The Side Effects of Standard Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment in which drugs are injected into the body to kill cancerous cells. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 100 chemotherapy drugs are used in different combinations to treat cancer. The side effects a patient experiences are dependent on the drugs and dosages used, but in most cases the side effects go away shortly after chemotherapy is completed.

Hair Loss

• Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, but not all patients will experience it. Whether your hair falls out, and how fast and how much, depends on your dosages and treatments.

Fatigue

• Fatigue and weakness are among the most common side effects reported by chemotherapy patients. Because the tiredness is caused by the chemotherapy, you will not necessarily feel better after resting or sleeping.

Memory Changes

• Many chemotherapy patients experience what is sometimes called "chemo brain," which is basically memory loss and changes to how you think. Unlike most side effects, this can last for years after chemotherapy has ended.

Constipation or Diarrhea

• Constipation and diarrhea are both frequently experienced by chemo patients, in many cases because the drugs used for chemotherapy make patients more susceptible to each.

Mouth Sores

• Because of how oral cells respond to chemotherapy, sores in your mouth are sometimes a side effect.

Loss of Appetite

• Most people undergoing chemotherapy have less of an appetite than before the treatment started. This can lead to weight loss. Nausea and vomiting are also commonly experienced by chemotherapy patients, which can also lead to a loss of appetite.