Unfortunately, there are many side effects that can occur when someone with cancer is going through chemotherapy. Chemotherapy symptoms and side effects will vary depending on the type of therapy being received. Most symptoms of the chemotherapy, however, will go away soon after the treatments are discontinued.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of chemotherapy. A person who is on chemotherapy and is vomiting should stop eating food immediately. He should consume clear liquids until the vomiting has stopped. Light foods such as rice, toast or bananas can be slowly added to the diet. Anti-nausea medication may be prescribed that can help stave off vomiting.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another common symptom of chemotherapy. Cancer patients who are experiencing diarrhea due to chemotherapy should avoid fried, greasy foods that are high in fat, raw fruits and vegetables and spices. Whole grain cereals and breads should be avoided as well as popcorn and nuts. Anti-diarrhea medication may be prescribed. Medical providers should be notified at once if blood is seen in the stools or in the toilet.
Dehydration
A person who is undergoing chemotherapy may become dehydrated. This is a serious symptom of chemotherapy. It must be treated in a medical setting with intravenous fluids being administered. A person who is dehydrated will have little urine output. They will also have a dry mouth and their skin may remain crinkled after being pinched.
Infections
A person undergoing chemotherapy will have a drop in their immune system. This increases the risk of infection setting in anywhere in the body. Because a person undergoing chemotherapy is already dealing with many different types of symptoms, it may be hard to detect when an infection develops. It's important that people stay alert to any changes in their bodies and that they report these changes to their doctors.
Pain
Chemotherapy can cause pain. This symptom of chemotherapy is a form of nerve pain. It often produces painful numbness and/or tingling in the body, particularly in the extremities. Any pain experienced while undergoing chemotherapy treatments should be reported promptly to a physician.
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