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After Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is treatment of disease, usually cancer, using chemicals--delivered orally or intravenously--that kill cells. All drugs have associated side and after effects, but for optimum health after chemotherapy treatments, it's helpful to be educated about the long-term risks and benefits beforehand. Chemotherapy after effects are numerous and varied; at best they're unpleasant, and at worst they're dangerous.

  1. Memory Loss

    • Some cancer patients experience memory loss or changes related to learning, comprehension and judgment after chemotherapy.

    Cognitive Effects

    • Research has shown that cancer patients who received surgery as well as chemotherapy suffered shrinkage in the area of the brain dealing with cognitive abilities.

    Secondary Neoplasia

    • Secondary neoplasia (usually acute myeloid leukemia) sometimes occurs after chemotherapy, and may be delayed by as much as 30 years.

    Immune System

    • Almost all chemotherapy causes immune system depression, and can lead to a decrease in white and red blood cells, as well as platelets.

    Metabolic Complications

    • Chemotherapy treatment for very large tumors may result in metabolic complications called tumor lysis syndrome, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

    Common Side Effects

    • More common and less dangerous chemotherapy effects include nausea, vomiting, pain, hair loss, anemia, constipation and diarrhea.

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