Chemotherapy drugs may have various side effects, some of which may be quite severe. It is important to be well informed before embarking on a chemotherapy drug treatment because the side effects may have an effect on your quality of life. Radiation therapy can also have various side effects. Side effects may range from mild to severe and it depends on many factors. These factors include the type of drugs given, the general health of the individual, anemia, problems with sleeping, psychological feelings such as stress and depression, and other medical problems.

There are many medications that can be used to help deal with symptoms, some of which are over-the-counter medications, It is however very important to inform your physician before taking any over-the –counter medications because these may interfere with the chemotherapy drugs given. If the medications prescribed by your physician do not help inform him or her so he/she may prescribe others. The patient can also do a great deal to deal with the symptoms. The physician or nurse may give you a lot of tips of how to deal with the side effects.

Fatigue
This is one of the commonest symptoms of chemotherapy drugs. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Relax
• Seep adequately
• Take short naps during the day
• Eat small frequent meals rather than large less frequent meals
• Refrain from doing certain activities
• Do some light exercise
  
  

A Higher Risk of Infections
Chemotherapy drugs can have a temporal effect on your bone marrow and may so cause a reduction in the white blood cells. White blood cells fight infections and so by a drop in the count of these cells, the body will be less able to fight any infection. It is important to consult your physician promptly if you suspect an infection. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Take extra care of your hygiene
• Avoid crowded places
• Avoid cutting yourself
• Avoid animals
• Be very hygienic when preparing food
  

Nausea and Vomiting
Both nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy drugs. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Eat food that does not upset your stomach
• Eat small frequent meals instead of large less frequent meals
• Reduce the fluids you take
• Stay away from strong smells

Constipation
This side effect may be eased if you:

• Drink a lot of water
• Do some light exercise
• Eat high-fiber food
  

Diarrhea
This side effect may be eased if you:

• Eat small frequent meals rather than large less frequent meals
• Eat food high in sodium and potassium
• Drink a lot of water
• Eat low-fibred food
  

Hair Thinning/Hair Loss
Hair thinning and hair loss is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. Most people are concerned about the thinning and fall of their hair since this side effect is quite visible. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Be gentle when you wash and dry your hair
• Avoid strong shampoos
• Use a wig

Problems with Breathing, Tiredness/Weakness
These symptoms are signs of Anemia. Anemia occurs when there is a drop in the red cells in your blood. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Sleep adequately
• Take short naps during the day
• Limit your activities
• Eat a well balanced diet

Bruising/Bleeding
This is the effect of chemotherapy drugs on the bone marrow which reduces the platelets count. Platelets assist the blood to clot. If there is a reduction of these cells, the body is easily bruised and bleeding will take longer to stop. It may be dangerous if your platelets count is too low and you must inform your physician promptly about it. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Take special attention when you brush your teeth or blow your nose
• Try not to cut yourself
• Avoid brisk physical activities
  
  

Loss of Appetite/ Changes in Taste/ Loss of Taste/ Metallic Taste
Chemotherapy can cause loss of appetite and loss of taste for various reasons. It Loss of appetite can cause other problems like difficulty in sleeping, and so may increase tiredness during the day. It is however very important that you eat even if you have no appetite. If you do not eat adequately you will suffer from many other problems. Your body needs plenty of food in order to be able to fight infections and to repair tissues that have been damaged by chemotherapy. It is so very important that you eat even if you have no appetite or if the food is tasteless. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Eat small frequent meals rather than large less frequent meals.
• Take food and drinks with a high-caloric
• Limit your fluid intake during meals and instead drink between meals.
  

Other side effects depend on how you taste food. Some foods especially those high in proteins such as meat may start to have a bitter or metallic taste. Other foods, although they may not have a metallic taste, may have less taste than usual. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Apply flavored seasonings and dressings
• Use plastic utensils instead of metallic utensils