• Visit the dentist prior to the start of treatment
• Keep your mouth clean
• Eat food that is easily to chew and swallow
  

Loss of Hearing/ Ringing in the Ears/ Numbness or Tingling in Extremities
Chemotherapy drugs can cause problems to the nervous system. Nervous system problems may take several months to ease after termination of treatment. Some are however permanent. Therefore it is very important to advice your physician immediately if you suspect damage to your nervous system. If you have symptoms of loss of hearing, tingling or numbness in hand or legs or other problems such as loss of memory or trembling it may mean that chemotherapy is affecting your nervous system. It is very important that you inform your physician as soon as possible since the problems should be tackled as early as possible.

Brain Changes
These may include problems with doing calculations, loss of memory, less of drive for sexual desire, personality changes and others. It is very important to inform your physician about any changes in your brain functions that you may have since some changes may be permanent. He/she may prescribe the course of action to be taken in your circumstances.

Darker Nails
Chemotherapy can have an effect on your nails. Your nails may change color and become darker or turn to yellow. They may crack and sometimes they may even fall. Those that fall will however grow back again. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Trim your nail
• Keep your nails clean
• Use protective gloves when you do manual work
• Refrain from using cosmetics on your nails
  
  
  

Skin Rash / Skin Problems
Chemotherapy can damage the cells of your skin in various ways. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Refrain from using any perfume
• Take special attention when you wash yourself
  
  
  

Allergic Reactions
You may be allergic to the type of chemotherapy drugs given to you. An allergic reaction is the hypersensitive response of the immune system of the individual to a substance (in this case to the chemotherapy drugs). Common symptoms include flushing, itching, swelling, wheezing and trouble in breathing. If you suspect that you have any allergic reaction inform your physician immediately.
 

Drowsiness
Chemotherapy drugs may make you extremely sleepy after the administration of the drugs. This is usually a mild side effect that usually goes away on its own.

Kidney Problems
The cells of your kidneys and the bladder may be damaged by chemotherapy drugs. Frequent need to urinate, feelings of burning when urinating or after, inability to urinate, inability to control the flow of urine, blood in the urine, colored urine, urine that smells of a strong medicine odor, a high temperature and chills are all symptoms of kidney or bladder problems. The kidney may be unable to cope with the amount of drugs administered. So it is important that tests are performed before treatment is initiated to make sure that your kidneys can cope with the amount of drugs given. It is important that the patient drinks a lot of water before and after each treatment that uses chemotherapy drugs that can damage the kidneys so that any damage can be prevented as far as possible. It may also help if you limit drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea and colas. Kidney problems are either of a temporarily or of a permanent nature. Therefore it is extremely important to keep a good channel of communication with your physician about these problems.

Liver Function Changes
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause changes in the way your liver works. This is usually only of a temporarily basis and after treatment is terminated your liver will go back to normal. You will most probably not notice any symptoms but your physician will check your liver with appropriate tests.

Blurred Vision
Chemotherapy drugs can cause your eyes to water more than usual and can clog your tear drugs. You may suffer from blurry vision. These effects usually stop with the termination of the treatment.


Swelling in Parts of the Body
Chemotherapy drugs may cause swelling in some parts of the body. This swelling occurs because of the build up of fluids that occurs due to the chemotherapy drugs, hormonal changes caused by the treatment or by the mesothelioma cancer itself. Swelling can occur in various parts of your body such as your face, hands, feet, stomach, around your lungs, around your heart or in the lower part of your belly. This build up of fluids can cause coughing, shortness of breath and an irregular heart beat. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Monitor any weight changes
• Avoid salty foods
• Limit your fluid intake
  

Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the swelling of tissues such as the feet or arms. This occurs because of the damage caused to your lymph nodes. This side effect may be eased if you:

• Exercise
• Use appropriate lotions
• Avoid extreme weather
• Refrain from wearing tight clothes
  

Joint Problems
You may have a decreased ability in the movement of certain joints such as your shoulders, hips or jaw. Symptoms of joint problems may include problems in opening your mouth wide open and problems in making other movement. If this is your case inform your physician. There are physicians that can help you to improve your movement and reduce any discomforts.

Secondary Cancer
Radiation therapy may increase the chance that you develop another cancer. However this is a rare occurrence and if it is going to develop, it does so several years after radiation therapy is administered