Common Chemotherapy Side Effects. Every person does not get every side effect of chemotherapy, and some people experience few, if any, side effects.

Hair Loss
Hair loss may be hard to deal with. Not all chemotherapy drugs will make you lose your hair, and
some people only experience mild thinning.
Wigs and turbans are provided free of charge by the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House
(www.reynoldscancersupporthouse.org) at 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith. You can learn more about this
and many other services by calling 479-782-6302 or 1-800-262-9917.
Techniques to Help with Hair Loss
• Use mild shampoos.
• Use soft hairbrushes.
• Use low heat if you must use a hair dryer.
• Don’t dye your hair or get a permanent.
• Use a sunscreen, hat, scarf, or wig to protect your scalp from the sun.
• Use a satin pillowcase.
Anorexia (lack of appetite)
Discuss this with your nurse or physician. Patients who maintain their weight or gain weight tend to
do better while undergoing chemotherapy. Remember, the body is expending extra energy as it heals from
the effects of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Your doctor may prescribe an appetite stimulant
such as Megace or Marinol. Milkshakes and nutritional supplements are a plus.
Nutrition
Changes in taste and smell may continue as long as chemotherapy treatments continue, or even longer.
Several weeks after chemotherapy has ended, taste and smell sensations usually return to normal (but not
always). Foods that are high in protein and calories help your body rebuild after chemotherapy treatments.
Nutrition Suggestions
• On the days chemotherapy is given, patients should make sure they have had something to eat.
Most people find that a light meal or snack before chemotherapy is best.
• Try eating small frequent meals.
• Let the health care team know when eating is a problem.
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Nausea and Vomiting (feeling sick at your stomach)
Prevention of nausea and vomiting is the goal. As with many side effects, control of
nausea is easier if it is prevented from ever starting. You will be given a prescription for anti-
nausea medications for home, and you should be sure to have these available in case you need
them. If these medications do not prevent nausea and vomiting, it is important to tell your doctor.
Helpful Hints for Nausea
• Eat 6-8 small meals a day, instead of 3 large meals.
• Eat dry foods, such as crackers, toast, dry cereals, when you wake up and every few
hours during the day.
• Eat foods that do not have a strong odor.
• Eat cool foods instead of hot and spicy foods.
• Sit up or recline with your head raised for at least one hour after eating.
• Sip clear liquids frequently to prevent dehydration. Examples include broth, water,
popsicles, and sports drinks.
• Avoid eating in a room that has strong cooking odors or other smells.
• Suck on hard candy, such as peppermint or lemon.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer and chemotherapy. The fatigue
a person with cancer feels is different from the fatigue of everyday life. It is unrelated to activity
and may not be resolved with rest or sleep. Patients feel fatigue both mentally and physically. The
best way to manage fatigue is a balanced diet, mild to moderate exercise, and lots of rest. Try to
schedule the things most important to you in the mornings when you will have the most energy.
Stay active, but don’t overdo it. Most importantly, ask family and friends for help.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is frequently described as a burning, tingling, or numbing type of
pain in the hands and feet. It has many causes including some chemotherapy drugs. Let your
doctor know when symptoms begin. Your physician can prescribe medications that can help
alleviate these symptoms such as Neurontin or Lyrica. Non-pharmacological treatments such as
massage or exercise may also be used.
Skin and Nail Changes
• You may have minor skin problems during treatment, including redness, itching, peeling,
dryness, and acne.
• Some chemotherapy drugs may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use sun block.
You may need to completely avoid direct sunlight. Wear long-sleeved cotton shirts, hats,
and pants to block the sun.
• Your nails may become darkened, brittle, or cracked, or they may develop vertical lines
or bands.
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Saliva keeps our mouths moist, fends off cavities and aids in digestion of foods. A lack
of saliva can affect your ability to chew, speak, swallow, and taste. Chemotherapy and radiation
can damage the salivary glands temporarily or even permanently. Salegen can be prescribed to
stimulate saliva production. Keep a glass of water with you at all times. Avoid mouthwashes
containing alcohol, keep your lips moisturized, and chew sugarless gum to help stimulate saliva
flow. Foods known to increase salivation are celery, carrots, citric acid, and lemons…

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