Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Stage IV Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, is one of the common types of cancer. Stage IV is the most serious form of any cancer. It is usually treated by surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy involves administration of drugs that destroy the cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying. The drugs can be given orally or intravenously, and can cause a variety of side effects.

Fatigue

• Tiredness and fatigue are a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment. It may last for a few months after the treatment ends.

Nausea

• Most chemotherapy drugs can make you feel nauseated. But this can usually be controlled with anti-nausea medicines.

Mouth Sores

• Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the lining of your mouth and cause sores. They can also affect changes in your taste buds, making food taste too bitter or salty.

Digestive Problems

• Diarrhea, loss of appetite and constipation are other common side effects of some chemotherapy drugs.

Blood Cell Count

• Chemotherapy drugs often affect blood cells. They can reduce your red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts.

Hair Loss

• A most common fallout of chemotherapy treatment is loss of hair, ranging from mild hair thinning to complete hair loss.