Managing the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type and amount of drug administered. Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, and fatigue. Serious side effects such as bleeding or infection may also occur. Fortunately, normal cells usually recover when chemotherapy is over, so most side effects gradually go away after treatment.

Great progress has been made in preventing and treating some of chemotherapy's common as well as rare serious side effects. For example, there are now powerful drugs that can prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting in most patients.

Here are a few tips for dealing with some of the side effects of chemotherapy:

• If you are nauseous, eating small meals, eating and drinking slowly, and avoiding strong smells can help.
• Using a mild shampoo and soft hairbrush can help you care for your hair and scalp during chemotherapy.
• If you suffer from mouth sores, eating soft, soothing foods such as soft fruits, mashed potatoes, cooked cereals, and puddings can help.
• Drinking plenty of fluids and eating small amounts of low-fiber food throughout the day can help control diarrhea.
• You can manage fatigue by incorporating short rest periods throughout the day and doing only as much as you are able.

These are just a few tips for coping with the side effects of chemotherapy.

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