Getting acancerdiagnosis has the potential to completely upend your world.
Although starting treatment likechemotherapycan be reassuring, it can also be confusing and scary.
That means chemo can put your body through hell in the process of trying to preserve your life.
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All of that sounds terrifying, but theres no guarantee youll get all of these side effects.
With that said, chances are someone going through chemo will experiencesomesort of physical or mental reaction.
Discuss the potential of nausea and vomiting when talking about chemotherapy with your doctor.
TheMayo Clinicalso recommends drinking small amounts of fluids throughout the day and avoiding unpleasant smells, too.
Youve probably heard a lot about this chemotherapy side effect, because its a common one.
Chemo often harms cells that make up hair follicles because theyre fast-growing, much like cancer cells are.
Instead, the organization recommends taking naps of 30 or fewer minutes throughout the day.
Less activity begets more fatigue, Dr. Jacoub says.
Its a vicious cycle.
Before adding new activity into your routine, talk to your doctor to double-check its safe.
They may have other specific recommendations to combat fatigue, too.
Chemo drugs can make your bowels moveway more often, resulting indiarrhea.
Healthy cells in your mouth can grow quickly, similarly to cancer cells, theMayo Clinicsays.
This means chemotherapy might accidentally target and harm them.
Your doctor might suggest using medications called coating agents that create a film protecting the sores, theMayo Clinicsays.
This might help ward off pain youd normally feel when eating or drinking.
Plus, side effects like nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores might put you off food even more.
Your medical team can help you figure out the best way to deal with alowered appetiteor unintended weight loss.
(Heres more information on exactlyhow to stop a cut from bleeding.)
Some chemo drugs can cause something known as peripheral neuropathy.
Theres no sure way for you to prevent chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Some people put bags of ice on their hands and feet while getting certain chemo drugs.)
Chemo can damage your skin cells in a way that makes them dry, theNCInotes.
Also, side effects like fatigue can also be a major factor here.
But sometimes the actual cancer or its treatment can have a direct effect on your cognition, too.
Its essential to have regular, honest conversations with your doctor and medical team about your symptoms.
