy Tip:- Do not be alarmed if your urine turns pink/red for 1-2 days after your chemotherapy treatment. This is normal as doxorubicin (adrymiacin) is red and is passed in your urine.

    Tamoxifen is also given in some as an adjuvant therapy in certain patients. Click here to read more about Tamoxifen.

    NOTE: The chemotherapy protocols on the left are typical adjuvant therapy treatments for breast cancer.

     

     

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